Riches, believers' attitudes towards

God entrusts some of his people with material wealth. If this is to be a blessing, it must be used in God-honouring ways.

Believers may be blessed with riches

Riches can be a blessing from God

1 Chronicles 29:16 See also 1 Chronicles 29:14–15; Job 1:9–102KI Job 4:1; Matthew 8:20; Luke 6:20, Luke 16:20–22; Romans 15:26

O LORD our God, from Your hand comes all this abundance that we have provided to build You a house for Your holy Name, and all of it belongs to You.

The attitude of believers towards riches

They acknowledge that their riches come from God

1 Chronicles 29:12 See also Ecclesiastes 5:19–20

Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all.

They devote their riches to God's service

Proverbs 3:9–10 See also 1 Chronicles 29:1–9; Acts 4:32–37

Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

They support gospel work and workers

Luke 8:1–3; Acts 16:15

They give to the poor

1 John 3:17 See also Luke 19:8; Acts 9:36–39; Galatians 2:10

If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

They are generous

1 Timothy 6:18 See also Deuteronomy 15:10–11; 2 Corinthians 9:10–11

Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

They remain humble

James 1:10–11

They do not trust in riches

1 Timothy 6:17 See also Job 31:24–28; Proverbs 11:28; Jeremiah 49:4

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 all things for us to enjoy.

They do not set their heart on riches

Psalm 62:10 See also Luke 12:29–30

Place no trust in extortion or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.

Believers value heavenly riches most

Matthew 6:20–21 See also Luke 12:33–34; 1 Timothy 6:18–19

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Examples of rich believers

Abraham

Genesis 12:1–3, Genesis 13:1–2

Solomon

2 Chronicles 1:11–12, 2 Chronicles 9:22

Hezekiah

2 Chronicles 32:27–29

Job

Job 1:1–3

Joseph of Arimathea

Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57–60 parallels Mark 15:42–46, Luke 23:50–54, John 19:38–42