One of the most recognizable differences in the believer and the world he lives in is his unusual relationship to money and possessions. However, even serious believers sometimes balk at the seeming extremities in the teaching and lifestyle of Christ and the leaders of the New Testament church. Can we duplicate this New Testament lifestyle in our day?
This outline provides the diligent believer with some key principals preparing him/her for radical, other-worldly financial behavior. Alone, or if married, with your spouse, take some time for reading the Scripture texts and thinking through the obedient thing to do in each area. Then write out what you find. There is only one thing for you to do after this meditation … obey!
And He said to them, "Beware and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions. Lk. 12:15
Lk. 12:32-34; 16:13-25; 1 Jn. 2:15-17
What must be done to obey these verses?
Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Rom. 13:8
Prov. 22:7
What must be done to obey these verses?
For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability they gave of their own accord, begging us with much entreaty for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.
2 Cor. 8:3-5
2 Cor. 9:7; Luke 6:38
What must be done to obey these verses?
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Mt. 5:16
Prov. 27:23-27
What must be done to obey these verses?
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and dust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up your treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in or steal. Matt. 6:19-20
Prov. 28:8; 1 Tim. 6:9-11
What must be done to obey these verses?
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. 1 Jn. 3:16-18
Jam. 2:15-17; Lk. 6:30, 38; II Cor. 9:6-15; Prov. 28:27
What must be done to obey these verses?
Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil. 4:11-13
Prov. 30:7-9; Matt. 6:24-34; 1 Tim. 6:8
What must be done to obey these verses?