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| Home | Riches Are a Responsibility... |
| God's Plan for Prosperity |
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Things, Not Loving Them |
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| Riches
Are Not to Be Trusted |
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| 1
Timothy 6:17-19 |
| 17
"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in
uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life." |
This passage clears up much misunderstanding about the acquisition or possession of material goods. Paul tells us not to trust in uncertain riches. Here, the word "trust" (Greek elpizo) means "to expect" or "to hope for." We are not to hope for riches ot expect them to bring us security or deliverance. Why does he tell us that? Because riches are so transient. Values change, and earthly riches are only as good as the present value. What is valuable today might not be valuable tomorrow; thus the wisdom of our trusting - putting our hope - in God alone to make provision for us. Further, we must never let the presence of wealth make us think we are better than others or that we can be irresponsible or indulgent. It is a responsibility, a great responsibility, to have great wealth; and we must always remember that much is required of those to whom much is given (Luke 12:48). Moreover, wealthy people should be good stewards, being willing to give liberally to God's work. What they share with others is an investment bringing eternal dividends (Matthew 6:19-21). |
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