Post by Les Brewer on Mar 14, 2020 15:45:32 GMT
THE MAMMON DISPUTE
Jesus spoke to us plainly concerning mammon; he said that no man can serve two masters. I want you to understand that mammon was an ancient god of wealth which translated into money or the pursuit of wealth. We must understand that we cannot serve mammon if we desire to serve Messiah. Messiah must be our one and only master in this life; we must want to be his bond-servants who serve him out of true love and devotion. Paul address to pursuit of mammon in 1st Timothy 6:
(5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
(6) But godliness with contentment is great gain.
(7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
(8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
(9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
(10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1st Timothy 6:5-10 KJV
The scriptures tell us in this chapter that the love of money is the root to all evil. The scriptures instruct us not to make becoming rich a goal of life and the dangers associated with pursuing the wealth of this world. Yet when it came to those who were already rich and became Christians; Paul told Timothy to
(17) Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
(18) That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
(19) Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1st Timothy 6:17-19 KJV
Let me point out the fact that Paul did not tell the rich to sell everything and give it to the church; but to the contrary he told them not to be haughty and not to trust in their riches which are always uncertain in this world. Then he advises the rich to trust in the living God who supplies everything we need in life that brings enjoyment and is needful. Paul then gives an exhortation; for good works, to always be ready to distribute and to be willing to share. Hence; Paul is teaching them to be liberal in a willingness to give; and thereby laying up favor in times to come and to pursue the possession of eternal life. Paul is showing us how we may balance the right pursuit of temporal things with a supreme regard to spiritual things! This balance is of paramount importance to live in accordance with the word of God.
God is not against us working with our hands that which is right to benefit of our family and home. However, our priority is the put God first. I have read the New Testament many times and I have never read the gospel of gain or studied the doctrine of prosperity. The question is; is it a sin to be rich? From all my studies concerning this topic; I have only seen where greed is rebuked concerning wealth. Is gain godliness; by no means; yet the character of some within the body of Christ; affords them the responsibility to maintain wealth while maintaining their Christianity. God can trust some while he discourages others is the fact that I see concerning this topic. Why? (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Hence; greed is generated in the hearts of some and an inordinate love for money which causes them to err from the faith!
Brethren; Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly! He addresses the spiritual and the physical aspects of life. He also declared that the thief (the devil) doesn’t come unless it is to steal, kill, and destroy. I have found that the application of biblical principles concerning life produces degrees of prosperity. It is a sure thing that “whatsoever things we do in word or deed as unto the Lord” will cause us to excel in this life. Brethren; when we pray, when we worship, when we work, when we witness, when we are responsible to pay our bills etc. These things are sure cause us to have life more abundantly. The dynamic concerning the true Christian lifestyle is the fact that we learn to be content in whatever situation we find ourselves. Why? Our lives are dedication to the Kingdom first and the Righteousness of God; we know that whatever is needed with be added because of this simple principle and love for God. God is a God of blessings; it gives him pleasure to bless his faithful children who’ve put him first and foremost in their lives. When God does bless he adds no sorrow to it; in other words it is not a burden but a true blessing.
(6) But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
(7) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
(8) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
(9) (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
(10) Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
(11) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 KJV
I cannot be a giver if I have nothing to give! The bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive; but if I having nothing I can give nothing. I must be blessed to some degree to partake in sowing into the church and the lives of others. When I love to give and sow bountifully then bountifully I shall reap. The text teaches God is able to make all grace abound toward you when you become an abundant giver. Yet I do not give to get; I give to be a blessing to someone else. Yet the when I give I set in motion the principle of sowing and reaping. God looks at our gift as a seed sown into the good ground of his Kingdom and he multiplies our seed to his glory. God blesses our liberality toward the poor, and toward the work of the Kingdom. Let me say that I am by no means an adherent of the modern prosperity gospel which is nothing more than a way for false prophets and preachers to fleece the flock of God. But I do believe that God prospers the pure in heart that adhere whole heartedly to the gospel which was once delivered to the saints for us all. I could go further exposing those who are only takers; who never give but pretend that if only they were blessed they would be givers; yet are always pleading for help when they need no help. Let me conclude with this “be doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving yourselves”. Keep the faith and the faith will keep you! Selah
Shalom, Agape, & Amen!
Bishop D. Ray Ritchie (Faith Evangelistic Ministries Int.)
Jesus spoke to us plainly concerning mammon; he said that no man can serve two masters. I want you to understand that mammon was an ancient god of wealth which translated into money or the pursuit of wealth. We must understand that we cannot serve mammon if we desire to serve Messiah. Messiah must be our one and only master in this life; we must want to be his bond-servants who serve him out of true love and devotion. Paul address to pursuit of mammon in 1st Timothy 6:
(5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
(6) But godliness with contentment is great gain.
(7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
(8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
(9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
(10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1st Timothy 6:5-10 KJV
The scriptures tell us in this chapter that the love of money is the root to all evil. The scriptures instruct us not to make becoming rich a goal of life and the dangers associated with pursuing the wealth of this world. Yet when it came to those who were already rich and became Christians; Paul told Timothy to
(17) Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
(18) That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
(19) Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1st Timothy 6:17-19 KJV
Let me point out the fact that Paul did not tell the rich to sell everything and give it to the church; but to the contrary he told them not to be haughty and not to trust in their riches which are always uncertain in this world. Then he advises the rich to trust in the living God who supplies everything we need in life that brings enjoyment and is needful. Paul then gives an exhortation; for good works, to always be ready to distribute and to be willing to share. Hence; Paul is teaching them to be liberal in a willingness to give; and thereby laying up favor in times to come and to pursue the possession of eternal life. Paul is showing us how we may balance the right pursuit of temporal things with a supreme regard to spiritual things! This balance is of paramount importance to live in accordance with the word of God.
God is not against us working with our hands that which is right to benefit of our family and home. However, our priority is the put God first. I have read the New Testament many times and I have never read the gospel of gain or studied the doctrine of prosperity. The question is; is it a sin to be rich? From all my studies concerning this topic; I have only seen where greed is rebuked concerning wealth. Is gain godliness; by no means; yet the character of some within the body of Christ; affords them the responsibility to maintain wealth while maintaining their Christianity. God can trust some while he discourages others is the fact that I see concerning this topic. Why? (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Hence; greed is generated in the hearts of some and an inordinate love for money which causes them to err from the faith!
Brethren; Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly! He addresses the spiritual and the physical aspects of life. He also declared that the thief (the devil) doesn’t come unless it is to steal, kill, and destroy. I have found that the application of biblical principles concerning life produces degrees of prosperity. It is a sure thing that “whatsoever things we do in word or deed as unto the Lord” will cause us to excel in this life. Brethren; when we pray, when we worship, when we work, when we witness, when we are responsible to pay our bills etc. These things are sure cause us to have life more abundantly. The dynamic concerning the true Christian lifestyle is the fact that we learn to be content in whatever situation we find ourselves. Why? Our lives are dedication to the Kingdom first and the Righteousness of God; we know that whatever is needed with be added because of this simple principle and love for God. God is a God of blessings; it gives him pleasure to bless his faithful children who’ve put him first and foremost in their lives. When God does bless he adds no sorrow to it; in other words it is not a burden but a true blessing.
(6) But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
(7) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
(8) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
(9) (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
(10) Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
(11) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 KJV
I cannot be a giver if I have nothing to give! The bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive; but if I having nothing I can give nothing. I must be blessed to some degree to partake in sowing into the church and the lives of others. When I love to give and sow bountifully then bountifully I shall reap. The text teaches God is able to make all grace abound toward you when you become an abundant giver. Yet I do not give to get; I give to be a blessing to someone else. Yet the when I give I set in motion the principle of sowing and reaping. God looks at our gift as a seed sown into the good ground of his Kingdom and he multiplies our seed to his glory. God blesses our liberality toward the poor, and toward the work of the Kingdom. Let me say that I am by no means an adherent of the modern prosperity gospel which is nothing more than a way for false prophets and preachers to fleece the flock of God. But I do believe that God prospers the pure in heart that adhere whole heartedly to the gospel which was once delivered to the saints for us all. I could go further exposing those who are only takers; who never give but pretend that if only they were blessed they would be givers; yet are always pleading for help when they need no help. Let me conclude with this “be doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving yourselves”. Keep the faith and the faith will keep you! Selah
Shalom, Agape, & Amen!
Bishop D. Ray Ritchie (Faith Evangelistic Ministries Int.)
