Scriptures

1 Timothy 6:6-19
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
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.
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.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
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;
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

1 Timothy 3:2-3
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

1 John 4:7-10
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Ephesians 1:18
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Devotional

RICHES IN CHRIST

The focus on and love of money is everywhere in our culture. What did Paul tell Timothy to teach his flock in 1 Timothy 6?

What do you learn from these verses? Do you think of yourself as rich? Most people in America would fall into this category from Paul’s perspective—even if you see yourself as middle class rather than rich. So what can you do this week to act on what Paul is teaching? If you have children, and even if you don’t, what can you do to illustrate these principles to them? Think of something you or you and your children together can do for your neighbors or another group of people. Keep in mind who gave the five loaves and two fish (John 6:9).

The Lord instructs us to be free from the love of money so we can love Him, love the Word, and love others.

Whom do you love? What do you love? What is the fruit in your life that supports the answer you gave to those questions?

The Lord has made us so rich in Him. We are His children and are heirs to a wonderful inheritance. Ask the Lord to help you hide His Word in your heart and to reveal to you His perspective, His heart, and His ways. Thank the Lord for all of the riches you have been given in Christ. Ask Him to increase your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of what you have been given. Ask Him to show you His perspective of money and riches!