Posted on 06/04/2019 12:07:47 PM PDT by metmom
“‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’” (Matthew 6:19–21).
The focus of Jesus’ teaching here is this: “Do not lay up treasures for yourself.” The Greek word for “lay up” connotes the idea of stockpiling or hoarding—it pictures wealth that isn’t being used, things kept mainly to show off one’s plenty.
Be sure of this, though: Jesus is not advocating poverty as a means of spirituality. Both the Old and New Testaments recognize the right to material possessions, including money, land, animals, houses, clothing, and anything else acquired honestly. In fact, the foundational truth underlying the commands not to steal or covet is the right of possessing personal property.
God expects and commands His people to be generous. But He also expects and commands that we not only be thankful for the blessings He gives but also derive pleasure from them—including the material blessings. The Lord “richly supplies us with all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17). This verse is specifically directed to “those who are rich in this present world,” yet it does not command them to divest themselves of their wealth. Rather, it warns them not to be conceited about it or to trust in it. It’s how we use our possessions for kingdom purposes that counts.
Ask Yourself
How would you define your general attitudes toward money? What is its purpose in the believer’s life? How are we supposed to handle it? What are some of the greatest abuses or misunderstandings of money that have plagued your life or distorted your freedom with it?
Studying God’s Word ping
:: God expects and commands His people to be generous. ::
Scriptural citation for this?
Since the author uses the phrase, “God expects us...” I looked first at the 10 Commandments but didn’t find it in the law.
Where does the author find this “expectation of God”.
Is God here to serve you or are you (and me, and everyone) here to serve God?
Follow on question: Everything that you possess, is it yours, or is it God’s?
A very revealing name. Descriptive of form and function.
How many did you bring with you when you were created? How many will you take with you when you leave?
Everything you hold in your hand will one day be held in the hand of another, to be cast into the trash.
Don't let possessions possess you!
Your reply is not germane to my post:
“God expects and commands His people to be generous.”
What is the Scripture citation for this assertion?
The author cites 1 Timothy 6:17. 6:18 declares the rich are to be generous.
We’re to give and not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing.
There’s a whole Bible to read.
There’s more to God’s commands than just the Ten Commandments.
Are you looking for excuses to not be generous?
Madam, I am looking for PROOF from The Word of God that “God expects us to be generous”. That little word, “expects” makes it God’s command, yet, no one can tell me where this command can be found. Does the author claim to new the will of God outside the Scripture? This phrase appears from the author as a new Commandment without Scriptural support. As such, I will hold the author to be a blasphemer unless and until I have proper attribution from Scripture.
So far, all the responses are just others “looking for excuses” to hold good Christians to a man made Law by [mis]using the name of God. (the definition of blasphemy, BTW>).
Truly, if you believe that God the almighty, creator EXPECTS US TO BE GENEROUS, He would have told us so in the Scripture....just like the rest of the Law.
Matthew 19:21
There are many things God tells us we are to do that are outside THE Ten Commandments.
You need to read more of the Bible.
Freely we have received, freely we are to give.
God loves a cheerful giver.
What else are we supposed to do with our possessions?
Not even close. Jesus said: “You lack one thing.” What is that one thing? It certainly wasn’t some concept of Earthly wealth.
Scripture is not a clay-nose to be poked and stretch to make US look better to God.
You citation is not even close to saying “God EXPECTS us to be generous with our wealth”. It is not God’s will that we should re-distribute our wealth. We’ve heard this before in the 1500s: “Every time a coin in the coffer rings, a soul from purgatory springs.”
Why insult me over a discussion of Scripture? You imply that you have a more correct view of Scripture because you have read the Scripture “more” than I have? What arrogance! You make unfounded accusations of my theological acumen simply because your ridiculously heretical “evangelical ox” is being gored. I have more years STUDYING the Bible than YOU can number, not simply reading the Bible.
Yet, you cannot supply a Scriptural basis for a NEW LAW created by some internet “pastor” that uses God’s Holy name to force us to re-distribute our wealth. So we have a violation of the 3rd Commandment as well as “adding to Scripture”.
Maybe your theology is too nuanced for ignorant, simple me to understand?
Tell me...does this internet “pastor” have a link to donate to his “church” on his web-page? I assume he does and THERE we see the reason for his guilt laden heresy. He wants US to re-distribute some of our wealth to him. If not, well then, we are not meeting the expectations of God. Socialism is an insidious ideology. Generosity is a “nice” concept but God has established no Law for it.
Be Berean, search the Scripture, assure what you read is TRUTH. Everything I have said above can be supported with Scripture and the doctrine of the catholic church (which, of course you recognize). Will you reject it because it is mean and “unloving” to expose the truth? Or, will you consider it in light of Scripture? I can likely guess the answer.
So, find a clear and concise reference establishing “God’s expectation of generosity” (a LAW).
John 13:34 “ “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
I don’t see “re-distribution of personal wealth” in that....
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