Topical Bible: Natural Life: The Enjoyment of, Consists not in Abundance of Possessions

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The concept of natural life and its enjoyment, as presented in the Bible, emphasizes that true fulfillment and contentment do not stem from material wealth or an abundance of possessions. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting the spiritual and relational aspects of life as paramount over material accumulation.

Biblical Teachings

1. Jesus' Teaching on Wealth: In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus directly addresses the misconception that life’s value is tied to material wealth. In Luke 12:15 , He warns, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." This statement underscores the idea that true life is not measured by what one owns but by one's relationship with God and others.

2. Parable of the Rich Fool: Continuing in Luke 12, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, a man who hoards his wealth without regard for his spiritual state or the needs of others. In Luke 12:20-21 , God says to the man, "You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?" This parable illustrates the futility of relying on material wealth for security and the importance of being "rich toward God."

3. Contentment and Godliness: The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addresses the issue of contentment. In 1 Timothy 6:6-8 , he writes, "Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these." Paul emphasizes that contentment, coupled with godliness, is of greater value than material wealth.

4. The Temporary Nature of Wealth: The Bible often reminds believers of the transient nature of earthly possessions. Proverbs 23:4-5 advises, "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky." This passage encourages a focus on eternal values rather than the fleeting pursuit of riches.

5. The Rich Young Ruler: In Mark 10:17-22, Jesus encounters a rich young man who seeks eternal life. Jesus instructs him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, highlighting the barrier that wealth can create between individuals and their spiritual well-being. The young man's sorrowful departure reveals the challenge of prioritizing spiritual riches over material wealth.

Spiritual and Relational Fulfillment

The Bible consistently points to spiritual and relational fulfillment as the true source of joy and satisfaction in life. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles encourage believers to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) and to invest in relationships with God and others. The enjoyment of natural life, therefore, is found not in the abundance of possessions but in living a life aligned with God's purposes, characterized by love, service, and a focus on eternal treasures.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 12:15
And he said to them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Rich Fool
... is the consequence of a lie"that life does consist ... of some event or thing in the
natural sphere, transferred ... labour of acquiring it, and the enjoyment of it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the rich fool.htm

Book I.
... For what enjoyment remains to us, from whom so ... the payment of thankfulness to God
consists in dispositions ... not with the body, nor do natural life and merits ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book i.htm

Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ...
... says: "Be ye angry and sin not." [3733] He does not govern his anger, but indulges
his natural disposition, which a ... Let your enjoyment of this life be with ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle lxiii limenius bishop of.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... sour: of honey when it loses its natural sweetness, and ... be more precious than health
and life, and public ... For nothing is so conducive to enjoyment and health ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ...
... 1734] sometimes wisely, to the general enjoyment, [1735] till ... after those thirty
years of the Nazareth-Life. ... she had to unlearn, was the natural, yet entirely ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the marriage feast.htm

The Backslider in Heart.
... you have no heart in it, no enjoyment, if you ... and has promised to answer our request,
is natural and reasonable ... the whole course of his backslidden life must be ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xxi the backslider in.htm

The True Nonconformist.
... They were not the natural, spontaneous outgrowths of a ... and that in the use and enjoyment
of it ... religious life, a factitious conscience, a life wanting the ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/the true nonconformist.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... As is natural, a very great deal of the grace ... much either to the grace or the enjoyment
of life. ... in the varied settings of common feminine life is irresistible ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

part ii.
... by acting out some principle of natural sympathy, conscience ... a fund to meet the
contingencies of life. ... have been awake neither to the enjoyment nor obligations ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part ii.htm

The First Stages. Ch. 9:51 to 13:21
... to Christ such a close human and natural relationship, but ... was heaping up goods for
selfish enjoyment in future ... and that the real value of life consists in the ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the first stages ch.htm