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The last line of him saying that he might be rich is talking about how he will be rich in the afterlife by the rewards that he will receive from Christ for his service. It's not talking about his best life now. That's a false prosperity gospel that many are sucked into these days. Again, you cannot lose your life for Christ thereby saving it by being rich. One who is rich is saving their life and or they are having their best life now. This really is not complicated. Unless you want it to be.
Malachi 3 is a part of the Old Testament Commands. The new Command on giving for us New Testament believers is 2 Corinthians 9:7.
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Side Note:
Oh, and money grabbing preachers who like to make their flock feel guilty for not tithing according to the OT (that is no longer binding) love to use Malachi 3 wrongfully.
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Side Note:
Oh, and money grabbing preachers who like to make their flock feel guilty for not tithing according to the OT (that is no longer binding) love to use Malachi 3 wrongfully.
I am not against God blessing people financially. It is what one does with those finances that determines if it is evil or not. In other words, if you received 10 million dollars and you just hoarded it for years instead of helping others then that would be wrong. But if you set that money up exclusively all to start a Christian charity and give it to help those in need, then that would be a good thing according to God.
First, we need some Bible verses to see the context of what is going on. Second, even if they were wealthy in the Old Testament, that is not the New Testament way. Things have changed under the New Covenant. New Testament believers do not sacrifice animals to a priest anymore. New Testament believers are to turn the other cheek instead of rendering an eye for an eye. New Testament believers can now eat unclean animals (Which is a violation of OT Law). Jesus was changing things. For the Scriptures say that the Law has changed (Hebrews 7:12); And Jesus said that where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Where is your treasure today? Is it in Heaven or is it here upon this Earth?
I included several Bible verses in my original post.
Lydia is obviously an NT example, as is Joseph of Arimathea, who had Jesus laid in his own tomb.
Matt. 27:57-60 --When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock.
There were obviously two people in the NT, not just the OT, who chose to use their wealth for good purpose.
Lydia is obviously an NT example, as is Joseph of Arimathea, who had Jesus laid in his own tomb.
Matt. 27:57-60 --When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock.
There were obviously two people in the NT, not just the OT, who chose to use their wealth for good purpose.
R
sorry ma'am if people like me are being stupid and boring. you are entitled to your opinion. and i'm sorry if i'm not as brainy as others, if that makes you feel better. i admit im a newbie in bible studies, that's why i joined here hoping to learn also from others who knows the bible well. i'm asking questions hoping that others have answers base from the bible. because somebody told me that everything you want to know about life and God, it's all written in the bible. but we know that bible is very complex, people have different interpretations. i guess i will not ask questions anymore..God bless everyone..
E
I think people should try to avoid being stupid, boring and believing everyone should have an opinion just like they do
I believe God gave us brains to USE and far too many people are too lazy to think for themself
I believe it is NOT a sin to be rich
I believe it IS a sin to be envious of those who are rich
I believe that calling what one does not understand, cannot attain and therefore spits on, evil, is a sin in and of itself
I certainly do not mean this as pertains to the author of this op...I am only responding to the op
sorry ma'am if people like me are being stupid and boring. you are entitled to your opinion. and i'm sorry if i'm not as brainy as others, if that makes you feel better. i admit im a newbie in bible studies, that's why i joined here hoping to learn also from others who knows the bible well. i'm asking questions hoping that others have answers base from the bible. because somebody told me that everything you want to know about life and God, it's all written in the bible. but we know that bible is very complex, people have different interpretations. i guess i will not ask questions anymore..God bless everyone..
E
It is not so much social economics as it is having a relationship with CHRIST JESUS. We must be very careful not to get so caught up in worldly things. The love of money is the root of all evil. So we are to be content in what GOD has provided. Many rich people have come to know that it is not their possessions that will sustain them. Those who are so invested in wealth, popularity, power and worldly gain find themselves face to face with the enemy satan. Being tormented this in fact will cause one to take their own life. This is why it is imperative to know GOD. For when the enemy comes in like a flood GOD will raise a standard. Christians are covered from the wiles of the enemy. Yes, we get tested and tried but, never defeated. Now know and understand those who are lukewarm in the Faith also fall into temptation as well. In this era of life it is about what you have, who you know, where you live, and your status of wealth. I pose a question what is wealth but knowing GOD and having a Great relationship with HIM. Knowing HE will not have you in want or need, lacking anything. The Bible tells us the poor will be with us always. The selfishness of the world, sin and greed makes sure of it.
Seeking GOD for things you need and want with a good heart is promising to obtain. Going to GOD and allowing HIM to Teach you in order that you have Godly Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge is Wealth beyond measure. The rich have a mindset of more money more power, more money more problems. it is more of the heart what will you do with what you have. Who is blessed from what you have obtained. Does it Glorify GOD? What happens to it once your life here is no more? GOD does not want anything of this world to be a distraction to HIM. Money, wealth and possessions will not make one evil. All are born in sin in order to not live a sinful life one must be Born again living a life of CHRIST no longer bound by sin but Free to live sinless by way of Repentance and the forgiveness of The ALMIGHTY.
Blessings!!!!!!!
Seeking GOD for things you need and want with a good heart is promising to obtain. Going to GOD and allowing HIM to Teach you in order that you have Godly Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge is Wealth beyond measure. The rich have a mindset of more money more power, more money more problems. it is more of the heart what will you do with what you have. Who is blessed from what you have obtained. Does it Glorify GOD? What happens to it once your life here is no more? GOD does not want anything of this world to be a distraction to HIM. Money, wealth and possessions will not make one evil. All are born in sin in order to not live a sinful life one must be Born again living a life of CHRIST no longer bound by sin but Free to live sinless by way of Repentance and the forgiveness of The ALMIGHTY.
Blessings!!!!!!!
Romans 8:5-7
king James version(KJV)
5.)For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6.)For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.
7.)Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Lazarus was rich and Jesus loved him and brought him back to life ( holy spirit type ) "is anything too hard for GOD"
not being rich, but .. 1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil..
love GOD through Jesus Christ 1st above ALL..!!
Mt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
not being rich, but .. 1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil..
love GOD through Jesus Christ 1st above ALL..!!
Mt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Thank you for such a thoughtful subject to consider for a poor Christian goals to become rich Christian. As i would want to give, as i am given to share regarding this matter in short.
There is a 'tolerance' for Christians businessmen who talks among themselves plans to 'trade' and make a 'profit' for the day, 'if the LORD wills and we will live and do this or that'. (James 4;15)
As it is written (Luke 16;9);
"And I tell you, makes friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwelling-'s'."
We all have learn and know that there are only 'two' eternal dwellings in future, either Heaven or hell.
In the beginning book of Acts reveals that some Christians, 'sold' piece of their property and brought all the purchased money and lay them at the Apostle's feet.
As it is also written (1Timothy 6;9,10);
"9. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wondered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
Therefore we are able to 'perceive' that those who desire to be rich and the love for money ruins them. And those who are rich, are to be rich in Good works and one may do them in secret, in order to be rewarded by GOD the FATHER.
GOD bless you all in the name of LORD JESUS CHRIST with HIS kindness and peace.
There is a 'tolerance' for Christians businessmen who talks among themselves plans to 'trade' and make a 'profit' for the day, 'if the LORD wills and we will live and do this or that'. (James 4;15)
As it is written (Luke 16;9);
"And I tell you, makes friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwelling-'s'."
We all have learn and know that there are only 'two' eternal dwellings in future, either Heaven or hell.
In the beginning book of Acts reveals that some Christians, 'sold' piece of their property and brought all the purchased money and lay them at the Apostle's feet.
As it is also written (1Timothy 6;9,10);
"9. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wondered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
Therefore we are able to 'perceive' that those who desire to be rich and the love for money ruins them. And those who are rich, are to be rich in Good works and one may do them in secret, in order to be rewarded by GOD the FATHER.
GOD bless you all in the name of LORD JESUS CHRIST with HIS kindness and peace.
God can use evil for a good purpose but that does not mean God agrees with that evil, though. For example: God used Joseph's brothers and their evil for a greater good to save much people alive, but that does not mean God was in approval of their evil, though.
So was Joseph rich and a disciple? According the Scriptures this would be a.... yes.
But what does 1 Timothy 6 charge them that are rich?
17 "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."
We see that the rich are charged that they must be willing to distribute. Why? So that they may lay hold on eternal life. In other words, Joseph must have given away much of his wealth already and laid up a good foundation in order to be one of Christ's disciples. For Jesus said to the rich young ruler that he needed to sell all his possessions if he wanted to be perfect. Jesus then said after to the rich young ruler that if he would have done this, that He could then follow Him. Jesus did not say He could follow Him and still hold onto his possessions and be rich. This is why the rich young ruler went away sad. For if Jesus let Joseph be rich, then he would have to go back and apologize to the rich young ruler in whom he did not allow in being rich.
In other words, the Scriptures were describing how the world knew Joseph of his past life. That does not mean he still was living in his past life. For the thief on the cross was a called a thief, but that does not mean he was still desiring to be a thief after meeting Jesus on the cross. The thief admitted his wrong before the Lord and asked that He be remembered when Christ came into His Kingdom. In fact, people today still call him the thief on the cross. But the difference here is that he is not a thief after meeting Jesus. It is merely a decription of his past life. That does not mean he was planning to steal if he was rescued miraculously from his situation.
As for Lydia: It does not actually say that she is rich in the Scriptures.
So was Joseph rich and a disciple? According the Scriptures this would be a.... yes.
But what does 1 Timothy 6 charge them that are rich?
17 "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."
We see that the rich are charged that they must be willing to distribute. Why? So that they may lay hold on eternal life. In other words, Joseph must have given away much of his wealth already and laid up a good foundation in order to be one of Christ's disciples. For Jesus said to the rich young ruler that he needed to sell all his possessions if he wanted to be perfect. Jesus then said after to the rich young ruler that if he would have done this, that He could then follow Him. Jesus did not say He could follow Him and still hold onto his possessions and be rich. This is why the rich young ruler went away sad. For if Jesus let Joseph be rich, then he would have to go back and apologize to the rich young ruler in whom he did not allow in being rich.
In other words, the Scriptures were describing how the world knew Joseph of his past life. That does not mean he still was living in his past life. For the thief on the cross was a called a thief, but that does not mean he was still desiring to be a thief after meeting Jesus on the cross. The thief admitted his wrong before the Lord and asked that He be remembered when Christ came into His Kingdom. In fact, people today still call him the thief on the cross. But the difference here is that he is not a thief after meeting Jesus. It is merely a decription of his past life. That does not mean he was planning to steal if he was rescued miraculously from his situation.
As for Lydia: It does not actually say that she is rich in the Scriptures.