Those Who Are Rich, Part 7

1 Timothy 6:17-19, "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, 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."

For what purpose does God give all things?  "To enjoy", or literally, "for full enjoyment".  Far from being evil or unpleasant in and of themselves, the good gifts of life, food, clothing, money, etc. that God gives are to be enjoyed.  The vanity of which Ecclesiastes (especially) speaks is due to the fleeting nature of this life, the misuse of these good gifts, and the consequences of sin that all too often prevent the enjoyment of them.

There is another kind of pleasure, but it is a counterfeit and only temporary.  It is mentioned with respect to Moses in Hebrews 11:25, "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season."  The phrase "for a season" indicates that which is temporary, only for a time.