Topical Bible: Riches: They Who Possess, should not to be High-Minded

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Riches, in the biblical context, are often seen as a blessing from God, yet they come with significant responsibilities and warnings. The Scriptures provide guidance on how those who possess wealth should conduct themselves, emphasizing humility and the dangers of pride.

Biblical Warnings Against Pride in Riches

The Bible consistently warns against the temptation to become high-minded or arrogant due to wealth. In 1 Timothy 6:17, the apostle Paul instructs Timothy: "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." This passage highlights the transient nature of riches and the importance of placing trust in God rather than material wealth.

The Example of the Rich Young Ruler

The account of the rich young ruler in the Gospels serves as a poignant illustration of the spiritual peril associated with wealth. In Mark 10:17-22, the young man approaches Jesus, seeking eternal life. Despite his adherence to the commandments, Jesus challenges him to sell all he possesses and give to the poor. The young man's inability to part with his wealth reveals the hold it has on his heart, underscoring the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:23-25).

Riches as a Test of Character

Riches are often portrayed as a test of character and faithfulness. In Luke 16:10-13, Jesus teaches about the faithful steward, stating, "Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." This parable emphasizes that wealth should be managed with integrity and used in service to God and others.

The Call to Generosity

The Bible calls those with wealth to be generous and willing to share. In 1 Timothy 6:18-19, Paul continues his exhortation to the rich: "Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." This passage encourages the wealthy to use their resources for the benefit of others, laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

The Example of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate example of humility and selflessness. Though He was rich, He became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9). His life and teachings consistently point to the value of spiritual riches over material wealth, urging His followers to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on riches is clear: wealth is not inherently evil, but it carries the risk of leading one away from God if not handled with humility and a spirit of generosity. Those who possess riches are called to be mindful of their attitudes, placing their trust in God and using their resources to further His kingdom and serve others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Christ Should have Led a Life of Poverty in this World?
... thou to follow Me for the sake of riches and worldly ... able to give all their time
to preaching, they must be ... said to them (Mat.10:9): "Do not possess gold nor ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ should have led.htm

Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
... For thus they are expresly commanded to honour the Lord With all their Substance,
or Riches, and with ... a Quit-rent, or Tribute out of what we possess as an ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon worldly-riches sect ii.htm

How the Poor and the Rich Should be Admonished.
... up; that both those may learn that they possess riches which they ... they can by no
means keep the riches that they ... this world are taken to task, they are first ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter ii how the poor.htm

Home-Example.
... us worldly-minded, grasping after riches, pleasures and ... Parents should possess unanimity
of spirit and practice ... They should walk unitedly, like Zacharias and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xx home-example.htm

A Consecrated Ministry
... God would make known what is the riches of the ... measure the solicitude of His servants
as they seek for ... it, the capabilities that it may possess if vitalized by ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm

Spoken in Antioch in the Old Church, as it was Called...
... From whom would they have refrained? ... Wherefore let us not consider riches to be a
great good; for ... great good is, not to possess money, but to possess the fear ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii spoken in antioch.htm

Hebrews i. 3
... after wealth, nor be forever envying those who possess much. ... and let those of us
who have [riches] so use ... ("They that have," saith he, "as though they had not ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily ii hebrews i 3.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... Surely then, to trust in riches for happiness is the greatest folly ... They can as soon
make thee immortal! ... pledges of his love, we may enjoy all that we possess. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 28 upon our lords.htm

Scriptural Christianity
... And if the diminishing of them be the riches of the ... Not so: I only speak as if they
were all intended to ... is invisible?" Do you know how to possess your bodies ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 4 scriptural christianity.htm

The Righteousness of Works Improperly Inferred from Rewards.
... is upon the sea-shore, and thy seed shall possess the gate ... that are rich in this
world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the righteousness of.htm