Topical Encyclopedia
Material possessions, as referenced in the Bible, encompass the physical goods, wealth, and property that individuals accumulate during their lifetime. The Scriptures provide extensive guidance on the acquisition, use, and spiritual implications of material wealth, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual riches over earthly treasures.
Biblical Perspective on WealthThe Bible acknowledges the existence and necessity of material possessions but consistently warns against the dangers of placing undue importance on them. In
Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus instructs, "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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This passage highlights the transient nature of earthly wealth and the eternal value of spiritual investments.
Stewardship and ResponsibilityThe concept of stewardship is central to the biblical understanding of material possessions. Believers are called to manage their resources wisely and generously, recognizing that all they possess is ultimately God's. In
1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul advises, "Instruct those who are rich in this present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
Warnings Against Greed and CovetousnessThe Bible frequently warns against greed and the desire for more possessions. In
Luke 12:15, Jesus cautions, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." The parable of the rich fool (
Luke 12:16-21) further illustrates the folly of hoarding wealth without regard for one's spiritual state or the needs of others.
Contentment and Trust in GodContentment is a recurring theme in biblical teachings on material possessions. Believers are encouraged to find satisfaction in God's provision rather than in the accumulation of wealth.
Hebrews 13:5 states, "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 assurance of God's presence and provision serves as a foundation for contentment.
Generosity and CharityGenerosity is a hallmark of the Christian approach to material possessions. The early church exemplified this in
Acts 2:44-45, where "all the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This spirit of giving reflects the love and compassion that believers are called to demonstrate, as seen in
2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver."
Eternal PerspectiveUltimately, the Bible encourages believers to maintain an eternal perspective regarding material possessions. In
Colossians 3:2, Paul exhorts, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This focus on heavenly priorities ensures that material wealth is viewed as a tool for God's purposes rather than an end in itself.
Topical Bible Verses
Luke 12:15And 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.org1 John 2:15
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
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Matthew 16:26
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
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1 John 3:17
But whoever has this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?
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Library
July the Eighteenth the Mesmerism of the World
...Material possessions multiply our spiritual difficulties. It is hard for a rich
man "to enter into the kingdom of heaven." For what is the kingdom?...
On the Collections, V.
... For not only are spiritual riches and heavenly gifts received from God, but earthly
andmaterial possessions also proceed from His bounty, that He may be...
Letter viii. Who are the Cultivated?
... barren of external beauty our surroundings. Culture depends not onmaterial
possessions. In fact, the very abundance of conveniences...
Two Kinds of Riches
... It covers the whole ground of all possible external andmaterial possessions,
whatsoever things a man can only have in outward seeming, whatsoever things...
'To Him that Hath Shall be Given'
... I. Take the application of this principle to common life. The lowest instance
is in regard tomaterial possessions. It is a complaint...
Its Results Dependent Upon the Spirit of the Hearers.
... treasures. The saying is fully true only in an ethical sense; it speaks
of moral, and notmaterial possessions. Applied, however...
Chapter xiii
... God bestows upon him. In this case this principle holds good even in regard
tomaterial possessions. True, Abram becomes possessor...
On the Fast of the Tenth Month.
... For that part of hismaterial possessions with which he ministers to the needy,
is transformed into eternal riches, and such wealth is begotten of this...
Wisdom's Gift
... we find 'treasures,' it seems more likely that in the text, it is to be taken in
its secondary, and much debased meaning of wealth,material possessions....
The Prudent Steward.
... property in his power as to secure for himself a home when he should be removed
from his place: in like manner let men so usematerial possessions while they...
Resources
What is mammon? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Christian Anthropology? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does the Bible speak against wearing clothing made of different types of fabric? | GotQuestions.orgMaterial: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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