Note 5 at 1 Tim. 6:19: Paul had just told Timothy to "lay hold on eternal life" (v. 12). Now he tells the rich to do the same thing by using their money to meet the needs of the less fortunate. As explained in note 12 at 1 Timothy 6:12, p. 1309, eternal life is a gift and a present tense possession of every true believer, but the benefits of eternal life (see note 13 at 1 Tim. 6:12, p. 1309) don't come automatically. We have to seize the opportunity.