Topical Bible: Money was Given: Power and Usefulness of

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Money, as a medium of exchange, holds significant power and usefulness in the biblical narrative. It is portrayed as a tool that can be used for both righteous and unrighteous purposes, depending on the heart and intentions of the individual wielding it. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the proper use of money, emphasizing stewardship, generosity, and the potential for both blessing and temptation.

Stewardship and Responsibility

The Bible underscores the importance of stewardship, recognizing that all resources, including money, ultimately belong to God. Believers are called to manage these resources wisely and faithfully. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the responsibility of using what has been entrusted to us for the kingdom's benefit. The servants who invest and multiply their master's money are commended, while the one who buries it out of fear is rebuked. This parable highlights the expectation that money should be used productively and for the glory of God.

Generosity and Provision

Money is also depicted as a means to provide for oneself and others, reflecting God's provision. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul instructs the wealthy to be generous and willing to share, thus laying up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age. The early church exemplified this principle in Acts 2:44-45, where believers sold their possessions and goods to distribute to anyone in need, demonstrating the power of money to foster community and support.

Temptation and Caution

While money can be a force for good, the Bible also warns of its potential to lead individuals astray. The love of money is identified as a root of all kinds of evil in 1 Timothy 6:10, cautioning believers against the pursuit of wealth at the expense of their faith and integrity. Jesus warns in Matthew 6:24 that one cannot serve both God and money, emphasizing the need for a singular devotion to God over material wealth.

Support for Ministry and Mission

Money is also shown to be instrumental in supporting ministry and mission work. The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:15-18, expresses gratitude for the financial support he received from the church in Philippi, which enabled him to continue his missionary endeavors. This support is described as a "fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God," illustrating how financial contributions can further the spread of the Gospel and the work of the church.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on money is multifaceted, recognizing its power and usefulness while also cautioning against its potential to corrupt. Believers are encouraged to view money as a tool for stewardship, generosity, and the advancement of God's kingdom, always mindful of the heart's posture towards wealth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 7:12
For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom gives life to them that have it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 10:19
A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry: but money answers all things.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Cheating and Dishonest Ways of Making Money are Utterly Unfit for ...
... For them the example of David is given, that they ... up at the prophet's curse, and
a divine power filled the ... from him, promising to give him money, he refused ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix cheating and dishonest.htm

Marriage and Celibacy.
... other words, he was one of those rare characters who have the power of living ... time
was devoted to the cause of Christ; when all his money was given to the ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xiv marriage and celibacy.htm

On what is Useful: not that which is Advantageous...
... Sins rest in one's own power, but they are not virtuous ... just who for His Name's sake
have given themselves up ... longing for gain and his desire for money put his ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vi on what is.htm

Providence
... man can toil, man can spin; your Heavenly Father has given to man the power of
providing ... shot itself, the fruit of so much labour and money, made simply to ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xiii providence.htm

Making and Breaking Connections.
... In old English it is called caution money. ... been mightily used of God, but whose
usefulness is now ... The disciples had been given power; had used the power for ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on power/making and breaking connections.htm

An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ...
... "Answers To the General Conference, who have power to expel ... where the preachers do
not receive their full quarterage, let all such money be given into the ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of 2.htm

Methodist Book Concern
... i, where a short notice is given of the origin of ... was a minister of Jesus Christ,
of great power and usefulness ... our credit, we could always obtain money when it ...
/.../chapter 16 methodist book concern.htm

The Lad's Loaves in the Lord's Hands
... you say when you declare that you have given yourselves to ... a full transfer, therein
will lie great power for usefulness ... What about the money saved up for a new ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the lads loaves in the.htm

Whether it is Lawful to Sell a Thing for More than Its Worth?
... by the price given for it, for which purpose money was invented ... many lacking virtue,
and it is not given to the ... is wicked, it is in every man's power to acquire ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 15.htm

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
... in that not only money came in, but money from him. ... how it had led him to see the
power of believing ... wife:"1st, that address of Miss Paget's was given to me ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/muller/answers to prayer/the hearts desire given to.htm