God’s Word instructs us in 1 Timothy 6:18-19, “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
Paul stated at the end of the previous verse (v. 17) that it is “the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy”. If God is the One who bestows all good things on us, then He also has His reason to give us those good things. Our text for today’s meditation delineates God’s intention to bestow us wealth.
Firstly, it tells us that God bestows wealth on His people for a purpose: “that they do good, that they be rich in good works”. The love of money is the parent of all wickedness. J.C. Ryle said, “Nothing I am sure has such a tendency to quench the fire of religion as the possession of money.” We must not allow our wealth to affect our spiritual and moral commitment. Money is given unto us, that we may increase in “good works”. Good works are the fulfilment of the Lord’s will concerning us. Every work of self-gain and self-glory is evil work. Always remember that your money is to help you further God’s will. We can never be used or blessed by the Lord, if we do not fully commit to giving all for His glory.
So our Scripture text tells us that we must be “ready to distribute, willing to communicate”. When we receive money, most of us immediately think of keeping or saving it, if not multiplying it. But we are instructed that it is wrong to withhold from the needy when the Lord has not withheld it from us, though it was more than sufficient for all our needs. The Scriptural exhortation is: “distributing to the necessity of saints” (Romans 12:13), and “to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). More blessings come from giving than receiving (cf. Acts 20:35). As it is commonly said by preachers, “Give according to your income, lest God make your income according to your giving!” The right mindset is: “Get all you can, save all you can, and give all you can” (John Wesley). Note this attitude of giving must be accompanied by “readiness” and “willingness”. The words “ready” and “willing” in v. 18 call us not to delay when it comes to giving to the needs of the Lord’s work or for the poor. We should give as we would receive – cheerfully, quickly and without hesitation.
If we give generously as God’s Word teaches us, we are assured in v. 19 that we will be “laying up in store for [ourselves] a good foundation against the time to come, that [we] may lay hold on eternal life”. Generosity is a good foundation for the rest of our time in this world and even eternity. Our Lord Jesus’ teachings corroborated this truth. He said in Matthew 6:19-20, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal”. Jesus also taught us that He will reward us – “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42).
That is biblical investing of our lives and resources according to what the LORD has commanded – which is “investment with sure returns”!
Dear Pastor, greetings to you in our Lord’s most blessed Name! Praise God for His sustaining grace upon us in the ministry of the Gospel. Glad to hear of the good report on the recent Malayalam Fellowship Retreat in Vizag through the report of Dn. Benny. Praise God for sustaining you in the many opportunities to teach and preach God’s Word among His people, and to fellowship among the brethren there in Vizag.
We praise and thank God for His grace as we carry on in the work of the Gospel.
(1) Thank God for the ongoing studies in GBI-Cebu’s second semester. Praise God for the KJV Reference Bibles received from Mr. Yong (Pr. Joshua Yong’s father) that he sent for our students. He did mention to me his burden to send Bibles for our GBI students during the combined retreat here last December.
(2) Thank God for the new resident in TGCM-Cebu. He was introduced to us by a Baptist pastor, who originally wanted to bring his younger brother into the programme. However, his brother was unwilling; he ended up bringing to us one of their worshippers. Praise God nonetheless!
(3) As for the church, we thank God for the recent combined fellowship meeting we had last Sunday afternoon. It was held at TGCM premises. It was the first time for most of the brethren to visit TGCM after it underwent renovation last year. So, we take time to praise God and dedicate the premises to the Lord in thanksgiving. Thank God also for a good number of brethren who came for the meeting, and for the blessed time of learning God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship among us.
(4) Also, I thank the Lord for sustaining our children’s outreach in the home of our Sis. Ophelia. By God’s grace, it’s been more than a year since we started reaching out to the children in the neighbourhood. It was originally held every Thursday afternoon, but was moved to Saturday afternoon, starting January this year. Bro. Johnny Rey and I take turns teaching the children, while Sis. Carol would prepare some activities for them.
In another update, I would like to inform you that Bethel BPC has invited me to minister among the youths in their YPG Camp, which will be held 7th-11th July this year. Praise God for this opportunity to visit the church and minister to our brethren there.
Lastly, we are praying for the upcoming Missionary Conference in June. The Lord will provide! Once again, thank you, Pastor, for all your prayers and support for us. Please convey our greetings to all our brethren there.