December 09, 2021: SOAP #4389:  1Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

OBSERVATION: The Bible has much to say about money.  To those who lack enough money for their needs, the Bible tells them to trust God, not man!  To those who have sufficient and abundant money, the Bible tells them to trust God, not money!   

Money provides those who have abundance the opportunity to do good deeds, the opportunity to be generous, and the opportunity to share with those in need. They need to be listening to God as to how they share their money. 

Being generous and using money to minister to others brings glory to God and results in a firm foundation and treasures in the “coming age.” 

APPLICATION:  Money counselors can advise me on using money to get more money.  They can advise me to prepare for the future when I will be old and maybe become sick.  They can help me plan on using money until I die and how to leave it all behind.  They can advise me on planning for continued good that can be accomplished by my money when I am no longer here.  But they cannot tell me how to take it with me. 

The Bible does not tell me how I can take my money with me, but it clearly tells me how I can send it ahead!  Doing good, being rich in good deeds, being generous and willing to share are ways for me to lay up heavenly treasure.  In this, I can wisely prepare for the future!   

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, direct me into using the money you have provided for me.  May my spending habits bring joy to your heart.  May my faithfulness in the money I have cause you to trust me with even more.  Amen.

Pastor Leon       
Making friends for time and eternity!