True: God gives us good things to enjoy!
Not True: Wealth means God's special favor
True: Scripture warns that wealth carries dangers!
Not True: Having less makes you more spiritual
2 Corinthians 9:6:
Remember this – a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.
2 Corinthians 9:7:
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
2 Corinthians 9:8:
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
2 Corinthians 9:9-10:
As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
2 Corinthians 11a:
Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.
God wants to raise your standard of giving, not your standard of living!
Luke 12:16-21:
Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
