“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil… Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…”
— 1 Timothy 6:9–10, 12

1. The Man Who Does Nothing

Some men simply give up.
They let the world carry them.
They become dependent—on the state, on others, on anyone but God.

This man dies broke and broken—not just financially, but spiritually.
He never embraced his calling to lead, to work, or to serve.
He lived poorly because he never lived with purpose.

2. The Man Who Lives for Himself

Then there’s the man who works hard—not for God, but for comfort.
He lives for ease, achievement, and success in this life.
He may accumulate much, but in the end, it all burns.

Why?
Because he lived for this world—not the next.
He pursued wealth, not wisdom. He followed profit, not purpose.
And Jesus says plainly: “You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)

This man may be honored on earth. But unless he repents, he will be forgotten in heaven.

3. The Man Who Lives Like Jesus

The third man chooses the narrow path.
He fights his flesh. He rejects the world’s applause.
He spends his life, his time, his money, and his energy to accomplish God’s will.

He may not have much when he dies—but that’s because he already gave it all to God.

This man will be welcomed into eternity with the words every Christian man longs to hear:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

He didn’t live for retirement. He lived for resurrection.
He didn’t chase pleasure. He chased purpose.
He fought the good fight. He took hold of eternal life.

Which Man Are You Becoming?

1 Timothy 6 isn’t anti-money.
It’s anti-idolatry.
It’s a warning that what you pursue reveals who you serve.

Christian man—what’s driving your ambition?
What reward are you seeking: comfort now, or kingdom impact forever?

🔧 Application: Choose Eternal Reward Over Temporary Gain

Here are 4 practical ways to shift your life toward eternal significance:

1. Audit your ambitions.

   • Ask yourself this week: What am I working for? Who am I really serving?

   • Write it down. Pray through it.

2. Reprioritize your budget.

   • Invest in God’s work, not just your comfort.

   • Give generously, regularly, and joyfully (2 Corinthians 9:6–7).

3. Build your life around your calling, not your career.

   • Use your job to fund your mission—not as your identity.

   • Find ways to integrate ministry into your work week.

4. Train like a warrior, not a wanderer.

   • Commit to a Bible reading plan.

   • Join a men’s discipleship group.

   • Lead your home like it matters—because it does.

“Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” (1 Timothy 6:12)
Your fight is real. Your reward is forever.