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GOD'S DEFINITION OF WEALTH

by linzy bruno
10/25/2022 / Bible Studies

Humility is required if one is to be spiritually rich, for this is a wealth for the contrite in spirit, as is recorded in Isaiah 66:2. It is not possible to grow in the spirit of richness and abide in God’s Definition of wealth for those who resist and are prideful. Spiritual wealth requires recognition of His Kingship and we are strengthened day by day in that growth, if we humbly continue seeking His definition of wealth for our lives; His Riches.

Theme Passages--

“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” (Luke 16:19-23)

Without God all our wealth is useless when we stand before God. This temporary life may bring misery to the flesh, but the children of God will inherit His Eternal Kingdom. This is the perspective of the wise; those who overcome.

^“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—" (Revelation 3:17)

The only wealth that has any real value is found in richness of the spirit, that is spiritual growth and the striving thereof.

^“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

As we can discern from these passages, this temporary life may bring misery to the flesh, but the children of God will inherit eternity with Him.

Key Verse—

^“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”

(2Corinthians 8:9)

He came down; that should say it ALL. Our wealth comes from Him and His Sacrifice ALONE. Amen.

The Apostle Paul warns of the dangers of striving for materialism and worldly gain in 1Timothy 6:9-

"But 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."

In a parallel verse, Jesus warns of the obstacle that materialism places in the way of spiritual growth; rendering monetary and spiritual riches incompatible--

“You Cannot Serve God and Riches”

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)

Of course, it is not impossible for a rich man to enter Heaven, but wealth can quite readily lead even a godly man astray, as we read in Mark 10:25. And in verse 21, Jesus instructs a wealthy man, whose worldly possessions were obstructing his chances for true wealth, to sell all he has, in order that the trend toward greed might be broken for him and he may find salvation—

^“Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” (Mark 10:21)

Moreover, spiritual riches are much more valuable and desirable than temporal worldly riches for the believer, as Jesus has said in Matthew 6:19-21.

God’s Word also emphasizes the importance of spreading the Gospel message so that all may be rich in Him—

Isaiah 61:1 & Colossians 1:27--

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

And that spiritual wealth is superior to worldly wealth in Philippians 4:11-13, Hebrews 13:5 & Mark 10:25 and that the spiritually wealthy have great compassion for those living in poverty in Proverbs 14:31—

“He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker,
But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.”

MORE Relevant Scripture—

^“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

God’s Word illustrates that the self-sufficient, who gain wealth independently from the Lord without care are prideful and will not find much satisfaction, as they expect, for with greed comes discontentment. But by His poverty, riches of the spirit are realized—

Luke 12:33 & Mark 10:21,

Ecclesiastes 5:10 & Proverbs 23:4-5

The Scripture also instructs God’s people in the way of trusting Him and seeking His Kingdom first—

Psalm 72:12-13 & 107:41

Psalm 40:17 & 34:6

Another noteworthy Precept in regard to material gain is recorded in Proverbs 13:11—

“Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished,
But he who gathers by labor will increase.”

Furthermore, Jesus takes care of His children. Our only real need is of that of placing our trust in Him, as is recorded in Matthew 6:31-33.

AND Revelation 2:9a says—

“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich);”

Moreover, Scripture teaches God’s Principle of blessings for those who are generous in Proverbs 22:9, a warning against selfishness in 1John 3:17, and utter misery in selfishness in James 5:1-5.

Other verses on generosity are recorded in Luke 3:11, 2Corinthians 9:7 & Matthew 5:42 and how to properly approach the subject of money in Matthew 6:33. Another vital lesson on reaping and sowing is recorded in Proverbs 12:11.

AND those who are set on spiritual wealth over all else, abide in God’s Kingdom on earth--

“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:32-35)

Furthermore, God’s Word has proclaimed that the riches of this world can be more like a prison or a trap than a blessing, as we read in Proverbs 22:7—

“The rich rules over the poor,
And the borrower is servant to the lender.”

And likewise, Matthew 19:24 highlights an even more stifling and negative aspect to being materially rich—

^“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.”

So much better is it to seek our Lord Jesus and His Kingdom and trust in Him and His Provision.

God's Definition of wealth is desirable over that of man's, through understanding that His Ways are superior to our ways—

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:31-33)

NKJV

Linzy has been writing for many years; seriously since her 3 kids were still young and inspirational. She has taken 2 courses in Bible studies and completed "Four Soils" Bible study course in a 26-month period; earning her certification in Bible Counselling.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

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