Thematic Bible: They who possess, should
Thematic Bible
Riches » They who possess, should » Devote them to God's service
A poor widow came and threw in two small copper coins [Note: These two coins each amounted to about ten minutes' worth of a farm laborer's pay, or about one dollar in 1994]. The total she gave was equivalent to a larger coin [i.e., worth twice as much]. Jesus called His disciples to Him and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has thrown in more than all the rest who are throwing [money] into the treasury. For all of them threw in from their abundance, but being very poor, she threw in everything she had, even all she had to live on."
Riches » They who possess, should » Give of them to the poor
Jesus replied, "If you want to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give [the money] to poor people; then become my follower and you will have treasure in heaven."
Verse Concepts
Now whoever has [a sufficient amount of] life's possessions and [then] observes one of his [Christian] brothers who does not have enough to get by on, but does not feel sorry for him [i.e., enough to help him out], surely a love for God does not continue to live in that person's heart.
Verse Concepts
Riches » They who possess, should » Not trust in them
[Solemnly] urge those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant, nor to place their hope in the uncertainty of [their] wealth, but in God, who generously supplies us with everything to enjoy.
Verse Concepts
Riches » They who possess, should » Esteem it a privilege to be allowed to give
Riches » They who possess, should » Ascribe them to God
Riches » They who possess, should » Not boast of obtaining them
Riches » They who possess, should » Be liberal in all things
[Urge them] to do what is good, to be rich in [the practice of] good deeds, to be generous and willing to share [with others].
Verse Concepts
Riches » They who possess, should » Not to be high-minded
[Solemnly] urge those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant, nor to place their hope in the uncertainty of [their] wealth, but in God, who generously supplies us with everything to enjoy.
Verse Concepts
Riches » They who possess, should » Not glory in them
Riches » They who possess, should » When converted, rejoice in being humbled
But the person [who must live] in humble circumstances should be happy over being lifted up [spiritually by God]. And the wealthy person [should be happy] that he is humbled [by God], because he will pass away like a flower [blossoming] from grass.
Riches » They who possess, should » Not hoard them up
"Do not store your valuables [here] on earth, where moths can eat them and where rust can corrode them, and where burglars can break in and steal [them].
Verse Concepts
Riches » They who possess, should » Not set the heart on them
Riches » They who possess, should » Use them in promoting the salvation of others
Therefore, I tell you, make friends for yourselves by using worldly wealth, so that when it fails [i.e., when you run out of money] they [i.e., the friends you made with its wise and benevolent use] may welcome you into the eternal [i.e., heavenly] dwelling places. [Note: The idea here seems to be that by your shrewd use of material possessions for the benefit of others, you are actually storing up treasures for yourself in heaven].
Verse Concepts