Can We Live As Faithful Followers of JESUS Christ and Still Be Wealthy?
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Matthew 19:21
SOME RICH Christian Men of the Bible:
King Solomon was rich and wise man. Book in the Bible: 1 Kings 3:10-13
Job was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. Job 1:3
King David over Israel. Book in the Bible: 2 Samuel 5:3-10
"Although Scripture has some very harsh things to say about the wealthy, this does not mean that all of them are evil or under divine judgment. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Job were rich and yet were also approved by God. Just as poverty doesn’t guarantee virtue, wealth does not guarantee vice." Dr. Glenn Sunshine and Dr. Jay Richards
Several examples from the New Testament of wealthy believers who gave generously to those in need. Among these Christians are:
Joseph, called Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37)
Dorcas (Acts 9:36)
Cornelius (Acts 10:1)
Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:6-12)
Lydia (Acts 16:14-15)
Jason (Acts 17:5-9)
Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2-3)
Mnason of Cyprus (Acts 21:16)
Philemon (Philemon 1)
These believers lived faithful Christian lives in addition to enjoying wealth. It’s important to take note of the example they set. These people “were wealthy and gave generously.” Their actions illustrate the responsibilities placed upon the wealthy because of how they have been blessed.
Scripture is very clear that the WEALTHY have obligations to the poor that God takes very seriously.
Among the obligations are:
Treating the poor with fairness.
Not using the courts to defraud the poor.
Not taking advantage of another’s misfortune.
Preserving the dignity of the poor by providing opportunities for work.
Again, God’s real concern, is not necessarily with wealth or poverty, but with righteousness and justice.
References: https://tifwe.org/are-there-wealthy-people-in-the-bible/
http://www.goarch.org/resources/sermons/sermons/sermon23
Pastor taught us that the more God gives you, the more God expects from you but that is between God and the one who receives the wealth.
Pastor teaches a tenth of your earnings should go to tithes, to help your Church but again that is between God and you.
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