(Faith. Work. Renewal.)
📖 Summary
Wealth itself is not sin—but when it becomes our purpose, it becomes idolatry.
God calls us to stewardship, not possession.
1️⃣ Introduction | “Is Wealth Dangerous for Christians?”
Should Christians avoid money?
Does wealth always lead to greed?
Many believers feel tension about money — some view poverty as virtue, others equate wealth with divine favor.
But the Bible never condemns wealth itself.
The issue is not how much we have, but why and how we use it.
2️⃣ Biblical Foundation | God Does Not Forbid Wealth
📘 Deuteronomy 8:18 (ESV)
“You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.”
→ God is the source of all wealth.
He grants the ability to prosper but warns against forgetting Him in abundance.
📘 Proverbs 10:22 (ESV)
“The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.”
→ Wealth from God brings peace.
Greed-born riches bring anxiety, but God-given wealth brings rest and joy.
📘 1 Timothy 6:9–10 (ESV)
“Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.”
→ It’s not money itself, but the love of money, that leads to sin.
3️⃣ Theological Perspective | Wealth Is a Tool, Not the Goal
- John Calvin
“Wealth is a gift from God, but when it captures our hearts, it instantly becomes a curse.”
(Institutes, III.xix.9) - R.C. Sproul
“God places both the rich and the poor under His providence. The issue is not the amount we own, but the direction of our hearts.”
(Reformation Study Bible Notes) - John Piper
“When we trust money more than God, it becomes an idol. But when we use it for His glory, it becomes an instrument of love.”
(Desiring God) - John MacArthur
“Scripture never calls wealth sin. The issue is whether it becomes our master or remains our stewardship.”
(MacArthur Study Bible Commentary)
💡 Reformed theology concludes:
Wealth is not a goal—it’s a mission, a means for advancing God’s kingdom.
4️⃣ Common Misconceptions vs Biblical Truth
| Misconception | Cause | Biblical Truth |
|---|---|---|
| “Christians must be poor to be holy.” | Influence of monastic asceticism | Scripture never glorifies poverty; both wealth and poverty exist under God’s providence. |
| “All rich people are greedy.” | Reaction to social injustice | Abraham, Job, Joseph, and Ruth were wealthy yet faithful to God. |
| “Money is worldly.” | Dualistic worldview | Money is morally neutral; its use defines holiness or sin. |
5️⃣ Practical Application | Three Ways to Use Wealth Faithfully
1️⃣ Change Your Perspective
Wealth is not mine—it’s God’s entrusted asset.
I am called to be a faithful steward.
2️⃣ Change Your Attitude
See money not as security, but as a tool for mission.
Begin with gratitude: “All that I have comes from the Lord.”
3️⃣ Change Your Actions
- Prioritize Kingdom work in your finances.
- Plan for intentional generosity in your giving.
- Invest in spiritual inheritance, not temporary consumption.
6️⃣ Conclusion | Wealth Is a Test of Faith and a Tool for Mission
Christians can possess wealth — but when wealth possesses them, it becomes a curse.
When God entrusts us with resources,
He calls us to fulfill His will, serve others, and transform the world through them.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, ESV)
The purpose of wealth is not comfort but the glory of God.
Live as a steward, and let your hands become channels of His blessing.
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Faith. Work. Renewal. — Revito
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