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Written by Pastor Jim Lee for “The Domain for Truth” @  https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com

Original post @  https://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2020/08/19/how-do-we-communicate-to-others-that-being-a-christian-is-not-being-privileged-materially/

How do we communicate to others that being a Christian is not being privileged materially?

August 19, 2020 by SLIMJIM

Here’s a question:

The notion for that Christians are “rich” is prevalent in many of our communities; How do we communicate to them that being a Christian is not privileged materially, because it seems that a lot of people views that way?

Here’s my answer in three parts:

Answer part 1: The Bible gives warning about riches

“Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.”” (Luke 12:15)

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19)

“Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. ³ Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!” ( James 5:2-3)

“Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” ²² But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.” (Matthew 19:21-23)

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. ⁷ For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. ⁸ If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. ⁹ But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.¹¹ But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:6-12)

Answer part 2: What is the Gospel about?

In the Bible the most important thing is the Gospel; so what is the Gospel?

The Gospel is about the life and work of Jesus to save us from our sins: “Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast [a]the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you [b]as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

The Gospel is about God saving sinners: John 3:16.  He does that to show the glory of His attribute, namely kindness and grace: “so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7).

The Gospel also means not having an easy life, which is antithetical to the belief that life as a Christian is about comfort that is the presupposition for those who think Christianity is about being rich: “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8).

All Christians are rich in the Gospel: Rich in Grace! See Ephesians 1:7, 2:7

Answer part 3: At the same time being rich is not a sin

Sometimes believers of prosperity Gospel look at some verses about financial blessings out of context.

Those verses we don’t have to deny are there; it does show us that riches is from God.

Yet if we have the right view that riches is a gift from God, and that it is not the most important thing that also guards us from looking down on people who make less than us.

Also a biblical view of riches also mean we understand the privilege of wealth to also be generous to others: Proverbs 14:31, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 28:27.

Note: After I wrote this I realized I have written related to the topic in the past a series which people might find helpful here: How do you combat the love of money? Table of Contents to Posts.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…