Biblical stewardship begins with recognizing that all our time, talents, and financial resources belong to God, who placed us here to manage and care for His world. Viewing wealth as "my money" leads to anxiety, pride, and spiritual isolation, whereas generous giving resets our perspective and frees us from the control of material goods.

As 1 Timothy 6:17-19 teaches, God does not condemn wealth, but commands us to put our hope in Him, practice good works, and live out the truth that we are blessed to be a blessing.

Message Notes

“Blessed to Be a Blessing”
Mount of Olives | October 18, 2026 | 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Pastor John Steward

Scripture Reading
1 Timothy 6:17-19
As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.

Message Notes
Genesis 2:15
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.

1 Peter 4:10
Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.

1 Timothy 6:17-19
As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.

Study Questions – Read 1 Timothy 6:11-19
ICEBREAKER – Getting started:

1. What is something you have received or experienced that was such a blessing that you naturally wanted to share it with someone else?
2. Who has been a blessing to you at an important time in your life, and what did they do?
3. When you hear the phrase “blessed to be a blessing,” what does that mean to you?

Based on 1 Timothy 6:11-19, answer the following questions:

OBSERVATION – What does the text say?

1. As you read 1 Timothy 6:11-19, what comes to mind? What stands out? What is interesting to you and why?
2. In one sentence, how would you summarize this text?
3. What lesson or message do you think the author is trying to convey?

INTERPRETATION – What does the text mean?

1. In verses 11–12, Paul tells Timothy to “flee” certain things and “pursue” other things. What is Timothy told to flee, and what is he told to pursue?
2. Why do you think following Jesus involves both letting go of certain things and actively pursuing godly qualities?
3. Verse 12 says, “Fight the good fight of the faith.” What does this suggest about the Christian life?
4. In verses 13–16, what does Paul remind Timothy about God and Jesus? How might remembering who God is affect the way we live?
5. In verse 17, what warning does Paul give to those who are rich or have material possessions?
6. What is the difference between having wealth and putting our hope in wealth?
7. According to verse 17, what does God richly provide for us? How does this challenge the idea that enjoying God's blessings is automatically wrong?
8. Verse 18 tells believers to be “rich in good works,” generous, and willing to share. What does it mean to be rich in something other than money?
9. How do verses 18–19 connect our generosity in this life with “the life that is truly life”?
10. Looking at the entire passage, how does Paul move the focus from what we have to what we do with what God has given us?

APPLICATION – How can you apply the text?

1. What has God blessed you with—time, money, abilities, relationships, opportunities, experiences, or spiritual gifts—that you could intentionally use to bless someone else?
2. Is there an area of your life where you are tempted to hold on to God's blessings for yourself rather than use them to bless others? What might it look like to become more generous in that area?
3. This week, who is one person you could intentionally bless, and what specific thing could you do for them?