Many Christians have a conflicted opinion about money in general, but gold and silver in particular. They have a double standard similar to that of many vegetarians and animal rights advocates who strongly condemn any use of animals, cages, zoos or for food .... but they wear leather shoes, belts, wallets, purses and use many products with animal oils or substances in them. I have known Muslims and Jews who secretly ate bacon for breakfast when traveling away from home. In fact, there must be millions of religious double standards up and down every street and road.
The Christians who feel guilty about gold or silver jewelery, bullion or owning precious metals, have no problem with taking a big raise in salary or with "making too much money" as long as they are on the receiving end or it. Nor do they flinch at owning a business worth many thousands or even with wearing nice clothes or driving a nice car or having retirement savings invested in anything but gold , silver, or whiskey.
FILTHY LUCRE: In every case where the term "filthy lucre" is used in the Bible, it is in reference to greed or to those who are addicted to money or teachers of evil for money. See 1Tim.3:3&8 & Titus 1:7 & 11.
UNRIGHTEOUS MAMMON: When Jesus referred to the "unrighteous mammon", He was applying the term to unjust and unfaithful stewards. He also instructed them to be generous with their wealth and thereby "make friends" with "the mammon of unrighteousness". Lk.16:8-11.
I. Everything in Heaven or earth belongs to their CREATOR GOD.
.....1. "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein." Psm.24:1.
.....2. "The silver is MINE and the gold is MINE, saith the Lord of hosts." Hag.2:8. If it is God's, it cannot be filthy or unrighteous and if God gives it to you, it is not filthy and unrighteous. All depends on how you use it.
II. It is GOD, the Creator and Owner, who gives of His treasures to us.
.....1. "... "I gave her corn, wine, oil and multiplied her silver and gold (with) which they (made) Baal" ...an idol and false god. Hosea 2:8.
.....2. "... of their silver and gold have they made them idols ...." Hosea 8:4. God did not condemn them for having silver and gold, He gave it to them. He condemned them for misusing and abusing what He blessed them with and making a false, idol god instead of using it for good. Gold, silver and wealth of any kind is no different from what they buy, brass, iron, wood and stone. King Belshazzar made a great feast. Nothing wrong with that... but, He sent for the holy vessels of gold and silver which he had confiscated from the holy Temple of God in Jerusalem. He, his lords, princes and their wives and concubines wanted a new thrill. They began wickedly,presumptuously drinking wine from the holy vessels of God which led to even greater sin. "They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone." Dan.5:1-5. That's when the finger of God wrote their condemnation on their wall.... (Facebook ain't new).
.....3. God gave Apostle Peter "a piece (Gk.stater 'silver coin') of money" from a fishes mouth, to meet a need in Mt.17:27.
.....4. A young man asked me for money for a meal. I asked him if he knew the verse, "Give and it shall be given unto you...." "Yes", he said. "What does it mean?" said I. "It means to give", he said ... and handed me 32 grimy pennies. "No", said I, "It means to receive" ... and God gave him a job in our church and many meals.
III. Wealth of ANY kind cannot save your soul, keep it saved, or deliver you from the Great White Throne Judgment of God.
.....1. "Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold from your (sins).... 1 Pet.1:18.
......2. "Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD's wrath." Zeph.1:18.
......3. "And Judah shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver.... in great abundance." Zec.14:14.
......4. Judas, the betrayer and greedy Socialist, was not only an Apostle but also "a thief". Read it for yourself in John 12:5-6 & 13:29. He also committed suicide. Why did Jesus include Judas ? It was prophesied. Evil highlights holiness as darkness optimizes light. Whereas, holiness dissipates evil as light banishes darkness. Hot vs. cold, positive vs. negative, sweet vs. sour.
IV. King Solomon described the Groom and Bride (Christ & His Church) and heaven in "golden" terms.... "Thy cheeks are comely (beautiful) with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold. We will make thee borders of gold and studs of silver .... He made pillars ... of silver, the bottom ... of gold.... paved with love ...." Song of Solomon 1:10-11 & 3:10.
V. Gold and Silver and Wealth of every kind can be used in the Worship of God.
..... 1. Remember ...." The silver is mine and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts." Hag.2:8.
..... 2. God also gives the tools to get wealth. "With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and has gotten gold and silver into thy treasures." Ezek.28:4.
..... 3. God gives not only the wealth but the wisdom and knowledge."If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth .... and it shall be given him ."Jm.1:5. "And God said unto Solomon, Because ... thou hast not asked riches, wealth, honor ... long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge ... that thou mayest judge my people ....wisdom and knowledge is granted thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth and honor ...." 2Chr.1:11-12. The way to riches and honor for the Christian is ...not to seek them ... but seek to obey God, fulfill His calling, care about His people, and seek wisdom and knowledge. Jesus said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt.6:33. I believe it.
..... 4. "...They shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the LORD." Isa.60:6.
How can they bring gold and wealth if they do not already have it ? And, how do you give offerings, money, gold or anything to God anyway ? Do you throw it up into the air as high as you can and hope God catches it ? Do you take some T.V. evangelist's word that he is speaking for God ? Do you address an envelope "TO GOD" In care of Heaven .... Universe, U.S.A. ??? I heard a Radio preacher say, "We gittin mail from all over town, across the state and nation and universe." Like old Oscar said, "Now you gone too far ." Let me tell you, never send money to God. He doesn't need it or want it and the U.S.P.S. couldn't deliver it. Support a Solid, Bible Believing, Christ Exalting, God Worshiping Church, similar Missionaries, and be generous to those around you who have need but never send money to something or someone you don't know exactly what they do with it .... and that is seldom. In my sixty years of preaching, I've seen behind the cameras and crosses and microphones and walls of thousands of ministries and I can tell you that what you see on the surface is not necessairly what it is. Get in the above described church and support it. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse .... my house .... and I will open the windows of heaven ...."Mal.3:10.
VI. Wise Men stepped out of the Old Testament into the New Testament and brought gold and their wealth to God.
.....1. "There came wise men .... and fell down and worshiped (Jesus)... and opened their treasurers ... and presented unto Him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh." Matt.2:1 & 11. (Traveling expenses to Egypt).
.....2. The Holy of Holies, in the Tabernacle and Temple, had within it "the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid ... with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna ...."Heb.9:4. How did it get there and from whence came it ? God gave the people wisdom and knowledge to accumulate it by His hand and they brought it back to Him for His service. "All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee...."
1 Chron.29:14.
.....3. "Whither is greater the gold, or the Temple that sanctifieth the gold ?" Filthy Lucre and the unrighteous mammon become Holy when used to the glory of God.
VII. Gold, Silver, and all Wealth used for God can't be bad no matter how much you have.
.....1. Job was a millionaire but was ... "perfect, upright, feared God and hated evil ..." Job 1:1-2. He lost it all, and became an even better man through suffering and loss... and then God gave him twice as much as he had before.
.... 2. Heaven is made of precious metals and jewels. "Twenty four elders.... had on their heads crowns of gold." Rev.4:4. "And the city was pure gold ...." Rev.21"18. "And the street of the city was pure gold ...." Rev.21:2.
In a word, silver and gold, wealth is good if used for good. If not, it is filthy lucre and unrighteous mammon. Let your life's goal be serving God and He will take care of the rest. You concern yourself with the "DEPTH" of your ministry and God will take care of the "BREADTH" of it.
Pass it on. RB
2 comments:
Preach it Brother!
RB,
This is perhaps the most thorough treatment of the subject I've ever read. Thanks so much for posting.
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