We are close to the end of our study of 1 Corinthians! This coming Sunday should be our last study in this great book of problems that Paul dealt with in this most carnal of all the churches he was responsible for starting. Yesterday, we finished our study on the grace of giving, true New testament giving, where we learn from what was established in the Old Testament, the tithe, using it as a pattern, not a command, to help us learn how to use the resources God has blessed us with to further the Kingdom of God in this Mystery period of the Dispensation of Grace.
We must be faithful with what God has blessed us with, before he can trust with more.
Luke 16:10-13: He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
2 Corinthians 8:12: For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
Money itself is amoral, a simple tool we are given to help us pay our debts, give us shelter, food, clothing, transportation, etc. We receive it through work. The trouble comes when we make the error of loving money. It becomes the root of all evil in our lives. We must guard ourselves from falling prey to this inanimate commodity that we must all use in this world.
1 Timothy 6:6-11: But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
The greater riches are the unseen riches of a heart that is surrendered to Christ, seeking to fulfill the will of God by being conformed to Christ. We are commanded to flee the things of V.9-10, and seek to be content in our lives, and follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness! The grace of giving helps us keep the “green eyed monster” of covetousness at bay. Covetousness leads us down the path of idolatry. Colossians 3:5-7