Why do Christians tell you you shouldn't ask GOD for material things?

Well I wouldn't listen to them in that case. All cozy in their homes with a good income. Scripture states we can bring anything before God and he already knows what we need.

And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

God knows how many hairs are on our heads and He sees when a sparrow dies so how much more does he care for us!

true

I am low income too, but in my experience if you give say 10% of my income God help me to pay the bill
i remember when I was young, I work as deliverer boy, than the company close, i still have a money to eat before find other job, my friend who do the same as I do, owe me money to by grocery
I see the different between trust in bible principle and unbeliever
Now I am only from Ssi income, my friend do as I do, the income not much different, church goer too, but he think his income is too small and not give the the work of God, he always have problem to pay the bill, his children have to pay his electric bill
is a matter if willing to try or not

It's perfectly legitimate to ask God also for material blessings, provided we intend to use them for a good purpose, e.g. providing for our family, giving more to churches/charities etc. I asked God some time ago to give me a Good Job, that was paying more than I had earlier - as I was in a nice job, but not earning very well, and thus had some struggles too - and He graciously answered and gave me the current job I now have, which pays very well. So we can surely pray and ask for such things imho, and if we're walking in His Will and keeping His Commandments, He will surely hear and give good things to us

1 Jn 3:22 "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."

God Bless.

Ephesians 1:3 + Philippians 2:13

Perhaps... but are you past retirement age with no hope of being able to ever retire?

This guy's not asking to hit the lotto. He's not asking and aching for a 70" TV set and a Rolls. He wants to be able to retire. After a certain point in life, that is not an unreasonable request, and I'm seeing a lot of insensitive and sanctimonious answers to this man. No, I'm not going to point them out specifically, as that will spiral this thing completely out of control. But, I wish people would try to put themselves in his place.

Faith is hard. Life is hard. I've been homeless, and I buried my wife's body at a young age, so I know. Sometimes it makes absolutely no sense. But, in those times, we need to ask God for strength and peace to endure. We need to ask Him to help us be like Paul and be content in all circumstances. And, we need to ask Him for what it is we want changed -- or, for Him to change us. Or, maybe a little of both.

I still also recommend a financial advisor. They are paid to help people retire. It does not hurt to ask and seek. What's the worst that could happen? You were right? But, what's the best that could happen? Consider that.

I know you're in a place of discouragement and negativity. But, you can help yourself by not assuming the outcome of a course of action first. Also, seek God for the humility it will require for you to be like Job, staying faithful in God despite losing everything, but his life and wife.

Nope, but is retirement a biblical thing or a worldly thing? Are we to work until we cannot work any longer? In that case, who is supposed to care for you? Family? The church? I prefer to retire someday, but if I cannot, what is a Christian supposed to do? Has God gave us the answer in his word?

This is a topic that needs to be handled so delicately. It is too easy to fall into the realm of, "if you were just more faithful, God would reward you more." I definitely would not question the OPs faith, not saying that anyone is, and I definitely understand the frustration he is feeling. All I can offer really is sympathy and prayers.

As I posted earlier, Saint John the Apostle says it's perfectly legitimate to pray that we may prosper as our soul also prospers.

Reference: 3 John 1:2:

Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.

God Bless.

It is all about our needs not our wants.
If you have food, shelter, and clothes, you have needs.
Often God answers our prayer for our needs by providing a job.
Be thankful He provided and you have the ability to work.
Nothing wrong in asking God for needs, but to ask for what others have is greed, envy, and pride.

Because they dont bother learn the LORDS prayer. "Give us this day our daily bread".

Yeah that's not true

I wanted this and that and I received this and that and I consider myself blessed

that could be a job, a husband, be able to use my God given talents and a couple of spiritual gifts along the way

a house I never expected after I lost one I really really liked

you sell God short

oh my! I don't want what others have at all! a number have definitely wanted what I have though

you have some funny ideas if you think I hanker after what others have and pray for the same. anyone who thinks that, is perhaps limited in their own thoughts about what God is willing and able to do for those who love Him

Mostly we receive from God through our participation in our various "vocations" often that material needs come through our jobs, which is God's design. "By the sweat of our brow shall we eat". This does not by any means disqualify asking God for better. Totally ignore what others have.
I can identify with the struggle. I ask God to first forgive me for squandering my youth and opportunities that came along. But to bless my efforts today, to let me prosper so as not to be in debt, and to build an inheritance for my children. That my things will last and endure until they can be replaced hopefully with better. That I would have extra that I may give and be charitable. As David said, not to be so rich that I forget God but also not so poor as to need to steal.
That my every need be met with abundance left over. Not to waste but to share. And this is good.

I don't think it's wrong to ask God for an improvement in your financial situation. Asking him for blessings in this life isn't wrong. Just remember that building up treasures in heaven is better. It's not an easy road you are travelling, I think you should continue to ask the God of all comfort to help you in this life.

Phil 4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

James 1
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.


Have you considered that this may not be about you? It may be a test for those around you.
Knowing your situation, have any of your friends/family offered to help you? You have helped others, has anyone helped you?
If they haven't offered practical financial help, have they offered to pray with you? To petition God on your behalf?

My response was about your quote of Phil 4:19 and was not aimed at you.
Sorry I was not more clear.
About wanting what others have was not about the person but the things, such as a bigger house, newer car, ETC. Not being satisfied and thankful for God's providing one's needs.

OK

A Christian should not ask for material things for God only blesses us with our needs not our wants.

That is why the Bible says the love of money is the root of all evil for it neglects the poor and needy which love is the fulfilling of the law which includes caring about the needs of people.

Anybody that goes by their wants does not love people like they should for people should come before our wants and if a person does not love people then they cannot receive salvation.

That is why Paul said out of faith, hope, and charity, love in action, charity is the greatest.

Paul said he can have all faith so that he can remove mountains but if he did not have charity then he is nothing.

And said if anybody preaches that godliness is gain which would mean money and material things for their wants withdraw yourselves from them having food and clothing be content.

For the love of money is the root of all evil for they care about money more than they do people that are poor and needy which is not love which some have coveted after money and erred from the faith.

James was talking about feeding and clothing people that if people have the means to help the poor and needy and they do not do it then their faith is dead which he said we are justified by our works and not faith alone which he is talking about works of helping people out with their needs.

Which Paul and James said the same thing care about the poor and needy which Paul said if you do not then you have erred from the faith and James said your faith is dead.

People argue over Paul and James and they say the same thing which Paul called it charity which is love in actions, works, and James calls it works.

John said if a person has this the means to help the poor and needy and they do not do it then the love of God does not dwell in them, so do not love in word nor in tongue, but in deed, and in truth which deeds are works.

Paul said have works, James said have works, and John said have works, which love can only apply in your life if you have works of love which is charity.

Anybody that goes by money and material things do not love people like they should therefore they are not in a position to be saved for love is the fulfilling of the law and charity, love in action, is greater than faith.

No love, no faith, no salvation.

We are saved by faith, not by works, when we confess Christ because that is all we can do, but when we receive the Spirit then we have to have works of love to have faith apply in our life and love can only be done in action to apply in a person's life.

Which is why Paul said if he did not have charity, love in action, works, then he is nothing.

And James we are justified by works, and not faith alone.

And John if we do not have works of love then the love of God is not in us.

Because God loves people not blessing us with our wants.

Which is why the Bible says the saints appear poor to the world and having nothing for the world views riches as money and material things which God does not give but only our needs.

We can ask for material things as long as it is a need and not a want that is not necessary for our survival.

Where is this written?