{"id":3490,"date":"2015-09-05T00:30:18","date_gmt":"2015-09-05T07:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/?p=3490"},"modified":"2015-09-05T00:30:18","modified_gmt":"2015-09-05T07:30:18","slug":"95-how-to-become-rich","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hoc6.org\/global\/2015\/09\/05\/95-how-to-become-rich\/","title":{"rendered":"9\/5: How to Become Rich (\u7bb421:27-22:6 \u6797\u540e8:1-15 \u8d5b8:11-10:19)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u8bfb\u7ecf\uff1a\u7bb421:27-22:6 \u6797\u540e8:1-15 \u8d5b8:11-10:19<\/h2>\n

How to Become Rich<\/h2>\n
\n

\u2018I am so happy I could cry! I am so excited that we might have the chance to go to Focus [our church holiday]! I can\u2019t wait to see my children\u2019s faces when I tell them!\u2019 This was the reaction of a mother with two young children in our congregation when she heard she would be given a bursary (a discounted rate) to come to Focus. At the end of the week she wrote, \u2018It is the best holiday we have ever had as a family. I am so happy.\u2019<\/p>\n

I love the fact that hundreds of people come to Focus on bursaries, or even for nothing. Others give generously to make this possible. Sometimes those who come on bursaries are later able to give generously themselves.<\/p>\n

A few months later the mother who had written to me unexpectedly inherited some money from a distant relative. She gave extraordinarily generously. The amount far more than covered the bursary she and her family had received.<\/p>\n

As I read the New Testament passage for today I am reminded that this is a practical outworking of the New Testament principle that those who can afford give to help those who cannot afford \u2013 so that there might be equality: \u2018At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need\u2019 (2 Corinthians 8:14).<\/p>\n

Our newspapers often come with a dedicated supplement on money and another on business. So much of our world is taken up with thinking, writing and talking about money, wealth and riches. The Bible has a great deal to say about these subjects. However, the biblical position is in contrast to that of today\u2019s culture.<\/p>\n

In today\u2019s New Testament passage, Paul tells us that the whole point of the incarnation of Jesus was that you might \u2018become rich<\/em>\u2019 (v.9). However, the passages for today totally redefine this world\u2019s understanding of the word \u2018rich\u2019.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

1. Fasten on your reputation<\/em> far more than riches<\/h2>\n

Proverbs 21:27-22:6<\/a>Reputation is far more important than riches.<\/p>\n

\u2018A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank\u2019 (22:1, MSG).<\/p>\n

It is better to do what is right than to make more money by cutting corners, dubious practices or greed. As Billy Graham has said, \u2018When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.\u2019<\/p>\n

Our culture values those on the \u2018rich list\u2019 far more than those dying of starvation in the poorer parts of the world. But the writer of Proverbs says, \u2018The rich and the poor shake hands as equals \u2013 God made them both!\u2019 (v.2, MSG).<\/p>\n

The way of true riches is \u2018humility and the fear of the Lord\u2019 (v.4a). This brings \u2018riches and honour and life\u2019 (v.4b, AMP). It may sometimes bring material wealth. But the New Testament tells us that it always brings something of far more lasting value \u2013 spiritual riches<\/em> in Christ.<\/p>\n

Lord, help me to live a life of complete integrity. May I focus my life not on riches, but on \u2018humility and fear of the Lord\u2019.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

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2. Follow the example of the one who went from riches <\/em>torags<\/em><\/h2>\n

2 Corinthians 8:1-15<\/a>The singer Lily Allen effortlessly reflects what many people think in her song, \u2018The Fear\u2019:<\/p>\n

\u2018I want to be rich and I want lots of money
\nI don\u2019t care about clever I don\u2019t care about funny
\nI want loads of clothes and **** loads of diamonds.\u2019<\/div>\n

So many people want to get rich. There are many examples of people going from \u2018rags to riches\u2019. However, there are few who have deliberately chosen<\/em> to go from riches to rags<\/em>!<\/p>\n

Yet, right at the heart of our faith is one who chose to do exactly that: \u2018For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so thatyou <\/em>through his poverty might become rich<\/em>\u2019 (v.9). This is the heart of the gospel.<\/p>\n

The New Testament offers this picture of Christ as the example we are to follow. Not only did he leave the riches of heaven for the poverty of an earthly life, but in that earthly life he chose to be born in poverty and died in the most extreme poverty imaginable.<\/p>\n

He came to earth with nowhere to lay his head, and he hung, naked and in agony, on the cross. He did this in order that you might become rich \u2013 that you might have all the spiritual treasures of Christ. Jesus has shown us the supreme example of \u2018rich generosity\u2019 and what it means to \u2018become rich\u2019.<\/p>\n

The Macedonian churches followed his example: \u2018The trial exposed their true colours: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts. I was there and saw it for myself. They gave offerings of whatever they could \u2013 far more than they could afford! \u2013 pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor Christians\u2019 (v.2\u20134, MSG).<\/p>\n

Although they were extremely poor, they worked out how much they could give and they gave even more than that.<\/p>\n

Paul urged the Corinthians to follow their example. There were many areas of their lives that were excellent (v.7a). Paul said, \u2018See that you also excel in this grace of giving\u2019 (v.7c).<\/p>\n

Paul then expounds the New Testament principle that those who have should give to support those who have not (vv.13\u201315). We see this principle at work at Focus and on many other occasions, including the Alpha Weekends. We invite those who cannot afford to pay to come for nothing (or for whatever they can afford). At the weekend we have an offering so that those who can afford to give help to pay for those who cannot meet the expense of the weekend away.<\/p>\n

Lord, thank you for the example of Jesus, who though he was rich, became poor. Thank you for the example we see of so many Christians like the Macedonian churches, who out of their extreme poverty well up in rich generosity. Help me to follow their example and to excel in the grace of giving.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

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3. Focus on the reign <\/em>of Jesus rather than on riches<\/h2>\n

Isaiah 8:11-10:19<\/a>As Lily Allen sings in \u2018The Fear\u2019, if we focus on the wrong things we are \u2018taken over by the fear\u2019. But Isaiah says, \u2018Don\u2019t fear what they fear. Don\u2019t take on their worries. If you\u2019re going to worry, worry about The Holy. Fear God-of-the-Angel-Armies\u2019 (8:12\u201313, MSG).<\/p>\n

Isaiah warns against focusing on the occult, fortune-tellers, spiritualists and consulting the dead\u2019 (v.19): \u2018Tell them, \u201cNo, we\u2019re going to study the Scriptures.\u201d People who try the other ways get nowhere \u2013 a dead end\u2026 A blank wall, an empty hole. They end up in the dark with nothing\u2019 (vv.20\u201322, MSG).<\/p>\n

He also warns against pride and \u2018arrogance of heart\u2019 (9:9). In addition he has much to say on the subject of riches.<\/p>\n

First, riches in themselves do not satisfy: \u2018Appetites insatiable, stuffing and gorging\u00a0themselves left and right with people and things. But still they starved\u2019 (v.20, MSG). However much money we make, it will never satisfy the deep spiritual hunger in every human heart.<\/p>\n

Second, he warns against making money at the expense of the poor (10:1\u20133). Injustice is at the heart of so much suffering in the world: \u2018Doom to you who legislate evil, who make laws that make victims \u2013 Laws that make misery for the poor, that rob my destitute people of dignity, exploiting defenceless widows, taking advantage of homeless children\u2019 (vv.1\u20132, MSG).<\/p>\n

There are many countries in the world where we can see exactly this happening. A few people become very rich at the expense of the poor, the widows and the orphans. There are unjust laws and no justice for the people. Isaiah asks the question about the day of judgment, \u2018Where will you leave your riches?\u2019 (v.3d). All this money at the end of the day is utterly meaningless: \u2018What good will all your money do you?\u2019 (v.3d, MSG).<\/p>\n

Into this world of injustice and inequality the prophet Isaiah sees a different kind of ruler arising \u2013 the ultimate fulfilment was, of course, in Jesus Christ: \u2018For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end\u2019 (9:6\u20137a).<\/p>\n

The more you allow the rule of Jesus in your life, the more he directs your plans, decisions, conversations and thoughts \u2013 the wiser you will become and, instead of being \u2018taken over by the fear\u2019, the more you will experience his peace.<\/p>\n

Peace does not come from money, riches, success, promotion, clothes or diamonds. It comes from living under the rule of Jesus in justice and righteousness, following his example of rich generosity.<\/p>\n

Lord, I worship you, the Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Thank you that you have shown us the path to true riches, honour and life. Help us as individuals and as a community to follow your example.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

Pippa Adds<\/h2>\n
\n

Proverbs 22:6<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2018Train children in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not turn from it.\u2019<\/p>\n

I\u2019m so grateful to everyone who\u2019s invested their time, love and prayers in our children. Never underestimate the importance of your time spent with children \u2013 whether as a parent, a children\u2019s worker or teacher. Your investment will reap a huge dividend. Your teaching and example will help to build people of faith and character.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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