Topical Bible: Riches: God Gives Power to Obtain

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of riches in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing material wealth, spiritual abundance, and the divine empowerment to acquire and manage resources. From a biblical perspective, riches are not inherently evil; rather, they are a blessing from God when obtained and used in accordance with His will. The Bible emphasizes that it is God who grants the ability to acquire wealth, and this power is to be exercised with gratitude, responsibility, and a heart aligned with His purposes.

Divine Source of Wealth

The Bible clearly states that God is the ultimate source of all wealth and prosperity. 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 verse underscores the belief that wealth is not merely the result of human effort or ingenuity but is a gift from God, given to fulfill His covenantal promises.

Purpose of Wealth

Riches are bestowed by God for specific purposes, including the support of His work on earth and the care of others. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 , Paul instructs Timothy, "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." Here, the apostle highlights the responsibility of the wealthy to use their resources for good, emphasizing generosity and the eternal value of investing in God's kingdom.

Warnings Against Misuse

While God gives the power to obtain riches, the Bible also warns against the dangers of wealth when it becomes an idol or a source of pride. In Matthew 6:24 , Jesus teaches, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." This warning serves as a reminder that wealth should never take precedence over one's relationship with God.

Examples of Godly Wealth

Throughout Scripture, there are examples of individuals who were blessed with wealth and used it in ways that honored God. Abraham, for instance, was "very wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold" (Genesis 13:2), yet he remained faithful to God and was known for his hospitality and generosity. Similarly, King Solomon was granted unparalleled wisdom and wealth by God, as recorded in 1 Kings 3:13 : "Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal."

Conclusion

In summary, the Bible presents riches as a divine gift, entrusted to individuals for the fulfillment of God's purposes. Believers are called to recognize God as the source of their wealth, to use it wisely and generously, and to guard against the temptations that accompany material abundance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 8:18
But you shall remember the LORD your God: for it is he that gives you power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Begins to Treat of the Union of the Soul with God in Prayer. How ...
... What riches we receive while God so works in us that ... 3.). [168] 'There are three
ways in which God is present ... for it is by this presence that He gives life and ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter i begins to treat.htm

The Christian Alone Rich.
... who has and keeps, but he who gives away, that ... from cattle and fields, but given
by God"riches which cannot ... desire nothing that is not in our power, and to ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter vi the christian alone rich.htm

Power "In" and "Upon. "
... but they are very rich, they have all the riches on the ... the flesh, and the devil;
something that gives the victory ... to do God's work with the grace God gave us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter ii power in and.htm

Speaks of the Manner in which God Communicates with the Soul by ...
... who would refuse to exchange it for any earthly riches or delight ... given to prayer,
has not been led by God in this ... is no cause for fear, the demon gives rise to ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter viii speaks of the.htm

The Servants and the Pounds.
... come to this world again as its King, with power and great ... All that God gives us
is given for use ... renewed in spirit, he endows them with various riches from his ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxx the servants and the.htm

Now Comes the Second Part of the Prayer, in which we Descend to ...
... In like manner, whenever it so pleases, he gives us a proof of an ... full of their own
abundance, and trust in their own riches, only mock God by offering up ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 44 now comes the.htm

Eighth Lesson. Because of his Importunity;'
... is the friend of the poor is very specially the friend of God. This gives wonderful
liberty in prayer ... In Thee I have a Friend, whose kindness and riches I know ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/eighth lesson because of his.htm

Sermon for the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity
... IN this passage, the Son of God gives us a similitude ... we ask for is God Himself with
all His riches. In that Kingdom does God become our Father, and manifests ...
/.../xxiv sermon for the fifteenth.htm

The Obedience of Faith
... that we may see and know the riches of the ... all-sufficient grace, day by day, for
every command He gives? ... As unlimited and as sure as God's promise and power are ...
/.../murray/the school of obedience/vi the obedience of faith.htm

Of the Excellent Value which Sacred Love Gives to the Actions ...
... and utterly useless to our Master, who by reason of his essential superabundance
of riches can have no ... But, O God! ... and he gives us the glory of possessing him. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter vi of the excellent.htm