78. Rich

The End Time Men
W.W. Fischer
Scriptures Referenced in This Chapter:
          (Follow the Scripture links if you want to study the Scriptures for yourself.)
Psa. 73:12 π Prov. 23:4 π Mt. 6:32 π Lk. 12:15 π Lk. 12:21 π 2 Cor. 8:9 π 1 Tim. 6:5 π 1 Tim. 6:8 π Jas. 2:5

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich.” ( 2 Cor. 8:9; top )

We have often treated the Bible like a cafeteria by reading along and picking out those things that we like and those that appeal to one’s own sense of well being. Very often the verse above has been used to promote the idea that we should be rich in worldly goods, yet in other places it says, “…he that lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” ( Lk. 12:21; top )

Obviously there are many verses that promise our needs will be taken care of (however not necessarily instantaneously), and others promising numerous blessings belonging to the believers that will eventually be added unto us. Scriptures tells us not to seek the riches of the world ( Mt. 6:32 ), and when we have food and clothing to be content with that. (see 1 Tim. 6:8; top ) These and other verses cannot be disregarded:

“Labor not to be rich…” ( Prov. 23:4; top )

“…Has not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom…” ( Jas. 2:5; top )

“…Supposing gain is Godliness; from such withdraw.” ( 1 Tim. 6:5; top )

“Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches.” ( Psa. 73:12; top )

When Jesus came down from Heaven to earth in the form of a man (in the likeness of sinful flesh), obviously His detractors, scoffers and persecutors didn’t make His spiritual environment rich. Surely this was spiritual poverty, compared to His residing with the Father.

So, Jesus entered into the spiritual poverty of this earthly environment, so He could purchase for us our riches of spiritual abundance.

God’s constant emphasis in Scripture is one of directing our steps to the riches of the spiritual, via selflessness, sacrifice and surrender. These are the same kind of riches Jesus had with His Heavenly Father. Any other kind of riches will only please the prince of this world.

Man’s abundance does not consist of the things he possesses.

“Take heed and beware of covetousness; for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things which he possesses.” ( Lk. 12:15; top )


77. One Accord π 79. End-Time Message
The End Time Men

I’d love to hear comments and/or questions from you! Email me!

Site Panel π Home π MNQs π New Posts π Songs π Books π Series π Articles π PDFs
Scriptures π Greek Dictionary π Top 25 Scriptures π Top 50 Writings π Twisted Scriptures π Bible Bullets
Authors π Subjects π Titles π Links π Donations