Money and Trust

From Back to the Bible Ministries
Mark 10:23-25, ESV, 1 Timothy 6:17, NASB, 1 Timothy 6:9, NLT, Proverbs 23:4-5, Matthew 6:31-33;
Money and Trust
Will any one group of people find it especially difficult to trust in Jesus and receive the gifts only He can give including eternal life in heaven? Jesus thought so. In fact, He singled out one particular class of people who will have great difficulty trusting God.

Receive

"And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, 'How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!' And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, 'Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God'" (Mark 10:23-25, ESV).

• What specific pitfalls do the rich face?
• Who supplies us with all we have?
• Read the following verse and name some reasons why it is difficult for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of heaven?

"Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17, NASB).

Reflect

Because it is difficult for the rich to get into God's kingdom, is it better to be poor? Read the following verse to learn the answer to that question.

"But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction" (1 Timothy 6:9, NLT).

• What is the real problem according to this verse?
• What traps someone who is striving for riches?
• Create a newspaper headline (just a few words) to summarize 1 Timothy 6:9.
• What does a wise person realize about wealth? (See Proverbs 23:4-5.)

Respond

So, how should you, as a Christ-follower, view possessions and wealth? Jesus teaches us a great truth to build our lives on.

"'Do not worry then, saying, "What will we eat?" or "What will we drink?" or "What will we wear for clothing?"

"'For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.'

"'But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you'" (Matthew 6:31-33).

Take an inventory of your life. Ask yourself these questions:

Do I trust God? Do I believe His promises? Do I trust Him for His provision and care? Do I worry often about having too little? Do I seek first "His kingdom and His righteousness"? And now the real question, Will I trust God completely for everything?

My Comments: The rich man asked the Lord what must I do? The Lord told him to sell everything and follow Him. He could not. He was attached to his things and his life. We are asked to do the same. I may be figuratively yet it is what we must do. We must be willing to give up our property (which is really God's any way and only on loan), possessions, family, loved ones, jobs; everything! And follow Him.

If we have a spouse they should come after our Love of God, If children they come after God (and after our spouse). It is hard yet unless we give everything to God then we are not truly His. If we are not truly His then we are not following Him and the one we follow is of this world and does not save. Only Jesus brings salvation. To glorify Abba Father we must follow Jesus as He sent His only begotten Son into the world for us to follow out of the darkness into the light.

Abba Father guide all to Your Holy Light and bring them Your understanding and wisdom. In Jesus name. Amen,
Rebishka