Possessions and Giving
Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, R.J. Sider, 4th ed. 1997
Neither Poverty nor Riches, C.L. Blomberg, 1999
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Giving
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Prov. 3:9-10,27-28; 29:7 The "righteous rich" give generously to God and
the needy
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Rom. 12:13; Gal. 6:10 To Christians first
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Luke 10:7; Deut. 25:4; 1 Cor. 9:3-14; Gal. 6:6; Phil. 4:15; 1 Tim. 5:17-18;
2 Tim. 2:6; 3 Jn. 8 Financial support for full-time workers
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1 Cor. 16:1-3 Regular giving
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2 Cor. 8-9 Collection for poor Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 11:28??)
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Generosity encouraged, but not forced
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To be given cheerfully
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Motivated by Jesus` example
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Giving according to means (cf Deut. 16:10; Lk. 21:4)
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Aim was equality
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Giving glorifies God (9:13)
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Money given outside local church
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Possessions
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Ownership of possessions is assumed throughout the Bible
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Ex. 20:15,17 Do not steal, do not covet
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Mt. 5:42; 6:2-4; Lk. 6:34-35 You need to have possessions to be able to
give
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Ps 24:1; Lev. 25:23 Absolute ownership belongs to God
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Use of possessions is limited by the obligation to help the weak
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e.g. jubilee, sabbatical year, gleaning, interest, slavery
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Warnings for Christians
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Riches make it difficult to be a Christian (Lk. 18:24-25; 1Tim. 6:8-10)
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Greed = covetousness = idolatry (Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5)
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Rom. 1:28-29 Sins that punish us
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1 Cor. 5:11; 6:9-10 No place for the greedy in the church or in heaven
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Jam. 4:1-2 Greed is a cause of war
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It is impossible to serve 2 masters (Mt. 6:24)
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Lk. 12:33-34 Colocation of wealth and heart
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1 Tim. 3:3,8; Tit. 1:7 Leadership qualifications
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Jam. 2:14-17; 1 Jn. 3:17-18 Salvation issue
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Ascetism is misguided (1 Tim. 4:4; Col. 2:20-23)
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Gen. 1 Created things are good (not innately evil) and created to be enjoyed
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Deut. 14:23,26 Feast with the tithe
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Jn. 2:1-11; Mt. 11:19 Jesus and feasts
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Biblical balance (Pr. 30:8-9)
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Prosperity is good, but only when accompanied by justice for the oppressed
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Lk. 6:20 Blessed are the poor (cf Mk. 10:29-30)
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Lk. 12:22-31; 1 Tim. 6:17-18; Heb. 13:5 Living by faith (free from worry)
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Holistic salvation (i.e. meeting spiritual and physical needs) is God's
desire
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Practical suggestions for aiming for a simpler lifestyle (from Sider,
ch.9)
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Beware of legalism and self-righteousness
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Question your own lifestyle, not your neighbour's
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The lifestyle should be sustainable in the long term
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Distinguish between necessities and luxuries
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Distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate reasons for expenditure
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Distinguish talents and hobbies from fads
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Distinguish between occasional celebrations and regular indulgence
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The amount we earn has nothing to do with our needs
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Eliminate spending on status and fashion
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Enjoy what is free
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Give a "graduated tithe" (see pp 193-196)
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Try living on a poverty line budget for a month
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Don't forget to rest
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Questions (also from Sider, ch.5 and ch.9)
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What are the dangers of possessions?
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What is the biblical connection between righteousness and riches? How is
this perverted today?
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What specific steps could help Christians avoid materialism?
9 Oct 2003 Simon Dixon <simon@oefai.at>