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Does God Want You to be Rich?
'Ready Answer' by StaffIn this age of affluence, many are tempted to equate worth with material wealth, yet God urges us to seek true riches that transcend earthly possessions. God does not oppose material wealth itself, as seen in the prosperity of the patriarchs like Abraham, who possessed vast livestock, silver, and gold, or David and Solomon, who had immense riches. However, He warns against setting our minds on money, which can become a snare and a root of evil, leading us to discontentment and envy. Jesus teaches that life is not about money and that we cannot serve both God and wealth. He advises us not to lay up treasures on earth but to pursue spiritual riches, as the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches can choke the word of God, rendering it unfruitful in us. To the Laodiceans, who consider themselves rich yet are spiritually poor, Christ counsels them to buy gold refined in fire from Him to become truly rich in His eyes. Conversely, to the church of Smyrna, though poor and troubled, He commends them as rich due to their spiritual wealth. God's perspective on riches differs vastly from the world's. He values contentment with what we have and the pursuit of spiritual treasures over material success. When we seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, we embark on the path to true riches. Being rich toward God involves generosity and sharing with those in need, as exemplified by the Macedonian brethren who, despite their deep poverty, abounded in the riches of liberality, giving beyond their ability with joy. Similarly, the poor widow who gave all she had is seen by Jesus as spiritually rich due to her generosity. Spiritual wealth also manifests as being rich in faith, as God has chosen the poor of this world to be heirs of His Kingdom through their love for Him. The inconspicuous members of the church, who quietly support and encourage others, are often the richest in God's sight. The ultimate example of spiritual riches is Jesus Christ Himself, who, though rich, became poor for our sakes so that through His poverty we might become rich. Even now, we are blessed with the exceeding riches of His grace, living forgiven and accepted by Him. We must not despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, nor overlook the depth of the wisdom and knowledge of God that enriches our understanding. With Christ in us, we are rich, and we can grow in these spiritual riches as we seek Him more and live according to His ways. God desires us to be rich in spiritual things, and He will provide them as we wisely invest what we receive. Ultimately, true wealth lies in knowing God and living as He does, a richness that surpasses all earthly treasures.
How to Become Rich
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughGod does not measure prosperity by the ownership of physical possessions but with the depth of a person's relationship with Him.
Spiritual Food Satisfies
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsThose who view religion as a life of gloom and deprivation are too short-sighted to realize that the world's entertainments do not satisfy the deepest need.
Parable of the Treasure
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus' Parable of the Treasure in Matthew 6:19-21 is designed to get us to evaluate the relative values of material wealth and 'treasures in heaven.'
A Brief Overview of Biblical Prosperity
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughIn Proverbs 30:7-9, Agur asks God to cushion him from the extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, allowing himself to live a balanced life of contentment.
Money, Control and Sacrifice (2015)
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughIn the important things in life, money is powerless. Wealth cannot buy forgiveness, eternal life, or God's Spirit. Riches do not profit in the day of wrath.
Prosperity's Consequences
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsProsperity is not always an emblem of God's approval. God will not prosper us if it would cause spiritual damage, insulating us from seeking His kingdom.
Eternal Paradoxes
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsWe must learn to be content to be weak and powerless, realizing that, when we are poor in spirit, we receive power from God's Holy Spirit.
Christ's Vital Final Warning to His Church
Sermon by Mark SchindlerWe must be careful in our approach to our spiritual riches so we do not fall into the same trap that people with abundant physical wealth fall.
The Relationship Deficit (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeChrist is uncertain how much the Laodiceans really desire what He has offered them. Other things are competing for their attention. Will they open the door?
Poor in Spirit (1997)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBeing poor in spirit is a foundational spiritual state for qualifying for God's Kingdom. Poor in spirit describes being acutely aware of one's dependency.
The Relationship Deficit (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIn Laodicea, the people judge, but they are judging according to themselves. They are not seeking the will of Christ, and thus their judgment is distorted.
Increased With Goods
Sermonette by James BeaubelleThe Laodicean congregation had a penchant toward materialism, which sidetracked them from their primary goal of following Christ.
The Seven Churches (Part Four): Smyrna
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ's letter to the church in Smyrna contains a rarity among the seven churches: He levels no criticism! What makes the Smyrnans so acceptable?
Parable of the Talents (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhile the Parable of the Ten Virgins highlights preparation for Christ's return, the Parable of the Talents portrays Christians engaged in profitable activity.
I Know Your Works
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughContrary to Protestant understanding, our works emphatically do count - showing or demonstrating (not just telling) that we will be obedient.
Smyrna: Faithful Until Death
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe biblical city of Smyrna may be one that many know the least about. The city's name reveals the themes that the Head of the church wants us to understand.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhat God really wants is for us to see things from His point of view, making the right choices, striving to build character, developing into His image.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Three): Smyrna
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist prepared the members of Smyrna for martyrdom, promising them eternal glory for enduring a relatively short time, looking at things from a hopeful perspective.
The Gifts We've Been Given
Sermonette by Ryan McClureThe gift of the Holy Spirit, leading to an intimate relationship with God, eternal life in the God family as called out firstfruits, is priceless.
Making Good Use of God's Talent
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeBiblically, a talent has nothing to do with ability, skill, or aptitude. The Parable of the Talents goes far beyond making use of skills and abilities.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Eleven): Laodicea
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Laodiceans fail to reciprocate Christ's love for them. The comfort of prosperity blinded them to their spiritual condition, especially their need for Christ.