100 S.M.A.R.T. Financial Goals

S.M.A.R.T. goals are a framework for setting clear, achievable objectives. The acronym stands for:

Specific – Clearly define the goal. Avoid vague or broad objectives.

Measurable – Establish criteria to track progress and determine when the goal is achieved.

Achievable – Set a goal that is realistic given available resources and constraints.

Relevant – Ensure the goal aligns with broader objectives and values.

Time-bound – Set a deadline to create urgency and accountability.

(S.M.A.R.T. goals were first introduced by George T. Doran in a 1981 article titled "There's a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives." Doran was a consultant and former Director of Corporate Planning for Washington Water Power Company. His original framework was designed to help businesses create effective goals, but over time, it has been widely adopted in personal development, education, and various industries.)

S.M.A.R.T. goals help people avoid the common pitfalls of “good, old-fashioned” goal-setting—like vagueness, lack of accountability, and unrealistic expectations. 

Sometimes it is hard to know where to start with our goals. So here is a list of 100 SMART financial goals. 

Giving & Generosity

1. Tithe 10% of my gross income every month for the next year.

2. Increase my giving to 12% of my income within the next 12 months.

3. Give generously to a ministry my church supports.

4. Set aside $50 per month to help someone in need in my church.

5. Pay for a young family's meal in the next two months. 

6. Provide an anonymous financial blessing of $200 to a struggling family within the next 6 months.

7. Increase my church offering by $50 per month starting next quarter.

8. Support a seminary student with a $1000 gift by the end of this year.

9. Pay for a single mom’s groceries one time in the next 3 months.

10. Contribute $1000 to a church building fund within the next year.

Debt Reduction & Financial Freedom

11. Pay off my smallest debt ($XXX) in the next 3 months.

12. Pay off all my credit card debt within the next 12 months.

13. Reduce my student loan balance by 25% within the next 2 years.

14. Pay off my mortgage 10 years early by increasing principal payments by $200/month.

15. Pay off my car loan within the next 18 months.

16. Eliminate all consumer debt within the next 3 years.

17. Avoid taking on any new debt for the next 5 years.

18. Stop using credit cards immediately.

19. Save $5000 for a debt-free family vacation by next summer.

20. Complete Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University within 6 months.

Savings & Emergency Fund

21. Save $1000 for a starter emergency fund within 3 months.

22. Build a 6-month emergency fund ($XX,XXX) within the next 18 months.

23. Save $5000 for a major home repair by next year.

24. Set up a dedicated savings account for unexpected giving opportunities within 2 months.

25. Save $200 per month toward a future vehicle purchase in cash.

26. Increase my emergency fund savings rate by 20% starting next month.

27. Open a high-yield savings account within the next 30 days.

28. Have at least $10,000 in liquid savings within 5 years.

29. Save for 3 months of living expenses before making a major career transition.

30. Starting now, save $50 per paycheck for Christmas gifts to avoid holiday debt.

Investing & Wealth Building

31. Contribute $500 per month to my retirement account for the next year.

32. Increase my 401(k) contributions to 15% of my income within 6 months.

33. Open a Roth IRA and contribute $7000 by the end of this year.

34. Max out my Roth IRA every year starting this year.

35. Open an investment account and deposit $1000 within 3 months.

36. Save for a rental property down payment within the next 5 years.

37. Read a book on investing in the next 2 months.

38. Consult a faith-based financial advisor within the next 6 months.

39. Invest $50 per month in my child’s education fund.

40. Increase my net worth by $50,000 over the next 5 years.

Income Growth & Career Advancement

41. Negotiate a raise or promotion within the next 12 months.

42. Start a side business that generates $500/month within a year.

43. Complete a certification to improve my job skills within 6 months.

44. Earn an additional $5000 in income through freelance work within a year.

45. Invest in a course or conference that enhances my career within 6 months.

46. Create a passive income stream that earns $200/month within 3 years.

47. Ask my employer about a retirement plan match and contribute accordingly.

48. Monetize a hobby to generate $1000 in extra income this year.

49. Sell unused household items and save $500 from the proceeds.

50. Start a business that aligns with biblical values within 3 years.

Stewardship & Financial Discipline

51. Create a monthly budget and stick to it for 6 consecutive months.

52. Track every dollar I spend for 90 days to identify wasteful spending.

53. Use cash envelopes for discretionary spending for the next 3 months.

54. Reduce unnecessary subscriptions and save $500 annually.

55. Review my insurance policies and adjust coverage if necessary within 3 months.

56. Set financial goals for the next 5 years and write them down.

57. Teach my children about biblical money principles within 6 months. Use this. This. Or this.

58. Have a weekly budget meeting with my spouse for the next 12 months.

59. Read one personal finance book every quarter for a year. Start with this one.

60. Establish a habit of financial accountability with a trusted friend.

Children & Family Finances

61. Start a college savings account for my child within 3 months.

62. Teach my child how to manage money by setting up a simple budget.

63. Help my teen open a checking account and teach them to balance it.

64. Pay cash for my child’s extracurricular activities for the next year.

65. Teach my children about giving by having them donate 10% of their earnings.

66. Save $500 for each child’s future expenses by next year.

67. Find out the lump-sum amount or monthly amount needed to help my child become a millionaire.

68. Open a custodial investment account for my child within 6 months.

69. Set up a family meeting to discuss financial stewardship.

70. Help my child earn their first $100 through work instead of an allowance.

Homeownership & Major Purchases

71. Save $20,000 for a home down payment within 3 years.

72. Pay off my home early by making extra principal payments every month.

73. Save for and pay cash for all home improvements.

74. Avoid financing furniture or appliances for the next 5 years.

75. Save $10,000 for a vehicle purchase within 2 years.

76. Pay cash for my next vehicle instead of financing.

77. Research home refinancing options to save on interest.

78. Build a home maintenance fund of $2000 within the next year.

79. Invest in energy-efficient home upgrades with a payback period under 5 years.

80. Set a savings goal for a future vacation home or property.

Long-Term Legacy & Estate Planning

81. Write a will within the next 6 months.

82. Set up a trust for my children’s inheritance within 2 years.

83. Purchase life insurance that provides for my family’s needs.

84. Designate charitable giving in my estate plan.

85. Meet with an estate planning attorney within 12 months.

86. Teach my children about responsible wealth management.

87. Create a plan to transfer business assets biblically.

88. Assign financial power of attorney to a trusted person.

89. Leave a written financial testimony for my family.

90. Set up automatic giving to my church upon my death by listing the church as a beneficiary.

Faith & Contentment Goals

91. Pray over every financial decision for 30 days before making a major purchase.

92. Read one book on biblical stewardship this year. Try this one.

93. Memorize 10 Bible verses about money and stewardship (Proverbs 3:9-10, Proverbs 22:7, Malachi 3:10, Matthew 6:19-21, Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 16:10-11, 1 Corinthians 4:2, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Hebrews 13:5)

94. Host a Bible study on financial stewardship.

95. Declutter and give away items I no longer use.

96. Fast from non-essential spending for 30 days.

97. Replace “I need” with “God provides” in financial conversations.

98. Keep a gratitude journal for financial blessings.

99. Take a survey to see where you stand on your finances. Try this one.

100. Trust God’s provision and avoid anxiety about money.

Create a Spending Plan (Budget) for your Finances

Managing finances wisely is a matter of stewardship, not just numbers. Proverbs 21:5 reminds us, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." For Christians, spending plans should reflect God-honoring priorities:

1. Give to God First – Proverbs 3:9-10 says, "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." Our first priority should always be faithful giving to God through tithes and offerings.

2. Save for Future Goals – Proverbs 6:6-8 highlights the wisdom of the ant in preparing for the future. Setting aside funds for future needs, emergencies, and long-term goals reflects prudent stewardship.

3. Plan Expenses Wisely – Luke 14:28 reminds us of the importance of planning ahead: "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" Thoughtful spending ensures we are not reckless with the resources God has entrusted to us.

Types of Spending Plans

There are several ways to structure a financial stewardship spending plan, each with its own benefits. Choosing the right one depends on your financial situation, discipline, and personal preferences.

1. Zero-Based Spending Plan

A zero-based spending plan assigns every dollar to a specific purpose so that your income minus all expenses (including giving and saving) equals zero. This method ensures intentional spending and eliminates waste.

Example: If your household income is $4,000 per month, every dollar is designated for a purpose: $400 for tithing, $600 for savings, $3,000 for living expenses. Every cent is accounted for, reducing unnecessary spending.

2. The Envelope System

This method involves physically or digitally allocating money into specific categories. Once an envelope is empty, spending in that category stops until the next budgeting cycle.

Example: If you allocate $500 for groceries, you only spend what’s in the grocery envelope. This method is excellent for those who struggle with overspending.

3. The 10-15-75 Plan

This simplified approach divides income into three broad categories:

• 10% for Giving (Malachi 3:10: "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse.")

• 15% for Savings (Proverbs 13:11: "Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.")

• 75% for Expenses

This method is straightforward and easy to follow for beginners.

Choosing the Right Plan for You

No single spending plan fits all households, but the key is intentional stewardship. The best plan is the one that helps you be a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to you.

To assist with choosing the right budget method for your household, below is a chart of the various budgeting apps available:

1) EveryDollar by Ramsey Solutions

Pay $0.00 today with your 14-day FREE trial to EveryDollar Premium (new users only). EveryDollar Premium subscriptions are $17.99/month or $79.99/year after your free trial ends. 

2) FaithFi 

FaithFi has a free app version that allows you to manually track expenses. If you want to connect your bank accounts and have automatic expense tracking, the premium subscriptions are $75/annually or $8.99/monthly. There is a 14-day free trial. 

3) Rocket Money

Rocket Money has a free version of their app. Their optional Premium Membership provides enhanced features at a price that suits you. These prices can vary at times and across platforms, but in general, members can choose monthly prices between $6-$12 per month. As a new Premium member, you'll receive a 7-day free trial to explore the additional features.

4) You Need a Budget

YNAB is not free. There is a 34 day free trial. After that, the cost is $109/annually or $14.99/month.

5) Quickbooks by Intuit -- the most advanced app designed more for business than for personal finance. The value of Quickbooks is that it links to TurboTax and allows seamless bill pay. You can also print monthly and annual reports. It is a bit pricey. 

By prioritizing giving, saving, and planned spending, we honor God with our finances. Stewardship is a spiritual discipline, and as we manage our resources wisely, we reflect our trust in the Lord’s provision. 

What are your 7 money numbers?

God calls Christians to be good stewards of the resources he has provided. Managing personal finances is not just about achieving financial success but also about honoring God through our decisions. The Bible speaks to the importance of wise financial management and stewardship in many places.

Not everybody enjoys personal finance, which is why I boiled it down to just seven numbers. These seven numbers can help you gauge your financial health, stability, and future. 

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1) Annual Income

Your annual income is the total amount of money you earn in a year. This includes wages, business profits, freelance income, rental income, and any other sources of revenue. As Christians, it’s important to acknowledge that our income comes from God and that we should honor Him in how we use it.

Practical Example:

• Job Salary: $50,000

• Freelance Income: $10,000

• Rental Income: $12,000

Total Annual Income: $50,000 + $10,000 + $12,000 = $72,000

Scripture Reference:
"But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth." — Deuteronomy 8:18

God is the ultimate source of all provision. Recognizing this truth helps us stay humble and grateful, ensuring that we acknowledge Him as the giver of every good thing.

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2) Annual Expenses

Annual expenses are the total amount of money you spend in a year. This includes everything from your mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries, insurance, tithes and offerings, taxes, and any other necessary costs. As Christians, it’s important to manage these expenses carefully, honoring God with how we allocate our resources.

Practical Example:

• Mortgage Payment: $18,000

• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): $3,000

• Groceries: $5,000

• Insurance (health, car, home): $4,000

• Tithes and Offerings (10% of income): $7,200

• Taxes: $10,000

Total Annual Expenses: $18,000 + $3,000 + $5,000 + $4,000 + $7,200 + $10,000 = $47,200

How to Find Your Annual Expenses:

To estimate your annual expenses, a simple method is to download the three most recent months of your bank statements. Once you have the three months of data, calculate the average monthly spending for each category (mortgage, utilities, groceries, etc.). Multiply each monthly total by 12 to get an annual estimate.

Scripture Reference:

"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." — Proverbs 21:5

Good planning is part of being a wise steward, and keeping track of your expenses is a key component in ensuring that you live within your means.

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3) The Net Difference Between Annual Income and Annual Expenses

The net difference represents the gap between your income and expenses. If you have a surplus (income exceeds expenses), you have more money to save, invest, or give. If you have a deficit (expenses exceed income), you may need to make adjustments. To calculate your net difference, fill out the personal finance worksheet here. 

Practical Example:

• Annual Income: $72,000

• Annual Expenses: $47,200

Net Difference (Surplus): $72,000 - $47,200 = $24,800

Scripture Reference:

"Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling,
    but a foolish man devours it." — Proverbs 21:20

When you have a surplus, it is an opportunity to be generous and invest wisely. A deficit may be a call to re-evaluate your spending and adjust your priorities to ensure financial health and faithfulness.

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4) What You Own (Assets)

Assets are anything of value that you own. These could include your home, savings, investments, or any other possessions that have financial value. Christians are called to be wise stewards of their assets, using them to honor God and serve others.

Practical Example:

• Home: $200,000

• Retirement Accounts (401(k), IRA): $50,000

• Cash Savings: $10,000

• Investment Portfolio (stocks, bonds): $15,000

Total Assets: $200,000 + $50,000 + $10,000 + $15,000 = $275,000

Scripture Reference:

"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." — Psalm 24:1

Everything we own ultimately belongs to God, and we are entrusted with it to manage wisely. Acknowledging this helps us use our assets in a way that honors Him.

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5) What You Owe (Liabilities)

Liabilities are your debts—anything you owe to others. These could include mortgages, student loans, credit card debt, or car loans. As Christians, we are encouraged to live debt-free and avoid being enslaved to debt (Proverbs 22:7). However, we recognize that sometimes debt is necessary, and managing it well is a part of good stewardship.

Practical Example:

• Mortgage: $150,000

• Car Loan: $10,000

• Credit Card Debt: $5,000

Total Liabilities: $150,000 + $10,000 + $5,000 = $165,000

Scripture Reference:

"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." — Proverbs 22:7

Debt can limit your ability to be generous and steward well. While not inherently sinful, managing debt responsibly and working to eliminate it should be a priority.

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6) Net Worth

Net worth is the difference between what you own (assets) and what you owe (liabilities). It gives you a snapshot of your overall financial health and progress toward financial freedom. Christians should view their net worth as a tool for stewardship, not as an idol to be worshiped. To calculate your net worth, use this online calculator.

Practical Example:

• Total Assets: $275,000

• Total Liabilities: $165,000

Net Worth: $275,000 - $165,000 = $110,000

Scripture Reference:

"A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous." — Proverbs 13:22

Your net worth reflects your financial foundation. It can be used to support your family, serve others, and build a legacy for future generations.

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7) The Maximized Stewardship Number

The maximized stewardship number represents the amount of savings and investments you need to accumulate in order to no longer rely on a paycheck. Some refer to this number as their "retirement number." The question, "How much do I need to retire?" is an important question to ask. However, the Bible no where talks about retirement as the destiny for working Christians. So, instead of retirement, the Maximized Stewardship Number reflects your ability to maximize your finances throughout your life, ensuring that you are equipped to support your family, give generously, and serve others when it comes to the latter part of life. This number is easily found by multiplying the most recent year of expenses by 25. 

Practical Example:

• Annual Expenses: $47,200

• Maximized Stewardship Number (25x rule): $47,200 x 25 = $1,180,000

Key Financial Rules of Thumb:

• The 4% Rule: The 4% rule suggests that you can safely withdraw 4% of your savings each year, ensuring that your funds last indefinitely. This rule is based on the assumption that your money will be invested in a diversified portfolio, and the growth will help sustain your withdrawals over time.

  Example: If you have $1,180,000 saved, withdrawing 4% each year would give you an annual income of $47,200, which matches your annual expenses.

• The 25x Rule: This rule suggests that you need 25 times your annual expenses saved in order to withdraw 4% of it each year without running out of money. It’s a guideline to help you think about how much wealth you need to be able to maximize your stewardship of time, money, and resources.

  Example: With $1,180,000 saved, you can withdraw 4% per year to support both your needs and your generosity.

Scripture Reference:

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things." — Matthew 25:21

Maximizing your stewardship ensures that you can be faithful in all things, supporting your family, living generously, and advancing God’s Kingdom.

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Conclusion: Faithful Stewardship for God's Glory

By understanding these seven numbers, you can better align your finances with biblical principles of stewardship, generosity, and wise planning. Regularly reviewing your income, expenses, assets, liabilities, net worth, and maximized stewardship number will help you make informed decisions, honor God with your wealth, and prepare for a future where you can serve Him without financial worry.

What happens to Christians when they read Leviticus

This past Spring, I taught a seminar at Sheridan Hills Baptist Church called "The Leviticus Effect." I argued that the 'Leviticus Effect' should happen to Christians when they read the book of Leviticus. So, what is "the Leviticus Effect?" The Leviticus Effect is the transformative spiritual phenomenon that occurs when Christians read the book of Leviticus as God intended. It consists of two corollaries: (1) A deepened awareness of God’s holiness leads to a heightened recognition of one’s own unholiness (cf. Isaiah 6:1–8), and (2) this recognition of personal unholiness intensifies the desire to be like God in holiness (Hebrews 10:19–22). 

For Christians, Christ's atoning sacrifice opens a new and living way to experience God's holiness in their lives. I define holiness as an active and confident drawing near to God with a purified heart, body, and conscience based on Hebrews 10:19–22. Some Christians believe that holiness is an end in itself. But it is not an end in and of itself, it is a means to become more like God, who is the end (the eternal goal) of the Christian. 

Over 9 weeks, I taught the following seminar outline (links to the notes are provided for each week): 

1) Personal Holiness and Our God-Given Senses

    A) What is the Leviticus Effect?

    B) What we Touch

    C) What we Taste/Smell

    D) What we See

    E) What we Hear

2) Personal Holiness and Our God-Given Relationships

    A) Our Relationship to God

    B) Our Relationship to Others

    C) Our Relationship to the Sojourners and Strangers

    D) Our Relationship to the Self

9 Resources on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

God's design for marriage is good: one man, one woman, one lifetime.   Divorce and remarriage, however, are a reality for many people in the United States. There are several factors contributing to divorce and remarriage, like no-fault divorce, infidelity, "irreconcilable differences," and financial instability. So what should Christians think about marriage? 

1) What God Thinks About Marriage

Marriage is a sacred institution established by God from the very beginning. In Genesis 2:24, God declares, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This verse sets the foundation for biblical marriage—one man and one woman united in a lifelong covenant.

Throughout Scripture, marriage is portrayed as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:25-32). Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, and wives are encouraged to respect their husbands. Marriage is not just a human contract; it is a divine covenant designed for companionship, mutual support, and the raising of godly children (Malachi 2:15).

Despite the cultural shifts and challenges, the biblical view of marriage remains unchanged. God desires for marriages to be built on love, commitment, and faithfulness, providing a stable foundation for families and society as a whole.

2) The Current Trends of Marriage in the United States Based on Data

Marriage in the United States has seen significant shifts in recent decades. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Pew Research Center:

• The marriage rate has declined over the years. In 1970, around 70% of U.S. adults were married; by 2023, that number had dropped to approximately 50%.

• The average age for first-time marriages has increased. In 1950, the median age for marriage was 23 for men and 20 for women. Today, it is around 30 for men and 28 for women.

• Divorce rates, though historically high, have slightly declined since their peak in the 1980s. However, nearly 40-50% of marriages still end in divorce.

• Cohabitation has risen dramatically, with many couples choosing to live together before marriage or in place of marriage altogether.

• Fewer young adults see marriage as a necessary step in life, with many prioritizing careers, financial stability, or personal fulfillment first.

While these trends highlight cultural changes, they also present challenges to the biblical model of marriage. Christians are called to uphold God’s design for marriage, despite shifting societal norms.

3) 9 Resources to Help with Marriages

For Christians seeking to strengthen their marriages, many resources are available to provide biblical guidance, counseling, and encouragement:

• The Bible – Studying Scripture together as a couple can help reinforce God’s plan for marriage.

• In particular, spouses should study books like Song of Songs together, since learning about God's love for his people is the most inspiring way to grow in your love for your spouse. 
• Additionally, passages like Ephesians 5:21–31 and Revelation 21–22 can help inspire faithful love between a husband and wife. 

• Important Articles:

• Andy Naselli: "What the New Testament Teaches About Divorce and Remarriage"
• Grace Community Church: "Divorce and Remarriage"
  
• John Piper: "Divorce and Remarriage: A Position Paper"
• Westminster Confession of 1646: "Of Marriage and Divorce"
• Baptist Confession of 1689: "Of Marriage"

• Focus on the Family Resources – Focus on the family is one of the best resources for marriages. The ministry is equipped with articles, books, and podcasts on marriage. They also host several different types of events. 

• Marriage Conferences & Retreats – Events like Weekend to Remember (by FamilyLife) 

• Books & Podcasts – Resources such as The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller and Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. 

Conclusion

Marriage, as designed by God, is a lifelong covenant meant to reflect His love and faithfulness. While societal trends show a decline in marriage rates and changing attitudes, Christians are called to uphold and invest in godly marriages. With the right resources and a commitment to biblical principles, couples can build strong, lasting marriages that honor God and bless future generations.

Whether you are newly married, facing struggles, or simply seeking to enrich your relationship, God’s plan for marriage remains a source of hope, strength, and joy. Investing in your marriage is not just a personal benefit but a testimony to God’s enduring love.

Bible Phrasing: 1 Timothy 6:20-21

In the final two verses of the letter, Paul gives Timothy two final instructions: Guard and Avoid

1) Guard the truth of the faith

Paul appeals to Timothy one last time, beginning with the Greek interjection (ὦ). Paul's spirited appeal includes Timothy's name, meaning that, for Paul, this appeal is intensely personal and urgent. 

Paul instructs Timothy to guard the deposit entrusted to him. Paul's final statement summarizes the command he initiated back in the first chapter of the letter. The following verses are connected with key terms:

1 Timothy 6:20 --> 1 Timothy 1:18 --> 1 Timothy 1:5 --> 1 Timothy 1:3–5

In 1 Timothy 6:20, Paul makes one final reference to the "deposit entrusted." παραθήκη (the deposit entrusted) is a noun whose verbal cognate (παρατίθημι) appears in 1 Timothy 1:18. 

In 1 Timothy 1:18, Paul writes:

 

Ταύτην τὴν παραγγελίαν παρατίθεμαί σοι, τέκνον Τιμόθεε, κατὰ τὰς προαγούσας ἐπὶ σὲ προφητείας, ἵνα στρατεύῃ ἐν αὐταῖς τὴν καλὴν στρατείαν, 

This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight,

The demonstrative Ταύτην τὴν παραγγελίαν  ('this command') refers back to 1:5 and becomes the "content" of the deposit Paul entrusted to Timothy. So what is the command? 

In 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul describes the motivation underlying the command entrusted to Timothy. He writes: 

τὸ δὲ τέλος τῆς παραγγελίας ἐστὶν ἀγάπη ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας καὶ συνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς καὶ πίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου,

Paul's command to Timothy is motivated by love, a pure conscience, and a sincere faith. So what is the command? 

The command Paul entrusts to Timothy is found in 1 Timothy 1:3–5: 

As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, 

So the sequence moving from the beginning to the end of the letter is as follows:

Command (1:3–4) --> Motivation for the command (1:5) -->  Entrusting the command (1:18) --> Final hand off of the deposit (6:20)

To recap, in 1 Timothy 6:20, Paul aims to remind Timothy of the important task he has before him: a task that includes instructing certain people not to teach errant doctrine and upholding the "entrusted deposit," or sound doctrine and commands that Paul establishes throughout the letter. 

If Timothy is going to guard the deposit entrusted to him, he is going to need to avoid false "knowledge." 

2) Avoid the knowledge that destroys the faith

The second appeal Paul makes to Timothy is to avoid "knowledge." Presumably, this "knowledge" contains irreverent babble and contradictions, so it is really no true knowledge at all. The reason Timothy should avoid this so-called "knowledge" is given in verse 21: for by professing it, some have swerved from the faith. 

Although γνώσεως occurs only in 6:20 in 1 Timothy, and broadly, the Pastoral Epistles, it does not minimize the important task that Timothy has to combat errant doctrine. 

Two more terms appear here at the end of the letter that appear at the beginning and at other parts of the letter. 

First, the participle ἐκτρεπόμενος in 6:20 occurs as an aorist in 1:6:

ὧν τινες ἀστοχήσαντες ἐξετράπησαν εἰς ματαιολογίαν

In 1:6, Paul highlights the observable fact that when people stray from apostolic instruction, they miss the mark (ἀστοχήσαντες) having turned aside (ἐξετράπησαν) to meaningless discourse (ματαιολογίαν). 

Interestingly, the second term that 6:20 and 1:6 share is ἀστοχέω. In 6:20 it appears as an indicative verb (ἠστόχησαν), whereas, it appears as participle (ἀστοχήσαντες) 1:6. 

Here are the two verses side-by-side for comparison:

1:6: ὧν τινες ἀστοχήσαντες ἐξετράπησαν εἰς ματαιολογίαν,

1:6: For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion,

6:20–21: Ὦ Τιμόθεε, τὴν παραθήκην φύλαξον, ἐκτρεπόμενος τὰς βεβήλους κενοφωνίας καὶ ἀντιθέσεις τῆς ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως, ἥν τινες ἐπαγγελλόμενοι περὶ τὴν πίστιν ἠστόχησαν.

6:20–21: O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge "-- which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. 

Paul's point can be summarized with two statements: 

1) People who miss apostolic instruction stray and turn aside to worthless discussions.

2) Timothy, turn away from "knowledge" because by professing it, some have swerved from the faith.

In the end, Paul does not want Timothy to turn out like the very people he has been instructed to rebuke! Timothy must guard the apostolic instruction and avoid any antithetical or irreverent babble that may hinder his faith. 

The letter concludes with Paul's common signature: Grace be with you. 

26 Resources on Christian Worldview

YOU HAVE A WORLDVIEW

Every person has a worldview. Not every person has a Christian worldview. A Christian worldview provides the most coherent and meaningful understanding of reality. It addresses questions like: who made me? Why am I here? And where am I going? A Christian worldview gives clarity on other issues like truth, human dignity, and moral values. But a Christian worldview does not only provide an intellectual basis for the meaning of life -- it transforms lives through grace and truth, and leads people to flourish. A Christian worldview starts with God, the creator, who redeems through His Son, Jesus Christ, who in turn, sends His Holy Spirit to indwell all who call upon Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal life. All are welcome to repent and turn to Christ -- in exchange, God reshapes a person to think, feel, desire, and act in accordance with His plan and purposes, leading to long-lasting satisfaction, joy, and communion with God. 

To help Christians gain a stronger worldview, here is a list of some of the best resources grouped by ages: 

BOOKS

For Children (Ages 4-12)

• The Bible
• "The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New" – Marty Machowski
• "Big Truths for Young Hearts" – Bruce Ware
• "God’s Big Story" – Kevin DeYoung
• "The Chronicles of Narnia" – C.S. Lewis

For Teens (Ages 13-18)

• The Bible -- ESV Study Bible
• "Understanding the Times: A Survey of Competing Worldviews" – David Noebel & Jeff Myers
• "Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity" – Nancy Pearcey
• "Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions" – Gregory Koukl
• "Mere Christianity" – C.S. Lewis
• "Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations" – Alex & Brett Harris

For Adults

• The Bible -- ESV Study Bible
• "The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog" – James Sire
• "How Now Shall We Live?" – Charles Colson & Nancy Pearcey
• "The Benedict Option" – Rod Dreher
• "The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism" – Timothy Keller
• "Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling" – Andy Crouch
• "Biblical Worldview: Creation, Fall, Redemption" – Mark Liederbach & Trevin Wax
• "Live Not by Lies" – Rod Dreher
• "The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important That Happens in Between" – Gregory Koukl
• "The Case for Classical Christian Education" – Douglas Wilson
• "Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning" – Dorothy Sayers
• "Five Cities That Ruled the World" – Douglas Wilson

DOCUMENTARIES

• Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008) – Ben Stein
• The Case for Christ (2017)
• Is Genesis History? (2017)
• American Gospel: Christ Alone (2018)

Bible Phrasing: 1 Timothy 6:17–19

In 1 Timothy 6:17–19, Paul frames commands to the "rich" in two epochs of time: the present age (v 17) and the future (vv 18-19). 

Living in the present age (what not to do)

Paul's instruction first takes into account how the rich should live in the present age. There are two negative charges and a contrastive statement about where they should set their hopes. 

First, Paul tasks Timothy with charging the rich not to be haughty. The infinitive ὑψηλοφρονεῖν occurs only in this verse. The compound word is a combination of ὑψηλός and φρονέω and literally means "high-minded." Paul uses these two exact words in such close proximity in only one other letter, his magnum opus to the Romans. There he tells the Romans: 

12:16 τὸ αὐτὸ εἰς ἀλλήλους φρονοῦντες, μὴ τὰ ὑψηλὰ φρονοῦντες, ἀλλὰ τοῖς ταπεινοῖς συναπαγόμενοι. μὴ γίνεσθε φρόνιμοι παρ’ ἑαυτοῖς. 

12:16  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Paul's concern in Romans 12:16 is about association (συναπαγόμενοι) with the humble (ταπεινοῖς). ταπεινοῖς has mixed usage in the New Testament, referring sometimes to material poverty or to metaphorical, spiritual humility. The latter is probably what Paul has in mind in Romans 12:16, since humility, and not material poverty, is the foundation of harmony among people. Furthermore, humility provides a check on the human spirit to look outside the self toward God for wisdom. 

In Philippians 2:5, Paul reminds the Philippians Christians about the mindset that God has given them through Christ. The mindset (φρονεῖτε) that is at the disposal of all Christians is the one that lets "each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Later in the letter, Paul reminds the Philippians of their duty to strive toward the upward call of Christ in all facets of their lives. He asserts that such a mindset is a mark of Christian maturity (3:15). Those who do not have this mindset and fail to pursue Christ's upward call "walk as enemies of the cross of Christ" (3:18). Their minds are set on earthly things (3:19) resulting in Paul's condemnation of those who walk as enemies of Christ:  "Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things."

These three passages help fill out the meaning of "haughty" in 1 Timothy 6:17: Timothy is to charge the rich not to be so high-minded that they fail to grow in holiness, maturity, and selflessness, resulting in self-interest, pride, and earthly-mindedness; such a mindset prevents the rich from walking as faithful followers of Christ. 

Second, Paul tasks Timothy with charging the rich not to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches. As mentioned earlier, the desire for money, or moreover, the desire for what money can buy, is not a certain (δῆλος) wager for the rich. 

The alternative solution is for the rich to set their hopes on God. That is because God richly provides everything to enjoy. Earlier, in 1 Timothy 4, Paul explained that God was the source of wonderful blessings like food and marriage. Here, he reiterates the point that God is a provider and that he wants his people to enjoy everything he provides. In other words, a proper view of God can set the minds of the wealthy right and set them on a pathway of certainty. 

Living for the future (What to do)

Paul's coaching for Timothy takes an abrupt shift to positive charges for the rich in verse 18. The charges here are still connected to the imperative παράγγελλε in verse 17. There are four qualities that Paul charges them:

    1) to do good (ἀγαθοεργεῖν)

    2) to be rich in good works (πλουτεῖν ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς)

    3) to be generous (εὐμεταδότους εἶναι)

    4) to share (κοινωνικούς)

Each of the qualities Paul expects for the rich to embrace reflect something about the very nature of God's character. For instance, Paul expects the rich to be rich in good works, a quality that mimics God in verse 17 (Θεῷ τῷ παρέχοντι ἡμῖν πάντα πλουσίως εἰς ἀπόλαυσιν). Similarly, the ἀγαθοεργεῖν quality comes from God himself, who is by essence good (Acts 14:17). Generosity (εὐμεταδότους only occurs one time in the NT) is another quality that emanates from God (Matthew 7:11). Generosity among Christians (Romans 1:11; 12:8; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 2:8) proves that they are functioning according to the teaching of the Lord (Luke 3:11). And finally, sharing (κοινωνικούς a single occurrence as an adjective in the NT) reminds the readers not only of their union with Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9; 10:16) but of their responsibility to provide for and support each other (Acts 2:42; 2 Corinthians 8:4; Philippians 1:5). 

All of these qualities will come if the rich set their hopes on the certainty of God (verse 17). Moreover, these qualities propel the rich toward the future. In fact, that is the inference that Paul draws from these charges: as they grow in these qualities, they are "storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future." 

The single occurrence of the compound word ἀποθησαυρίζω ("storing up treasure") is most likely a callback to Jesus's statements in the Gospels (Matthew 6:19–20; Luke 12:21). Elsewhere, Paul speaks of storing up wrath (Romans 2:5) as a visual reminder of the consequences of an unrepentant heart. The idea is not a sort of "works-based" salvation that the rich may curry God's favor based on doing good things. Clearly, Paul envisions the rich to mature into a new mindset that allows their faith to grow both in warmth toward their fellow believing brother, but also toward the ultimate future reward of eternal life. The ἵνα clause proves this conclusion. 

Paul wants the rich to change their minds and reorient their hope on God. When they do, they will become wealthy in the qualities that emanate from God, and thus, they will be able to grasp the future-oriented purpose of their lives: eternal life.  

 

A Helpful Overview of the Entire Bible

In God's Big Picture, Vaughan Roberts summarizes the Bible in 8 parts. God's story can be seen as eight levels of kingdom: pattern, perished, promised, partial, prophesied, present, proclaimed, and perfected.  

The Pattern of the Kingdom

Genesis 1-2 tells us how the world came to be and describes the basic pattern of God's kingdom.  Adam and Eve were God's people and dwelt in the garden in perfect fellowship with him.  God's rule was their guide as they experienced perfect relationship with all things. 

The Perished Kingdom

Genesis 3 tells the story of the perished kingdom.  God no longer has a people.  Adam and Eve disobeyed and were banished from the garden.  Their disobedience would curse later generations, as evidenced through Cain's sin, the destruction of the world by flood, and the dispersion of people at the Tower of Babel.   Yet God shows his kindness and mercy in each of these episodes through figures like Noah and later, Abraham.  

The Promised Kingdom

If Genesis 1-11 tells the origins story of the world, Genesis 12 and onward relates the story of God's people and the Promised Kingdom.  God promises Abraham multiple descendants and a place to dwell, all for the purpose of blessing the nations.  This three-fold promise is repeated to Isaac and Jacob (a.k.a., Israel).  When God's people become enslaved in Exodus, all hopes of a promised kingdom seem to be dashed.  But God raised up Moses to bring about the mass exodus from Egypt and to establish his people. 

The Partial Kingdom

After the people of God are rescued from Egyptian slavery, they are brought out to the wilderness to worship God. He gave them his law, his patience and his love.  They were to build a tabernacle for God so that he could be with his people.  They were to offer sacrifices so they could be forgiven.  They were to love their neighbor so they could be a blessing to all the world.  From Exodus to 2 Chronicles, the biblical writers tell the story of a people--the Israelites--who inhabited the land of the Canaanites, raised up for themselves a king like the other nations, and mostly disobeyed the law that God gave through Moses.  As a consequence for their disobedience and a failure to keep up their end of the covenant, God cursed them first by sending the Assyrians to sack the Northern Kingdom--referred to as Israel or Ephraim--in 722BC, and then Babylon to destroy the Southern Kingdom--referred to as Judah and Zion.  These two events clearly marked God's dissatisfaction with his people's disobedience.  Nevertheless, their remained a remnant that was obedient and faithful to God.  

The Prophesied Kingdom

When several years of exile came to an end, the Persian king Cyrus gave an edict that all Israelites could return to their land and rebuild their temple.  This, they believed, was a mark of God's presence returning to Israel.  However, throughout the stories and prophecies told from Ezra to Malachi, we get a different reality. God's people will be the remnant of Israel, but will also include all nations.  There will be a new temple and a new creation where God's people can once again dwell with him.  Furthermore, there will be a new covenant that marks God as the rightful king.  Surely, through this new covenant--this person--the world will be blessed.  

The Present Kingdom

Four hundred years after the prophet Malachi's words, the long-awaited Messiah ushers in the present kingdom.  The Gospels tell us of a Messiah who fulfills every aspect of God's law perfectly.  His teaching is prophetic and timely.  There is no doubt that he is an other-worldly king, reversing the effects of sin and death through powerful miracles. And finally, as a priest, he fulfills the final covering for sin through his perfect sacrifice, removing the just wrath of God and fully pleasing God's requirements for perfection.  His resurrection is proof that his sacrifice was accepted on our behalf.  Jesus's works reveal to us that he is the perfect Adam and the perfect Israel.  Not only does he represent what the perfect people of God ought to be like, he also reveals that he is the dwelling place of God.  He is the true temple; through him, people can access God.  And finally, as a true king, Jesus gives the people of his kingdom true rest.  Before Jesus left to be in heaven with his Father, he established the people of his kingdom on earth and called them "Church." 

The Proclaimed Kingdom

Jesus's departure left many questions for his followers.  How should they continue on without him? What should they tell others about Jesus?  How should they live in light of the forgiveness they received from Christ? The rest of the New Testament, after the Gospels, gives us answers to this questions.  This era is called the Proclaimed Kingdom.  God's people are comprised of both Jew and Gentile--they are the new Israel. God among each individual Christian through his Holy Spirit.  When two or three gather in his name, God is present.  It is no surprise then that the church --a people, not a physical geographical place--is where the presence of God is made manifest.  The book of Acts and the Epistles explain to us the significance of these new realities.  Christians must be a blessing to the nations as they testify to the goodness of God shown through Jesus Christ.  But Christians also learn that dealing with their own sin by the power of the Holy Spirit is simply a reminder that things are not yet as God originally intended to be.  Nevertheless, the presence of the Holy Spirit within us causes us to look forward to a day when evil shall no longer exist--the dawn of the Perfected Kingdom.  

The Perfected Kingdom

The end of the Bible ends the way it begins--in a garden.  God's people will be comprised of a multi-national family.  Everything will be recreated, including our bodies and the final resting place for our worship of God.  In the final chapters of the book of Revelation, John writes of a spectacular place that he calls the New Jerusalem.  In the New Jerusalem, there will be a new temple.  And at the center of this temple, God will be seated on his throne.  The Garden paradise we read of in Genesis 1-2 is now the ultimate reality we will experience: God's people enjoying the presence of God with perfect relationship in the midst of a garden.