November 15 2026

Sunday, November 15

1 Timothy 6:9–10

The Dangerous Love of Money

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Have you ever noticed that some of the things people pursue most passionately in life are the very things that can eventually destroy them? Money is certainly one of those things. There is nothing inherently sinful about possessing money. In fact, money can be used to provide for our families, assist those in need, support the work of the Lord, and accomplish many wonderful things. But when money becomes the controlling desire of our hearts, it can become spiritually dangerous. That is precisely what the Apostle Paul warns us about in 1 Timothy 6:9–10.

In verse 9, Paul describes those who desire to be rich and explains that they fall into temptation, a snare, and many foolish and harmful desires. Notice that Paul does not begin by condemning those who possess wealth. He warns about those who are determined to become rich. There is an important distinction. A person may possess considerable wealth and yet have a humble, generous heart that is devoted to the Lord. On the other hand, someone with very little money can be consumed with the desire to acquire more.

The real issue is not the amount of money we possess. The issue is whether money possesses our hearts. Paul uses the word "snare" to describe the danger. A snare is a trap. And one of the characteristics of a trap is that its danger is often concealed by something attractive. An animal sees the bait but fails to recognize the danger surrounding it. In much the same way, the desire for wealth can promise happiness, security, influence, and satisfaction. But when that desire becomes the ruling passion of life, it can lead people into dishonesty, broken relationships, spiritual compromise, and even destruction. Paul says these desires can drown people in ruin and destruction. That is strong language!

And then we come to one of the most familiar and frequently misquoted verses in the Bible. In verse 10, Paul says, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Notice carefully what he does not say. He does not say that money itself is the root of all evil. He says that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. That distinction is tremendously important. Money is a tool. It can be used for good or for evil. But when the love of money controls a person's decisions, it can become the source of countless sinful actions.

Think about the tragic example of Judas Iscariot. Judas had the extraordinary privilege of walking with Jesus Christ, hearing His teaching, and witnessing His miracles. Yet Scripture reveals that Judas was dishonest with the money entrusted to him. And eventually, for thirty pieces of silver, he betrayed the Lord Jesus Christ. What a terrible illustration of how the love of money can corrupt the human heart! Paul continues by saying that some, through their greed, had strayed from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. That is another sobering thought. The pursuit of wealth can promise happiness while ultimately producing sorrow.

Now, let me emphasize something. The Bible does not teach that poverty automatically makes a person godly or that financial success necessarily makes someone ungodly. Abraham was a wealthy man. Job possessed considerable wealth. And Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man who honored the Lord Jesus Christ. The question is not simply what we have, but what we love. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21 that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. And in Matthew 6:24, He warned that we cannot serve both God and money as competing masters.

So here is a question worth asking ourselves. If the Lord were to take away some of the material things we enjoy, would our love for Him remain unchanged? Would we still trust Him, worship Him, and serve Him faithfully? That is a revealing question because it helps us identify where our real treasure is located. There is nothing wrong with working hard, saving wisely, or enjoying the blessings God provides. But we must never allow those blessings to become more important than the One who gives them.

And remember this wonderful truth. Everything we accumulate on earth is temporary. But everything we invest in the kingdom of God has eternal significance. Money makes a wonderful servant, but it makes a terrible master. May we always keep our hearts fixed upon the Lord Jesus Christ, who alone can provide the lasting satisfaction our souls desire.

Let's pray. Our gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for every material blessing You have entrusted to us. Help us never to love the gifts more than we love the Giver. Protect our hearts from greed, selfish ambition, and the temptation to place our security in earthly possessions. Give us wisdom to use our resources faithfully and generosity to share with those in need. Above all, may our greatest treasure always be our relationship with Jesus Christ. Help us to seek first Your kingdom and to live each day with eternity in view. In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen.

God bless you, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!