If you were told that next Sunday’s sermon was going to be about money and giving, which word first comes to mind?
Guilt. Awkward. Manipulative. Shortfall. Or perhaps ‘avoid’, as you think of a way to take this week off?
How do you think your church leader would be feeling about it?
Command, not suggest
There’s a word in Paul’s pastoral advice to Timothy that I’m not sure many modern church leaders would say we’re generally comfortable with:
‘Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain’ (1 Timothy 6:17)
Bear in mind that of course we’re all included in the ‘rich’ here? My mission travels have shown me so often that in world terms, if we live in the UK we’ve already won the lottery. Even so, as a church leader I might be tempted to just politely ‘suggest’ a course of action here, or skim that strong word. But then in the next verse Paul uses it again!
‘Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share.’ (1 Timothy 6:18)
Wow! Harsh?! Let’s see.
The Greek word parangellō which is translated ‘command’ here isn’t bullying or domineering but means to deliver or announce a clear instruction or charge, for someone’s good. Paul isn’t saying be aggressive, but rather not to be vague when passing on what God says about money.
What then is to be ‘commanded’ for the good of the hearers?
First – a shift of hope
“Don’t put your confidence in wealth. Put it in God.”
Realise and remember everything will go and so will we.
Second – a new way to be rich
“Rich in good deeds, generous…”
Paul’s concern is not to meet budgets but to change hearts. Money does that, for better or worse.
Finance – a discipleship issue
Stewardship of finances is a vital part of discipleship, and not just in the whole of this chapter but all through scripture.
When taking part in the launch of Stewardship’s Generosity Report earlier this year, one insight that really struck me is how open people – especially Gen Z – are to being encouraged and instructed like this because they want to live and give in a way that matters.
I wish someone had told me more about what the Bible says when I was younger! I have a ton of regrets about money I’ve blown over the years but nobody will ever regret a penny they gave back to God.
When church leaders talk about generosity, it’s a loving thing to do because they’re helping people invest in what will outlast them.
Money conversations might be awkward, but faithful church leaders will nonetheless obey the call to ‘command’ their congregations to take the real long-term view, rather than apologising for it. In heaven, no one will ever regret a penny they invested in that mothproof, rustproof, eternal account.
How do Christians like to give?
The Stewardship Giving Report is a deep dive into the giving habits of UK Christians. Download the report to discover the personas, habits and motivations of Christian generosity - and what holds people back.
Anthony Delaney
Anthony leads Ivy Church in Manchester, shaping it as a multiplying, mission-focused movement. A former police officer turned pastor, he founded initiatives like LAUNCH to equip leaders for growth. Anthony is also an author and speaker, sharing leadership insights through books, blogs, and podcasts.
