Topical Bible: Riches: They Who Possess, should be Liberal in all Things

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Bible provides extensive guidance on the use and stewardship of riches, emphasizing that those who possess wealth should be generous and liberal in their giving. This principle is rooted in the understanding that all wealth ultimately belongs to God and is entrusted to individuals for the purpose of serving others and advancing His kingdom.

Biblical Mandate for Generosity

The call to generosity is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In 1 Timothy 6:17-18, the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to command the rich "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. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." This passage highlights the transient nature of wealth and the importance of using it for good deeds and sharing with others.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a foundation for the generous use of wealth. Proverbs 11:24-25 states, "One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This wisdom literature underscores the paradox that true prosperity comes through liberality and generosity.

The Mosaic Law also included provisions for the care of the poor and the distribution of resources. Leviticus 19:9-10 commands landowners not to harvest to the very edges of their fields or gather the gleanings of their harvest, but to leave them for the poor and the foreigner. This law institutionalized generosity and care for the less fortunate within the community.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently addressed the topic of wealth and generosity. In Luke 6:38, He taught, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." This teaching encourages believers to give liberally, with the assurance that God will bless their generosity.

The early church exemplified this principle of liberality. Acts 4:32-35 describes how the believers were "one in heart and mind" and shared everything they had. Those who owned land or houses sold them and brought the proceeds to the apostles, who distributed to anyone in need. This radical generosity was a testament to their unity and commitment to caring for one another.

Warnings Against Hoarding Wealth

Scripture also warns against the dangers of hoarding wealth and neglecting the needs of others. James 5:1-3 admonishes the rich, saying, "Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days." This stark warning serves as a reminder that wealth is not to be accumulated selfishly but used for the benefit of others.

The Example of Christ

The ultimate example of liberality is found in Jesus Christ Himself. In 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul writes, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich." Christ's sacrificial giving is the model for all believers, demonstrating that true riches are found in selfless love and generosity.

Conclusion

The biblical call to be liberal with riches is clear and compelling. Those who possess wealth are encouraged to view it as a tool for blessing others, advancing God's purposes, and reflecting the generous nature of Christ. Through faithful stewardship and open-handed giving, believers can honor God and make a lasting impact in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 6:18
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Collections, V.
... thriftiness to be commended, if their riches are of ... always free enjoyment of what
they possess, they are not ... sweets of mercy: outwardly splendid, they have no ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon x on the collections.htm

Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences
... not by the power of the keys (which he does not possess), but by ... The treasures of
the indulgences are nets with which they now fish for the riches of men. ...
/.../luther/martin luthers 95 theses/disputation of doctor martin luther.htm

Footnotes:
... for his children or friends to possess it, when he ... themselves in the multitude of
their riches; none of ... by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/groves/christian devotedness/footnotes .htm

Match-Making.
... That they do possess such a right, and are justified in the ... "Look not only for riches,
lest thou be ... "Like the spider's most attenuated thread, They break at ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxiii match-making.htm

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
... and forbearance, as in Romans 2, 4: "Despisest thou the riches of his ... Hence they
refuse to recognize as Christians any who fail to possess the fruits in ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday after epiphany.htm

Matt. xx. 29, 30
... common sort; and a house He did not so much as possess. ... them, that the income may
remain, and that they may have a greater increase of riches from thence ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxvi matt xx 29.htm

Letter v. --Distractions in Prayer.
... vain self-satisfaction occasioned by the spiritual riches it supposes itself to
possess, and God ... making them; but in your present state they are made ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter v distractions in prayer.htm

Of Christian Liberty.
... Certainly ivory and gold, and riches, are the good ... the present day who cannot think
they possess their liberty ... gentle food, it is certain that they have never ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of christian liberty.htm

About the Prefigured Change of the Israelitic Kingdom and ...
... and let not the rich glory in his riches: but let ... shall have come they shall not
be, because they bring their ... For when God has begun to possess us, immediately ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 4 about the prefigured change.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... that all the endowments which we possess are divine ... and honour, intrigue for power,
accumulate riches, and collect ... own counsel, we see how restless they are in ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm