“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches”­– 1 Timothy 6:17.

Take a very good look at the verse above.  As you do, let your mind focus upon the words “set” and “hopes,” and also the phrase “the uncertainty of riches.”

This language, as you can recognize, is employed in the context of a prohibition delivered by the Apostle Paul to Timothy, who is then to command his wealthy Christian brethren never to locate their “hopes” upon earthly treasures.

Any worthy examination of this command necessitates that we carefully define the terms employed by Paul.  Four are most critical: “set,” “hopes,” “uncertainty,” and “riches.”  As we probe this passage on Sunday, we will be very deliberate in gaining an understanding of Paul’s language since it involves something that we, who are rich by most worldly standards, are never to do.

As you consider the personal implications of this verse, take a moment to ponder the possibility that you may have misplaced your “hopes.” And, even more, that due to this you are experiencing the unpleasant after-effects of such a move.

This Lord’s Day we will consider the meaning and the wide-ranging implications of this warning about where we rest our “hopes.”