|
In this lesson we will talk about are we rich or are we poor. Financial discipline is crucial for Christian. Often people think about their poverty. If I am a poor person how can I give to others. Let us look at the Bible and see how can you become rich in your poverty.
1. Put God first
We shouldn’t desire riches / poverty, but just what we need.
Proverbs 30:8-9
8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
Keep falsehood and lies far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say ‘ who is the lord?’
Jesus was very clear, even though you are very poor in this world; you can be a rich person in god. Only one thing, you need to put God first in your life.
2 Corinthians 8:2
Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
Here Paul is talking about Macedonian churches v.2 We can see even though Macedonian church was poor they forgot poverty, and
they gave to the Lord beyond their capacity.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you,
12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Even though you don’t’ have anything in this world instead of getting lazy, start to do something practical with a clear plan.
2. Give with full heart
God is the caretaker of your money. When you give He will give back to you.
Proverbs 3:9-10
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
What does God do when we give to him? He will bless us in a great way.
3. Think for others
Matthew 16:25
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
Don’t worry about yourself, but about others.
In short if you think you are poorer than others, you put God first in your life; you give with full heart to God as to others also.
When you start thinking about others God will save you plus you will be the person who has riches in poverty.
|
