Wealth

  • God’s Omnipotent Grace

    Matthew 19:25–26

    James Boice writes: “The only way anyone will ever be saved is if God operates entirely apart from us and for his own good pleasure” (The Gospel According to Matthew, vol. 2, p. 410). We are tempted to look at ...Read More

  • The Trouble with Riches

    Matthew 19:23–24

    John Calvin writes that Jesus’ proverb “is highly useful to all; to the rich, that, being warned of their danger, they may be on their guard; to the poor, that, satisfied with their lot, they may not so eagerly desire ...Read More

  • A Man Who Loved Riches

    Matthew 19:16–22

    Even though not every Christian is called to sell all his possessions, one commentator has helpfully noted that those who find comfort that this call is not universal are precisely those to whom Jesus would issue it! As citizens of ...Read More

  • The Building of Wealth

    Romans 7:4

    We must always be wary of the temptation to seek security in our wealth, for it is the fool who trusts in his riches (Prov. 11:28). Nevertheless, it is not inherently sinful to be wealthy or to make a ...Read More

  • Reasons for Poverty

    Deuteronomy 15:11

    Consider your attitude to the poor today. Do you assume all poor people are lazy? Are you sensitive to those who have become impoverished due to a calamity and then seek to meet their needs? Also consider where your chief ...Read More

  • Rich Oppressors

    James 5:1–6

    Most wealthy Christians would probably not be guilty of withholding pay from their employees. However, there are many other ways in which wealth can be misused. For example, it is possible to sin by living to the full extent of ...Read More

  • No Partiality

    James 2:1–4

    In today’s passage, we see the high Christology of James who refers to Jesus as the “Lord of glory” (v. 1). His glory is that which is to be esteemed above all else in the church. Thus there is ...Read More

  • Proper Boasting

    James 1:9–11

    Without faith, we could never boast in our position in Christ. Rather, we would find other things, economic or not, in which to boast. Poverty and wealth are both trials that the Lord may send our way (James 1:2 ...Read More

  • The Power of Riches

    Mark 10:17-22

    This man claimed to want eternal life and was willing to do much to gain it. But he wanted his wealth even more. Enjoy your earthly blessings, but guard your heart against the siren call of materialism and wealth. Accept ...Read More

  • Lust for Material Wealth

    Isaiah 23

    Take stock of how you see your possessions. Do you see your wealth (even if it is not as great as others) as a temporary gift from God for His glory? Are you ambitious for riches? If so, confess this ...Read More