Note 4 at 1 Tim. 6:18: Paul had told the rich how they should NOT act in the previous verse (see note 2 at v. 17), now he tells them how they should act. There are four things Paul instructs the rich to do.

First, the rich should use their wealth to do good. Money is not to just make us feel good as we look at it or give us a feeling of security about the future. Money is to be used to accomplish good. Money has power or influence. The rich are to use that power to do worthwhile things. Money should not be our focus, but rather we should focus on what that money can produce.

Second, Paul instructs the rich to be rich in good works. It is implying good works that are associated with their wealth.

They don't just need to have good intentions, but actions need to follow.

Third, the rich are to be ready and willing to give of their wealth. That's what the word "communicate" is speaking about (see note 11 at Phil. 4:15, p. 1179). Many people who have wealth are not ready to give. How many times have you heard, "All my money is tied up right now." That's not being ready. Paul also made it clear that they need to be willing. The attitude behind giving is just as important as giving. Those who give grudgingly or sparingly do not please God (2 Cor. 9:7). "If ye be willing and obedient, ye will eat the good of the land" (Isa. 1:19).

Fourth, they need to lay a good foundation for the future. This would correspond to what Jesus taught in the parable of the rich man's steward in Luke 16 (see note 1 at Lk. 16:1, p. 356). In other words, recognize that we can't take money with us to heaven, but we can send it on before us by investing it in people's lives. All the kindnesses done to people with our money will reap eternal rewards (Mt. 10:42). As we seek first the advancement of God's kingdom, the Lord will take care of our needs (see note 38 at Mt. 6:21, p. 136).