Reaping wealth and material things.

[Whyme]

2 hours ago, Hopefully said:

 

“Jesus looked up and saw some rich people putting their gifts to God into the Temple collection box. Then he saw a poor widow put two small copper coins into the box. He said, “This poor widow gave only two small coins. But the truth is, she gave more than all those rich people. They have plenty, and they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had to live on.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:1-4‬ ‭
 

I know for a fact that poor people help the poor not just because of this verse but because I’ve seen it, so certainly the rich should.

It’s especially good when we expect nothing in return; like a tax write off, by giving in secret knowing that God sees it and not expecting rewards from men. 

Good scripture. The rich gave little out of their abundance but the widow gave all. 

[Whyme]

Someone mentioned that Paul sometimes had abundance. But did Paul buy a mansion with it? Thats the question.

[Riverwalker]

17 minutes ago, Whyme said:

Someone mentioned that Paul sometimes had abundance. But did Paul buy a mansion with it? Thats the question.

Paul learned to be content in whatever state He was in

Philippians 4: 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

As a Pharisee and a Roman citizen I do think Paul did enjoy a very prosperous life before he came to Christ, but afterwards I think his life became very different

Edited April 18, 2021 by Riverwalker

[Whyme]

1 minute ago, Riverwalker said:

Paul learned to be content in whatever state He was in

Philippians 4: 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to [d]be abased, and I know how to [e]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through [f]Christ who strengthens me.

A a Pharisee and a Roman citizen I do Paul did enjoy a very prosperous life before he came to Christ, but afterwords I think his life became very different

Paul's life was his ministry. He did nothing that would damage the reputation of that ministry. He loves people, Jesus,  and didnt want to put a stumbling block in anyone's path. He worked with his own hands even though he had a right to be paid for his apostleship, according to him anyway. I dont see him hording wealth. I just dont see it. HE told Timothy that desiring to be rich was a pitfall. Why would he teach that then lead an example of having wealth and material things? I think people are being lead astray by rich teachers, in my opinion. 

[Riverwalker]

2 minutes ago, Whyme said:

HE told Timothy that desiring to be rich was a pitfall.

I have to make one distinction here.....it is the DESIRE and not the riches that are the downfall

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

no thing in and of itself is evil. It is what we do with it that defines it.

[Whyme]

If Paul teaches timothy that desiring wealth was wrong and a trap, why would he flash around money with a lifestyle of luxury? He wouldn't even eat meat if it caused his brother to become weak or stumble. Thats the man Paul was, but sadly many teachers today dont follow his way.

[Whyme]

1 minute ago, Riverwalker said:

I have to make one distinction here.....it is the DESIRE and not the riches that are the downfall

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

no thing in and of itself is evil. It is what we do with it that defines it.

Yes thats true. BUt if God doesn't want us to desire riches, why would he give them to us? Its like saying desiring fornication is wrong, but you can do it anyway. See my last post please, thank you.

[Whyme]

What if my brother thinks that having luxury is wrong? Isnt it similar to the brother who thinks eating meat is wrong? Where is the love for this brother who thinks wealth is wrong, if you flash around your luxurious lifestyle? Do you see Pauls way? Its about others not just us. Its about love not wealth. If you flash your wealth where is your love? Is it for wealth or your brethren? Just a few questions to ponder, please dont think im judging. This topic is heated a bit i think. 

Edited April 18, 2021 by Whyme

[Riverwalker]

2 minutes ago, Whyme said:

Yes thats true. BUt if God doesn't want us to desire riches, why would he give them to us? Its like saying desiring fornication is wrong, but you can do it anyway. See my last post please, thank you.

One of the motivational gifts listed in romans 12 is Giving

Romans 12:6  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Behave Like a Christian

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Money  is useful in this world, we just can't let it take the first place in our heart

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.   I have enough, and that is enough

[Whyme]

9 minutes ago, Riverwalker said:

One of the motivational gifts listed in romans 12 is Giving

Romans 12:6  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Behave Like a Christian

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Money  is useful in this world, we just can't let it take the first place in our heart

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.   I have enough, and that is enough

The scripture says god will give us food and clothing not luxury. Paul was content with such things and didnt desire wealth. When he had abundance it was in food and clothing, as apposed to being hungry and being dressed in rags which Paul also endured. Show me a teacher today dressed in rags and going hungry. 

Edited April 18, 2021 by Whyme