What is Truly Life? 1 Timothy 4-6

 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (ESV)

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

The word “they” in the above text is referring to the rich.  To understand Paul’s teaching to young Timothy, we have to read some of the previous verses to catch the context:

1 Timothy 6:6-10 (ESV)

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

The immediate verse before the text we are considering is directly about the rich in this world:

1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV)

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Paul is telling us that there is something far more deeper than riches but nothing more dangerous.   We are, in this life, titillated by riches.  We are enticed to pursue them and we are encouraged to parade them.   Solomon told us this about the wealthy:

Proverbs 19:4 (ESV)

Wealth brings many new friends,

but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

What Paul is telling Timothy was that in his life and in his teaching to warn those who get caught up in this mirage of materialism.   He is to remind them about the contentment and abundance found in a relationship with God.   Timothy’s ministry was in Ephesus.  This was a Greek city known for its pleasures and abundance.   Those coming to Christ would have to live a different life in front of sea of debauchery and decadence.   Paul wants the church to purse godliness.  Paul even warns Timothy to make sure the members of the sure don’t but the health of their bodies before the pursuit of godliness:

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV)

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

The priority of the believer is faith in Christ and good works toward mankind, through obedience.   We are not to pursue our financial gain.  We are to store of good works toward mankind that are done in faith toward Christ in order to take hold of what is “truly” life.