Are riches a sign of godliness?
(Deut. 28:1-13; Prov. 6:1-5; 22:7; Matt. 6:24; 1 Tim. 6:6-10) Blog Jan. 29 – Feb. 4, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: When creating this world and everything in it, God provided for the needs of his creatures. When man sinned God gave his Son to rescue us. All who receive this gift are enabled to return to him the love he has shown to them. This includes tithes and offerings. But first, they give themselves to him in loving service.
Who do you serve?
1. What decision must precede all personal financial decisions? Before every other decision a person must decide to whom they are subject (Matt. 6:24).
2. What two great powers are competing for the service of every human being? God & his adversary, the devil, are competing for the service of every human being (Josh. 24:15; Matt. 4:10).
3. Is serving G9od a tedious life? No, serving God is a life of joy & strength (Neh. 8:10; Phil. 4:4, 13; 1 John 5:3).
4. What financial blessings does God promise those who keep his commandments? God promises plenteous crops, blessings in occupation, & no need to borrow money for those who keep his commandments (Deut. 28:8, 11-13).
5. Considering God’s blessings, what attitude should Christians maintain toward things? Christians should be content with what God has given them (Phil. 4:11; 1 Tim. 6:6-8; Heb. 13:5-6).
6. What attitude do John the Baptist, Peter, and Paul say that employees should have toward their employers? John, Peter, & Paul teach that employees should be subject to their employers & content with their wages (Luke 3:14; Eph. 6:5-6; 1 Pet. 2:18-19).
Debt
7. Whose servant do we become when we borrow money? When we borrow money, we become servant to the lender (Prov. 22:7).
8. What is the only kind of debt the Bible approves? The Bible says that we should “own no man any thing, but to love one another.” (Rom. 13:8).
9. In what ways did the law of Moses seek to prevent long term debt? God prohibited charging interest on loans among his people & provided for the cancellation of all debts every seven years (Ex. 22:25; Deut. 15:1-5; 23:19-20).
10. In what second-hand way of getting in debt does the Bible warn? Solomon warns us not to become surety for another’s debt (Prov. 6:1-5; 17:18; 22:26).
Wealth
11. What should be our attitude towards those who use religion as a source of wealth or teach that increased riches is a sign of godliness? Paul tells Timothy to turn away from those who teach that gain is godliness (1 Tim. 6:5).
12. By what incorrect method does Jeremiah say that many become wealthy? Jeremiah says many people become wealthy by underpaying their employees (Jer. 22:13; Mal. 3:5).
13. What does Solomon say results from hording one’s wealth? Solomon says hording one’s wealth leads to the hurt of them that hold it (Eccl. 5:13).
14. How does Jesus describe riches? Jesus says riches are deceitful & can cause one to stop feeding on the Word of God (Mark 4:19).
15. How does Paul describe the end of those that seek to be rich? Paul says that those that seek to be rich fall into temptation & foolish lusts & end in destruction & loss of eternal life (1 Tim. 6:9).
16. To what extent does Paul say the love of money goes? Paul writes that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim. 6:10).
17. What method of gaining wealth does Solomon condemn? Solomon condemns seeking to get rich quick. This would apply to internet offers of great wealth & to stock market offers of large, rapid gains, & to land speculation (Prov. 28:20).