Topical Bible: Riches: They Who Possess, should Ascribe Them to God

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Riches, in the biblical context, are often seen as a blessing from God, a manifestation of His providence and favor. The Scriptures consistently remind believers that all wealth and material possessions ultimately originate from God, and those who possess them should acknowledge His sovereignty and generosity.

Divine Source of Riches

The Bible emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of all wealth. In Deuteronomy 8:18 , it is written, "But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is today." This passage underscores the belief that any ability to acquire wealth is granted by God, and it serves a purpose within His divine plan.

Acknowledgment and Gratitude

Believers are encouraged to recognize and express gratitude for their riches. Proverbs 10:22 states, "The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it." This suggests that true wealth, when acknowledged as a blessing from God, brings joy and fulfillment without the burdens often associated with material gain.

Stewardship and Responsibility

With wealth comes the responsibility of stewardship. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 advises, "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." This passage highlights the importance of using one's riches for good, emphasizing generosity and the eternal value of good works over material wealth.

Warnings Against Pride and Self-Reliance

The Bible warns against the dangers of pride and self-reliance that can accompany wealth. In James 1:9-11 , it is written, "The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits." This serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly riches and the importance of humility before God.

Riches as a Test of Faithfulness

Riches can also serve as a test of one's faithfulness to God. In Luke 16:10-11 , Jesus teaches, "Whoever is faithful with very little is also faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. If, then, you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches?" This parable illustrates that how one manages earthly wealth is indicative of their ability to handle greater spiritual responsibilities.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the consistent message is that riches are a gift from God, to be used wisely and with gratitude. Believers are called to acknowledge God as the source of their wealth, to practice good stewardship, and to remain humble, recognizing the fleeting nature of material possessions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 29:12
Both riches and honor come of you, and you reign over all; and in your hand is power and might; and in your hand it is to make great, and to give strength to all.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Perfect Knowledge Cannot be Attained in the Present Life: Many ...
... He is good, and possesses boundless riches, a kingdom ... it is absurd [3231] ] that
we should display such an ... 8. Moreover, they possess no proof of their system ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviii perfect knowledge cannot be.htm

Now Comes the Second Part of the Prayer, in which we Descend to ...
... of their own abundance, and trust in their own riches, only mock ... at all expect to
obtain, namely, what they imagine that they in themselves already possess. ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 44 now comes the.htm

Faustus Denies that Manich??ans Believe in Two Gods. Hyle no God. ...
... partake in the good which the highest possess in a ... and voice; and thinking her a
friend, they are drawn ... said, "Good and evil, life and death, riches and poverty ...
/.../faustus denies that manichaeans believe.htm

The Conclusion,
... which the Creator of the universe must possess, it is ... and under the circumstances
in which they are placed ... mean in the doubtful advantages of riches and grandeur ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter viii the conclusion.htm

The Unknown Giver and the Misused Gifts
... What I possess is the result of thought. ... He can withdraw his gifts easily. "Riches
certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the unknown giver and the.htm

Divine Impartiality Considered.
... made them all: The earth is full of thy riches.". ... applications speak such to be our
state"they are adopted ... or abuse of the talents we possess will determine ...
/.../sermon vi divine impartiality considered.htm

Pride of Prosperity
... of their position, are supposed to possess great wisdom ... such men make God their
dependence, they will surely ... through whose efficiency the truest riches and the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 3 pride of prosperity.htm

Of the Sacraments.
... in whom all the nations of the earth should be blessed ... Christ, with his spiritual
riches. The same efficacy which ours possess they experienced in theirs"viz. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 of the sacraments.htm

Sunday Before Lent
... as do the gifts of intellect, health, eloquence, riches. ... teachers devoid of love
should possess such gifts ... understanding mysteries; that they should have faith ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/sunday before lent.htm

Psalm LXIX.
... The true riches of this poor man are these, to consider the creation ... the following
words: "and the seed of His servants shall possess Her, and they that love ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxix.htm