Desiring to be rich is a snare.

W2L

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It's not about the need to be made poor; its about the need to be broken, to become humbled before God instead of before wealth or anything else. And I've seen rich people so humbled, by a tragedy, by a miracle, by whatever God uses in their particular case.
Its about the need to not desire riches. Those who desire to be rich fall into a snare.
 
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Phil 1:21

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Probably similar to the people Paul had in mind when he wrote 1 Timothy 6.

Paul told the church to watch out for these types of people. To say we cannot discern (or judge) goes right against what Paul taught.

I’ll put it in today’s terms for you.
The American dream is a dangerous snare. You cannot serve God and the American dream. If anyone tells you that it is ok to pursue the America dream while being a christian, I would be wary of his or her words.
Thanks for the non-answer.
 
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HandstoWorkHeartstoGod

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After page 8 of this thread, which I read all the way through, I decided to pray for two days. Today, I continued to read this thread to page 12. I will continue to pray for this thread for one more day. Peace and the Holy Spirit's blessing!
 
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RaymondG

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"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it"

"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."

"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;"

This may add another week of prayer.
 
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RaymondG

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Let's not beat about the bush. If a man burdened with wealth has realised the difficulty that it poses to entry into the kingdom, he will seek Gods help in solving the problem, because all things are possible with God.

I do not think that someone who does not change His lifestyle, but persists with it, acquiring bigger houses, more cars, has seen the kingdom.


Scripture is not silent about rich converts, about how they should repent, meta noia, change their mind about who to serve, mammon for treasure that does not last, or God for eternal treasure. If the rich young ruler had asked God to help him, he would have received help. Here's how:

James 2:9-11
9But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

Without being born again, repenting, changing mind about the danger of serving mammon to the necessity of serving God, we cannot even SEE the kingdom of God, much less enter it:

John 3:3
3Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”


This is Sculptural advice for leaders to avoid returning to Egypt (let's understand that in the Near East, the Biblical region, even today, wives and children were considered chattel, property).

Deuteronomy 17:16, 17
16“Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall never again return that way.’ 17“He shall not multiply wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself.


1 Timothy 3:2-3
2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.

Many believers don't understand that repentance, meta noia, change of mind, is turning away from VALUING money, to holding God as their treasure. It's not accidental that the rich man had to sell all he possessed to buy the treasure beyond price.

Matthew 13:44
44"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

This is one of the hard teachings. It's not surprising it's not taught that one had to give everything up to be a disciple, that we are mostly on probation. The churches would be empty if the teaching was communicated.
This is a hard teaching indeed. People minds are so focused on money, that they read these verses and can only imagine money and material possessions in their minds.

What if these verses had nothing to do with unimportant green pieces of paper...or numbers in a bank account.

What if it was talking about something more important than money.

When money becomes of no importance to you...then and only then can you see it.

Until then....continue to see God's instruction on money in the bible instead of His way to Life.......which cant be bought with money, and is not reserved for people with more or less money.
 
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Wordkeeper

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"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it"

This is addressed to the Levites.

"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."

This is with relevance to explanation of Scripture, as it come in this passage:

John 16:23-40
23“In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. 24“Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.

25“These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father. 26“In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; 27for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 28“I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father.”

29His disciples said, “Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech. 30“Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God.”
.........

"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;"

This may add another week of prayer.

This comes right after a passage which teaches that there are believers existing, who are in error, who think godliness is a way to get rich:

1 Timothy 6:3-10
3If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 6But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
 
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RaymondG

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This is addressed to the Levites.



This is with relevance to explanation of Scripture, as it come in this passage:

John 16:23-40
23“In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. 24“Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.

25“These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father. 26“In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; 27for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 28“I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father.”

29His disciples said, “Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech. 30“Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God.”
.........

"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;"

This may add another week of prayer.

This comes right after a passage which teaches that there are believers existing, who are in error, who think godliness is a way to get rich:

1 Timothy 6:3-10
3If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 6But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
You have all the answers and are no more in need of a teacher. Why do you continue to reply to me? If it is for other readers, you can reply without quoting.
 
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Wordkeeper

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This is a hard teaching indeed. People minds are so focused on money, that they read these verses and can only imagine money and material possessions in their minds.

What if these verses had nothing to do with unimportant green pieces of paper...or numbers in a bank account.

What if it was talking about something more important than money.

When money becomes of no importance to you...then and only then can you see it.

Until then....continue to see God's instruction on money in the bible instead of His way to Life.......which cant be bought with money, and is not reserved for people with more or less money.
80 percent of Jesus's teachings are related to money, that it is antithetical to God.

It is the alternative to God. It gets in the way to choosing God. It is more difficult for rich people, meaning it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for the rich to enter the Kingdom.
 
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RaymondG

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80 percent of Jeusus teachings are related to money
I guess this is why given money is preached in churches more times than the way to heaven. I understand your views Have no stones to throw....you don't need to continue to reiterate them in reply to my posts. I don't see how they relate. But they do relate to the OP and can be posted as replies to it.
 
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Wordkeeper

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I guess this is why given money is preached in churches more times than the way to heaven. I understand your views Have no stones to throw....you don't need to continue to reiterate them in reply to my posts. I don't see how they relate. But they do relate to the OP and can be posted as replies to it.
I apologise if I'm mistaken, but you seem to support the teaching of planting seeds of faith, a type of prosperity Gospel. Praying for houses and possessions. Even so, you need to be clear.

Is it wrong to be worried about holding wealth without releasing it to the advancement of the Kingdom?
 
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RaymondG

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I apologise if I'm mistaken, but you seem to support the teaching of planting seeds of faith, a type of prosperity Gospel. Praying for houses and possessions. Even so, you need to be clear.

Is it wrong to be worried about holding wealth without releasing it to the advancement of the Kingdom?
It is not wrong....nor is it right. If you believe I would be a better person if I chose between the two, I say this is the same message given by the serpent in the garden.

Lets not talk about man made gospels and terms not in the bible...if you wish to converse with me.....Im not that up to speed in them, nor do I wish to be. Lets talk wisdom, be it God's or mans...and truth, both learned and reveals....e.g. mans truth and God's.

I believe that worrying about holding wealth is the same as worrying about releasing it. you still have to have your mind on wealth and not God. Acknowledge God in all your ways and he shall direct your path.

Material wealth is not of importance....you gain nothing spiritual by keeping it or getting rid of it.....so why are we dwelling on it so much. If we have tasted of the heavenly kingdom, we would not consider the riches of this world to be riches at all.....and would not care how much we or others have.

If you want money, get it, I dont care. If you want to be poor....Im fine with that to. I dont love you more or less because of your earthly status......neither does God.

But I would never dare to link earthly wealth to entrance into the kingdom of God. There was a rich man who was willing to pay anything for, and give up all his wealth for the power of God.......I believe he was rebuked for the thought that the kingdom could be bought. It would not be wise for us to continue that thought process.

"20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money."

"22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."


Now tell the world again, what we believe will be gained, from given away our "wealth"
 
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claninja

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Now tell the world again, what we believe will be gained, from given away our "wealth"

Treasure in heaven

1 Timothy 6:17-19
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
 
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RaymondG

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Treasure in heaven

1 Timothy 6:17-19
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

I already quoted this scripture, the problem is you cant seem to give up the power of earthly wealth. you seem to believe that you can buy treasures in heaven with the wealth of this world. You cant. Get your mind off of the wealth you or others have and seek the kingdom. And dont stop seeking until you find......

"22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."
 
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RaymondG

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People are are going to stand before God in that day and say, "didnt I give up all my money and materials possesions?" "didnt I make myself poor in your name?"

Depart from me!

Give to ceasar what is his, and God what belongs to God.

"Give me You....everything else can wait."
 
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claninja

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I already quoted this scripture,
No, You only quoted verse 17 above, not 18-19.
the problem is you cant seem to give up the power of earthly wealth.
So quoting Paul's verse on "being generous and ready to share with those in need" means "I can't seem to give up the power of earthly wealth"? Does that mean Paul can't seem to give up the power of earthly wealth? How about Jesus? Or is it the rich young man?
Matthew 19:21-22
21Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
you seem to believe that you can buy treasures in heaven with the wealth of this world. You cant.
Who said anything about "buying" treasure in heaven? That's a bizarre thing to say.
 
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RaymondG

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No, You only quoted verse 17 above, not 17-19.

I feel that I could quote the whole bible, yet you still will not understand. You read to confirm your own feelings, not to get the truth revealed to you.

So quoting Paul's verse on "being generous and ready to share with those in need" means "I can't seem to give up the power of earthly wealth"? Does that mean Paul can't seem to give up the power of earthly wealth? How about Jesus? Or is it the rich young man?
Matthew 19:21-22
21Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Who said anything against giving and sharing. in Fact, if you want to remain poor, you have to stop giving and sharing.

The fact that when you read "Give up all your possessions" you think about money and material wealth, is why wealth has a hold on you. When it looses it's hold on you, you will see something more critical to give up.....then you will receive life.

Until then...continue to think about material wealth

Who said anything about "buying" treasure in heaven? That's a bizarre thing to say.

You are linking giving up material wealth with getting treasures in heaven......this is similar to going to a store and giving up money to get merchandise. You do have to give up something.....but I dont believe it is money.


I dont understand why you dont make replies to the OP and not my posts. I find nothing wrong with you believing what you believe. And I have not stated that anyone should be rich or poor.
 
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Phil 1:21

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It is not wrong....nor is it right. If you believe I would be a better person if I chose between the two, I say this is the same message given by the serpent in the garden.

Lets not talk about man made gospels and terms not in the bible...if you wish to converse with me.....Im not that up to speed in them, nor do I wish to be. Lets talk wisdom, be it God's or mans...and truth, both learned and reveals....e.g. mans truth and God's.

I believe that worrying about holding wealth is the same as worrying about releasing it. you still have to have your mind on wealth and not God. Acknowledge God in all your ways and he shall direct your path.

Material wealth is not of importance....you gain nothing spiritual by keeping it or getting rid of it.....so why are we dwelling on it so much. If we have tasted of the heavenly kingdom, we would not consider the riches of this world to be riches at all.....and would not care how much we or others have.

If you want money, get it, I dont care. If you want to be poor....Im fine with that to. I dont love you more or less because of your earthly status......neither does God.

But I would never dare to link earthly wealth to entrance into the kingdom of God. There was a rich man who was willing to pay anything for, and give up all his wealth for the power of God.......I believe he was rebuked for the thought that the kingdom could be bought. It would not be wise for us to continue that thought process.

"20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money."

"22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."


Now tell the world again, what we believe will be gained, from given away our "wealth"
I concur. Although in this case I think we're seeing a mixture of good old fashioned class envy coupled with the Pharisee from Luke 18:9-14.
 
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It is not wrong....nor is it right. If you believe I would be a better person if I chose between the two, I say this is the same message given by the serpent in the garden.

Lets not talk about man made gospels and terms not in the bible...if you wish to converse with me.....Im not that up to speed in them, nor do I wish to be. Lets talk wisdom, be it God's or mans...and truth, both learned and reveals....e.g. mans truth and God's.

I believe that worrying about holding wealth is the same as worrying about releasing it. you still have to have your mind on wealth and not God. Acknowledge God in all your ways and he shall direct your path.

Material wealth is not of importance....you gain nothing spiritual by keeping it or getting rid of it.....so why are we dwelling on it so much. If we have tasted of the heavenly kingdom, we would not consider the riches of this world to be riches at all.....and would not care how much we or others have.

If you want money, get it, I dont care. If you want to be poor....Im fine with that to. I dont love you more or less because of your earthly status......neither does God.

But I would never dare to link earthly wealth to entrance into the kingdom of God. There was a rich man who was willing to pay anything for, and give up all his wealth for the power of God.......I believe he was rebuked for the thought that the kingdom could be bought. It would not be wise for us to continue that thought process.

"20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money."

"22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."


Now tell the world again, what we believe will be gained, from given away our "wealth"
Your posts are becoming incoherent. Too many issues?

Maybe you need to simplify what is in the mix.

You can't escape the teaching which says no one can become a disciple unless he gives up all he has and follows Jesus.

Luke 14:33New International Version (NIV) . 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
 
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