LOVINGLY LAYING UP
AND LAYING HOLD
by Charles W. Wages

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Timothy 6:17-19

There is a great interest and emphasis today in"investing" for the future. This, of course, in the main, refers to money or goods for this life on earth. This is not necessarily evil in itself. For instance, Joseph of old was led of God to store up food for a future day of famine. The apostle Paul instructed the saints in Corinth to "lay by him in store,as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come."

All of these examples are earthly and temporary. However, when we look and consider eternal values, a different perspective must be considered. In our lead scripture a contrast is made between "uncertain riches" that we accumulate for ourselves on earth and what God gives us to "richly enjoy". There was nothing wrong with Joseph "laying up" food for his brethren to alleviate the suffering in times of famine. Neither was it wrong for the Corinthian saints to have means to help in the work of the Lord. However, the directing purpose, and what is being "laid up" is all important.

The purpose of "laying up" and "Laying hold" is not to earn salvation. Salvation is by God's grace by believing in the finished work of Christ on Calvary. (Eph.2:8-9) Timothy had been told in 1Tim. 6:12, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses". Eternal life is a present possession of every person who has accepted Jesus Christ as personal Saviour. It is not something we earn by good works. It is not something in the far-off future,but a present possession of every believerl Also, Timothy had been called a "man of God" in verse 11 & 12, and had been exhorted and encouraged to flee, follow, and fight the good fight of faith. In doing this, he could "lay hold on eternal life". Even though eternal life is a present reality to every believer, not every believer has a present realization of this great spiritual
blessingl

Laying hold of eternal life does include our work and sacrifice for Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. This involves our giving in every way --- giving of self, service, and substance. Someone has aptly said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose".

Laying up in store

The way to "lay up in store" is defined in I Tim. 6:18, "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate."

There are four things delineated in this verse.

--Do good

--Be rich in good works

--ready to distribute

--willing to communicate

Again, we must be reminded that we are not saved by good works (Eph. 2:8-9) However, Eph. 2:10 should be read in conjunction with 2:8-9. What does it teach? We are saved unto good works.

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them." Eph. 2:10

This instructive verse not only teaches us that we are saved to do good works, but that we are to walk in them also. We are to walk the work.

What are a few "laid up" spiritual blessings that are already assured to those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus? One, of many, is found in Col. 1:3-5,

"We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you. Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints. For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, where of ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel."

This spiritual blessing is further explained in Col. 1:27, "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you the hope of glory:"

That hope is in the person of Jesus Christ, who is now in the glory. He is our hope! Another of these "spiritual blessings" that is laid up in heaven is the "inheritance of the saints in light." This is found in Col. 1:12.

"Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light."

According to Ephesians 1:14, the sealing of the Holy Spirit is the "earnest" or assurance of the believer's inheritance awaiting the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of His glory. What blessings are "laid up" for those who by God's grace have been redeemed from self and sin! But the question comes to all believers --- have we "laid hold" of these wonderful spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ?

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."