Topical Encyclopedia
Materialism, in a biblical context, refers to the preoccupation with or emphasis on material wealth and possessions rather than spiritual or eternal values. The Bible addresses materialism as a significant spiritual issue, warning believers of its potential to distract from a life devoted to God.
Biblical Warnings Against MaterialismThe Bible frequently cautions against the dangers of materialism. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about the futility of storing up earthly treasures: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (
Matthew 6:19-20). This passage highlights the transient nature of material wealth compared to the eternal value of spiritual riches.
The Apostle Paul also warns against the love of money, stating, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows" (
1 Timothy 6:10). Here, Paul emphasizes that the desire for wealth can lead to spiritual downfall and personal distress.
Materialism and IdolatryMaterialism is often equated with idolatry in the Bible, as it can lead individuals to prioritize wealth over their relationship with God. In
Colossians 3:5, Paul instructs believers to "put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry" . Greed, a key aspect of materialism, is directly linked to idolatry, as it places material desires above God.
The Parable of the Rich FoolJesus' parable of the rich fool in
Luke 12:16-21 serves as a poignant illustration of the folly of materialism. The rich man, who hoards his abundant harvest, plans to build larger barns to store his goods, saying to himself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry" (
Luke 12:19). However, God calls him a fool, as his life is demanded of him that very night, and his accumulated wealth is rendered meaningless. This parable underscores the importance of being "rich toward God" rather than amassing earthly wealth.
Contentment and Trust in GodThe Bible encourages believers to find contentment and place their trust in God rather than in material possessions.
Hebrews 13:5 advises, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you'" . This verse reassures believers of God's constant presence and provision, urging them to rely on Him rather than on material wealth.
Generosity as an Antidote to MaterialismGenerosity is presented as a countermeasure to materialism. In
1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul instructs the wealthy to "do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share" . By focusing on generosity and good works, believers can shift their focus from accumulating wealth to serving others and honoring God.
ConclusionMaterialism, as addressed in the Bible, poses a significant challenge to spiritual growth and devotion. Through teachings and parables, Scripture warns against the dangers of prioritizing material wealth over spiritual values, urging believers to seek contentment, trust in God, and practice generosity.
Topical Bible Verses
1 John 2:16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Topicalbible.orgLuke 12:15
And he said to them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.
Topicalbible.org
Greek
866. aphilarguros -- without love of money... 866 (from 1 , "not," 5368 , "fond of" and 696 , "silver") -- properly, "not fond
of silver," ie for money; free from the love of
materialism; not dominated
...Library
Culture and Christianity: their Relation and Necessity.
... It is the culture ofmaterialism, not of Christianity.... Give the brain plenty of
phosphorus by high living, and you develop the soul ofmaterialism!...
The Romance of Orthodoxy
... It is a lifeless verbal prejudice of which the original life and beginning was not
in the freedom of thought, but simply in the dogma, ofmaterialism....
The Conflict.
... Buddhists taught the most perfect outline ofmaterialism in general. "They believed
in a supreme force, but denied the existence of a Supreme Being....
A Prefatory Letter.
... of one of the great tendencies of modern biological thought, accompanied by a protest,
from the philosophical side, against what is commonly calledMaterialism...
Rationalism and Its Effects
... siecle/, 1879. Faguet, /Etude sur le XVIIIe siecle/, 1890. Lange, /History
ofMaterialism/, 1877 (Tr. from German). Stephen, /History...
The Form and Spirit of Religion
... as of Judaism"for the religion of the Jew had a gross and heavy body"but our religion
has a body transparent, and having but little ofmaterialism in it....
Idealistic Philosophy
... Aristotle. The old negative dogmatism had been thematerialism of the
Epicureans. To Plato the world was the realisation of ideas....
Benjamin Whichcote, the First of the "Latitude-Men"
... They came to their intellectual development in the period when Hobbes was formulating
one of the most powerful and subtle types ofmaterialism that has ever...
In God's Name I Beseech You Let Prayer Nourish Your Soul as Your...
... Praying men are the safety of the Church from thematerialism that is affecting
all its plans and polity, and which is hardening the life-blood....
On Mr. Mccabe and a Divine Frivolity
... I do not think that under modern Westernmaterialism we should have anarchy....
Materialism is not a thing which destroys mere restraint....
Resources
Why is the love of money the root of all kinds of evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is spiritual mapping? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven deadly sins? | GotQuestions.orgGreed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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