The Love of Money

1 Timothy 6:9-10

Contentment is what God’s people are commanded to pursue and maintain. We who have a relationship with the Lord have a proper understanding of possessions. We thank God for them, but we do not set our affection upon them. We are thankful for what God has given, and we do not make our peace and joy contingent upon obtaining something we do not already have.

Here in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Paul exposes the danger of not being content. He shows the reality of those who make riches their desire. He points out the troubles which result from a materialistic mindset. It is all summarized by the phrase—the love of money.

[Read vv. 9-10]

But they that will be rich

Those who desire to become rich.

Those who are not content with what they have.

They have fallen for the lie that riches will bring happiness.

Fall into temptation and a snare

We read of this in Proverbs 1:10-19

Wisdom cries out warning people to avoid such company.

It is a trap.

Satan sets these traps and people walk into them.

A trap you cannot release yourself from.

And into many foolish and hurtful lusts

This is the opposite of Biblical wisdom.

Nothing good comes from it.

Nothing of lasting value.

It is all based on lusts—desires for things God does not want for us at the time.

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful (Mk. 4:19).

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (Gal. 5:24).

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts (Eph. 4:22).

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul (1 Pe. 2:11).

It is a battle!

These things conflict with spiritual growth.

For all that is in the world, the lusts of the flesh, and the lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (1 Jn. 2:16).

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon/treasure/riches (Matt. 6:24).

Which drown men in destruction and perdition

This type of life leads to ruin.

Destroyed relationships. Harmed fellowship.

Perdition means waste.

This is all selfishness. It is all pridefulness. Putting self above others.

Pursuing what you want rather than serving and sacrificing for others.

For the love of money is the root of all evil

We are supposed to love God and people—not things or money.

Loving money is “the root of all kinds of evil.”

Many sins are committed because of this—greed, lying, stealing, etc.

Money itself is not evil.

It can be used for the glory of God and the good of man.

While some coveted after, they have erred from the faith

Again, coveting is contrary to faith and growth.

It hinders the believer from becoming what God wants him to become.

And it can be the reason some do not come to faith in Christ.

And pierced themselves through with many sorrows

The emptiness which follows.

When you realize the lie of materialism.

It never brings true fulfillment.

Only godliness with contentment can do that.

Only a close walk with the Lord will bring that.

Let’s be careful and heed these warnings.

This is a serious matter with real consequences.