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1 Timothy 6:9–10
The words of the Apostle Paul as stated in 1 Timothy 6:9–10 is a great help to better understanding the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:23–24 as He states, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God because 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” (1 Timothy 6:10, NKJV). Jesus declares in Matthew 19:24, “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” This may seem an impossibility then for the rich man and should not be sought for reasonable understanding with a comparison to the “sheep gate” which was very narrow. I believe Jesus meant every word He said with the idea of impossibility to sink into the minds of His hearers. But Jesus continues in Matthew 19:26 with an explanation of the impossibility as He states, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
This is an example of what happens to someone who trusts in riches more than God.
The ways of this world and falling to them are only escapable through the blood of Jesus; without it we are all lost forever. The many ways of temptation for the rich man trusting in his riches instead of God presents a trap that cannot be released lest one put his trust in Jesus. It is the miracle of salvation and regeneration of the heart, soul, and mind through putting Jesus first in one’s life that saves one from the trap of the devil set for the rich man. There is no other way to escape the temptations of this world but to open one’s heart to the healing power of the blood of Jesus shed for all who will believe. The Apostle Paul declares in 1 Timothy 6:9, “9But 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.”
Dear LORD,
The Apostle Paul warns of the trap in which Satan sets for those who trust in money more than they trust in You. Please help us to be thankful for the blessings You give us as to always know that You are our Provider and the One in whom we should always put our trust, faith, and hope. In Jesus name I pray, amen.