Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5856 extravagance Exaggerated, excessive or immoderate behaviour often linked with wastefulness which may result in personal harm. God's people are called to be wise stewards of what has been entrusted to them. However, Scripture also points to a right kind of open-handedness and generosity of spirit which reflects love and worship towards God and concern for others. Examples of sinful extravagance Wastefulness Luke 15:13 See also Proverbs 21:20; Proverbs 29:3 Drunkenness and gluttony Proverbs 23:20 See also Deuteronomy 21:20; Ephesians 5:18; Philippians 3:19 The results of sinful extravagance Wastefulness leads to poverty Luke 15:14-17 See also Proverbs 13:18; Proverbs 22:16; Proverbs 23:21 Extravagant living leads to spiritual complacency Luke 12:19-20 See also Isaiah 5:11-12; Isaiah 22:12-13; Isaiah 56:11-12; Amos 6:1-6; Zephaniah 1:12-13 The alternative to sinful extravagance Thankful enjoyment of God's gifts 1 Timothy 4:3-4 See also Acts 10:13-15; 1 Corinthians 10:30-31 Stewardship of God's blessings Ezekiel 34:18-19 See also Genesis 2:15; Exodus 23:10-12; Deuteronomy 15:14-15; Proverbs 22:9 Discipline and self-control 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 See also Genesis 2:16-17; Matthew 6:16-18 fasting; Romans 14:6 abstinence from certain foods; 1 Corinthians 7:5 temporary abstinence from sexual relationships Examples of commendable extravagance in worship Mark 14:3-5 pp Matthew 26:6-9 pp John 12:3-5 See also Exodus 36:3-7 gifts for the tabernacle; 2 Samuel 6:14-15 David dancing before the ark Gifts for the temple: 1 Chronicles 29:3-4; 2 Chronicles 24:10 Extravagance in praise and thanksgiving: Psalm 119:171; 2 Corinthians 4:15; Colossians 2:7 The widow's offering: Examples of extravagance not commended in worship Micah 6:7-8 Extravagant offerings are no substitute for doing what God requires. See also 1 Samuel 15:20-22 Other examples of commendable extravagance Extravagance in caring for others 2 Corinthians 8:2-4 See also Matthew 5:39-42 pp Luke 6:29-30; 2 Corinthians 9:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 3:12 Extravagance in forgiveness Matthew 18:21-22 See also Luke 17:3-4; Matthew 18:26 the king's generosity in forgiving his servant's debt; Luke 15:22-23 celebrations at the return of the prodigal son Warnings against failing to be extravagant towards God and others Stinginess cheats God: Isaiah 43:24; Malachi 3:8-9; Acts 5:1-2 Stinginess denies others: Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Proverbs 23:6-8 Stinginess results in personal loss: Proverbs 11:24; Proverbs 28:22,27; Matthew 18:32-34 The extravagance of God's grace The gift of his Son The blessings of God's salvation Romans 8:32 See also Romans 5:5,15; Ephesians 1:8; Titus 3:5-6; 1 John 3:1 The abundance of God's provision Psalm 23:5; Psalm 65:11; Isaiah 66:11; Joel 2:24; Zechariah 1:17 God's blessings promised to the generous Malachi 3:10 See also Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 22:9; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 See also
1055 God, grace & mercy |
  |