What other scriptures warn against prioritizing wealth over spiritual values? Introducing the Issue: Luke 16:14 “The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all of this and were scoffing at Jesus.” Jesus confronts hearts that value cash over the Kingdom. Scripture consistently echoes that same warning. Key Passages That Reinforce the Warning • Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” • Matthew 13:22 – “The worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” • Luke 12:15 – “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” • Luke 12:20-21 – “‘You fool!… So is he who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.’” • Luke 18:24-25 – “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle…” • 1 Timothy 6:9-10 – “Those who want to be rich fall into temptation… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “Command those who are rich… not to put their hope in wealth… to be rich in good deeds… so that they may lay hold of that which is truly life.” • Hebrews 13:5 – “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” • James 5:1-3 – “Come now, you rich, weep and wail… Your gold and silver are corroded… Their corrosion will testify against you.” • Proverbs 11:4 – “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.” • Proverbs 23:4-5 – “Do not wear yourself out to get rich… wealth certainly sprouts wings and flies off like an eagle.” • Ecclesiastes 5:10 – “He who loves money is never satisfied with money.” • Revelation 3:17-18 – “‘You say, “I am rich”… but you do not realize that you are… poor… Buy from Me gold refined by fire.’” Patterns to Notice • Wealth itself is not condemned; the love of wealth is. • Money competes for allegiance—“two masters” (Matthew 6:24). • Earthly riches fade; heavenly investments last. • Greed blinds—Laodicea thought it was rich but was spiritually bankrupt (Revelation 3:17). • Contentment, generosity, and eternal perspective are the commanded antidotes. Practical Takeaways for Today • Regularly check what excites or worries you most; that’s where the heart’s treasure lies. • Give generously and secretly—loosen money’s grip. • Plan, save, and work hard, yet hold resources loosely, ready to obey God’s promptings. • Fix hope on the certainty of Christ’s presence (Hebrews 13:5), not on the uncertainty of wealth (1 Timothy 6:17). |
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