1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to
be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to
put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our
enjoyment.18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good
deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In
this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for
the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1. Rich people don't like to admit that they are rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT)
You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though
he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could
make you rich.
2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be
generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in
thanksgiving to God.
2. Rich people are plagued by discontentment.
Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 (NLV)
10 He who loves money will never have enough money to make him
happy. It is the same for the one who loves to get many things. This also is
for nothing. 11 When there are more good things, there are
also more people to eat them. So what does their owner get except to see them
with his eyes? 12 The sleep of the working man is pleasing, if
he eats little or much. But the full stomach of the rich man does not let him
sleep.
3. Rich people live with a false sense of
security.
Proverbs 18:11 (NLV)
The rich man’s money is his strong city, and he thinks it is
like a high wall.
When you think right then you can do right.
1. I will be grateful. Gratitude
make me more generous.
1 Chronicles 29:10-13 (NLV)
10 So David praised the Lord in front of all the people. He
said, “Honor and thanks be to You, O Lord God of Israel our father, forever and
ever. 11 O Lord, You have great power, shining-greatness and
strength. Yes, everything in heaven and on earth belongs to You. You are the
King, O Lord. And You are honored as head over all. 12 Both
riches and honor come from You. You rule over all. Power and strength are in
Your hand. The power is in Your hand to make great and to give strength to
all. 13 So now, our God, we thank You. We praise Your great
and honored name.
2. I will lead with generosity. Generosity leads, then the heart follows.
Acts 20:35 (MSG)
33-35 “I’ve never, as you so well know, had any taste
for wealth or fashion. With these bare hands I took care of my own basic needs
and those who worked with me. In everything I’ve done, I have demonstrated to
you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them.
You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said,
‘You’re far happier giving than getting.’”
3. I will put my hope in God.
I will not
trust inn riches, but in Him who richly provides.
Proverbs 30:8-9 (NIV)
8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my
God.
Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands
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