Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5856 extravagance

5856 extravagance

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

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:

Mark 12:41-44 pp Luke 21:1-4

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

John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 9:15

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