Tag: generous
Instructing the rich!
Scripture reading for October 1: 1 Timothy 6
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, Who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, this storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.” 1 Timothy 6:17-21
It is easy for those that are blessed with financial and material riches to become proud and aloof from those of more humble means. The rich don’t have the worries or concerns of those that have to work each day to provide food and necessities. But God loves rich people too and wants them to view their riches as a gift from Him, which they actually are. To those who have been given much, much will be required. (Luke 12:48) God has given riches to those He chooses as a test of their character and to build their character. We are to gratefully acknowledge that and enjoy and steward what He provides.
Rich people were instructed to be generous and ready to share and to do ‘good works’. They were not to be greedy and clutch their riches tightly for greed is idolatry. This was Satan’s trap for many rich people or people aspiring to become rich. Paul instructed the rich that as they gave to help God’s work, they would change their worldly riches into eternal riches. Their present life would also be transformed as they would find joy and peace in giving. Jesus has said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Paul had used this saying of Jesus to promote working hard and having money to give to help the weak and hurting. Paul wanted the rich to avoid the traps of pride, slack living, and falling away from a dependence on Jesus to self-sufficiency and no need of faith. Paul practiced these truths, looking forward to eternity.
How would you evaluate your own world view in regard to riches and material things? By the world’s standards, would you consider yourself ‘rich’? (About 80% of the world live on less than ten dollars a day.) What are some ‘good works’ that you might do to lay up eternal riches?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for blessing me and my family with an abundance of material things and for meeting all our needs. You are all we really need! Help me to see the ‘good works’ that would further Your kingdom and transform the worldly riches into eternal riches through souls won to Jesus! Amen!
Enriched to be generous!
Scripture reading for September 4th: 2nd Corinthians 9, Psalm 26, Proverbs 21
2nd Corinthians 9: 10-15 “He Who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the Gospel of Christ and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for His inexpressible Gift!”
When we by faith put our lives in God’s hands through faith in Jesus Christ, we are adopted into God’s family. We then have God as our Father pouring out blessings on us as His children. God is the great Giver, supplying seed to the sower and bread for all of His creation. Now as His children, we have vision to see His abundant supply. Paul stated it like this: “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to give to those in need as God had poured out His blessing on them. This act of giving would produce thanksgiving to God and blessing for them and God would again pour out new blessings so that this cycle of giving and blessing and thanksgiving might continue to the glory of God!
Psalm 26:11-12 “But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me. My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the Lord.”
Prayer: Father God, the Great Giver of seed and bread, thank You for giving first to me the understanding of Your great generosity in the Gift of Your Son. Help me to grow in understanding of the great riches I have in Christ Jesus and to grow in this grace of giving. Turn my heart to give to Your work and to those in need. May all that is given bring glory to You and increase thanksgiving and worship! Amen!
Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He will.”