Topical Bible: Security: False: Relies on Earthly Treasures

◄ Security: False: Relies on Earthly Treasures ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the concept of false security is often associated with the reliance on earthly treasures and material wealth. Scripture consistently warns against placing trust in riches, which are transient and ultimately unreliable. This theme is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the spiritual danger of prioritizing material wealth over a relationship with God.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the futility of relying on earthly treasures. In Proverbs 11:28, it is written, "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." This proverb underscores the temporary nature of wealth and contrasts it with the enduring prosperity of the righteous, who place their trust in God.

The book of Ecclesiastes, attributed to King Solomon, offers a profound reflection on the vanity of earthly pursuits. Ecclesiastes 5:10 states, "He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile." Solomon, known for his immense wealth and wisdom, acknowledges the insatiable nature of material desires and the ultimate emptiness they bring.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Christ providing clear teachings on the dangers of relying on material wealth. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19-20). Here, Jesus contrasts the perishable nature of earthly wealth with the eternal value of heavenly treasures.

The parable of the rich fool, found in Luke 12:16-21, further illustrates the folly of placing security in material abundance. The rich man, who hoards his surplus crops, is called a fool by God, who demands his life that very night. Jesus concludes the parable with a warning: "This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21).

The Apostle Paul also addresses this issue in his epistles. In 1 Timothy 6:17, he instructs, "Command those who are rich in this present age not to be arrogant, nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." Paul emphasizes the uncertainty of riches and encourages believers to place their hope in God, the true provider.

Spiritual Implications

The biblical narrative consistently portrays earthly treasures as a false source of security, urging believers to seek their security in God alone. The pursuit of wealth can lead to spiritual complacency, idolatry, and a false sense of self-sufficiency. By focusing on material possessions, individuals risk neglecting their spiritual well-being and their relationship with God.

The Bible calls for a reorientation of priorities, encouraging believers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). True security is found not in the accumulation of wealth, but in a life devoted to God, characterized by faith, obedience, and trust in His provision.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 49:4,16
Why glory you in the valleys, your flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come to me?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... woefully human wisdom is deceived when it relies upon itself ... concerned about living
a life of earthly glory, and ... are not to go along in false security or sleep ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Joseph's Faith
... of faith, that on which it relies, the treasure ... sometimes been to protest against
a false asceticism, and ... the society and the stability and the security of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/josephs faith.htm

The Treatise
... A rich man trusts and relies upon his money and ... want to be pious, to mount to heaven
in peaceful security. ... All this is the work of those false preachers, who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... to his palace, perished therein, together with his children and his treasures, about
788 ... section of the people, not only abjured the worship of false gods, but ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm