Given the statements about the danger of wealth for the disciple, it is not surprising that the disciple needs to surrender his wealth before he can be included as one of the inheritors of the kingdom.
Jesus indicated that one can either store up treasures on earth or treasures in heaven, but not both (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:21) and that to store up treasures in heaven is to inherit the kingdom of God (Luke 12:32-34).
Jesus offered as a principle that whoever gave up everything—their family and livelihood—would receive an abundance of family and livelihood in this life and will inherit the kingdom of God in the age to come.
When the disciples began to follow Jesus, they gave up their occupations and their families and their wealth (Mark 1:16-20; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27-28). In fact, Jesus says, before one begins to follow Jesus, he must give up his family, and surrender his very life (Luke 14:25-27).
Right after this, he says that the one who wishes to follow him needs to give up all of his possessions (Luke 14:33). Instead, all of Jesus’ disciples needs to not worry about their future needs, but to sell their possessions and give to the poor and then they will have riches in God (Luke 12: 21-34).
As an indication of his inheritance of the kingdom of God, Zaccheus offered as proof his lack of cheating in his occupation and his surrender of half of his wealth to the poor. Jesus accepted this and called him an inheritor of the kingdom (Luke 19:1-10).
Jesus commanded the young man with many possessions to sell everything in order to follow Jesus and to inherit the kingdom (Mark 10:17-22).
Jesus also spoke two parables which indicated that if one was to gain the kingdom of God, he would have to sell everything he had to gain it (Matthew 13:44-46).
In Acts, the disciples in Jerusalem are described as having nothing of their own, but held everything in common, some of them selling their family inheritance in order to give it to the apostles, who gave the proceeds to the poor among them (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37).
When the 12 are sent out, they are to take nothing with them, but to have their needs provided for by the towns where they ministered (Matthew 10; Mark; Luke 9).
In John, the one who inherits eternal life is the disciple who loves others.
In I John, is shown to be those who surrender their wealth for those in need (John 13:34-35; I John 3:16-18).
Thus, in the teaching of Jesus and in the life of the disciples, the surrender of one’s wealth is a prerequisite of inheriting the kingdom of God.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Wealth as an Obstacle
Jesus warned against greed, saying that one’s life does not consist of the wealth one has (Luke 12:15). And that wealth is fundamentally unrighteous, and that it will fail in the end (Luke 16:9).
Jesus also said it is difficult—impossible for any but God to do—for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom. (Mark 10:23-25; Matthew 19:23-24; Luke 18:24-25). He claimed that the rich among his followers would not receive comfort on the final day (Luke 6:24)—possibly meaning that they would not inherit the kingdom of God, since this is in opposition to the poor of his disciples who would.
Serving wealth is given as a display of having an idol in one’s heart and thus being unable to serve God (Matthew 6:24). Jesus warned that worry for the things of this life, the deceitfulness of riches and the desire of things causes one to no longer abide in the gospel (Mark 4:19). Jesus commanded not to store up wealth on earth, but to rather send it up to heaven (Matthew 6:19-20; Luke 12:21).
The principle behind this is that where ones treasure is, there will the heart be (Matthew 6:21; Luke 12:34)—meaning that one’s commitment is indicated by what one pours his resources into. A man putting his wealth into his future comfort on earth is condemned as a fool because he is not prepared for his death (Luke 12:16-21). The rich man was punished after death, while the poor Lazarus was given comfort (Luke 16:19-21).
Other passages outside of Jesus indicate the difficulty of wealth: James condemns the rich in his epistle (James 1:11; 2:6; 5:1-6). The Psalms at times indicate that the rich are among the wicked and will be condemned (Psalm 37:16; 49:16-20). The one who gains wealth through oppression is condemned throughout Scripture (Deut. 14:14-15; Psalm 62:10; 73:8,12; 107:39-40; Proverbs 22:16; 28:16; Isaiah 30:12-13; Ezekiel 22:12; Hosea 12:7-8; Micah 6:10-14; James 2:6). See also Baruch 3:16-19.
Jesus also said it is difficult—impossible for any but God to do—for the wealthy to enter God’s kingdom. (Mark 10:23-25; Matthew 19:23-24; Luke 18:24-25). He claimed that the rich among his followers would not receive comfort on the final day (Luke 6:24)—possibly meaning that they would not inherit the kingdom of God, since this is in opposition to the poor of his disciples who would.
Serving wealth is given as a display of having an idol in one’s heart and thus being unable to serve God (Matthew 6:24). Jesus warned that worry for the things of this life, the deceitfulness of riches and the desire of things causes one to no longer abide in the gospel (Mark 4:19). Jesus commanded not to store up wealth on earth, but to rather send it up to heaven (Matthew 6:19-20; Luke 12:21).
The principle behind this is that where ones treasure is, there will the heart be (Matthew 6:21; Luke 12:34)—meaning that one’s commitment is indicated by what one pours his resources into. A man putting his wealth into his future comfort on earth is condemned as a fool because he is not prepared for his death (Luke 12:16-21). The rich man was punished after death, while the poor Lazarus was given comfort (Luke 16:19-21).
Other passages outside of Jesus indicate the difficulty of wealth: James condemns the rich in his epistle (James 1:11; 2:6; 5:1-6). The Psalms at times indicate that the rich are among the wicked and will be condemned (Psalm 37:16; 49:16-20). The one who gains wealth through oppression is condemned throughout Scripture (Deut. 14:14-15; Psalm 62:10; 73:8,12; 107:39-40; Proverbs 22:16; 28:16; Isaiah 30:12-13; Ezekiel 22:12; Hosea 12:7-8; Micah 6:10-14; James 2:6). See also Baruch 3:16-19.
Budget Guidelines
I have just spoken about giving to the needy. And I have spoken about supplying the needs of church leaders. But let's be realistic here-- overall, what should we give to? Although it is complex, Scripture does give us guidelines to give away our resources-- all of them. Let's see what it says.
In our personal budget, the Scripture says that we must give to meet the needs of our families. This means not only our spouse and children, but our aged parents as well. If we do not care for their basic needs, then we are worse than unbelievers, Paul says.
Next, whether in our personal budget or our church budget, we must meet the needs of our church leaders-- especially those who teach us God's word. This is significant, because they probably depend on us to supply their needs and God says it is our responsibility to do so.
Next, we must provide for the needs of other brothers and sisters in the church. Should another in the body of Christ have need, we-- as an individual or as a church-- should rush in to help as we can. This is especially a need in which the church can provide assistance such as food, clothing or shelter. Also, this command is not restricted to a single church body, but extends out to the entire worldwide church. Thus, we must do what we can to assist starving believers or homeless believers in Latin America, Africa, India or Indonesia as well as our local congregation. If we refuse to help these brothers and sisters, then we demonstrate that we have not recieved God's grace, for God's love does not live in us.
Last in priority, but with no less zeal, we must provide for unbelievers that have need as well. Yes, we must do this wisely, but to do so is to provide a foundation for the gospel to be accepted. Our evangelism must have hands and feet as well as tongues. Should we only preach the gospel to unbelievers yet not live it out to them, they rightly call us hypocrites.
In summary, God's command to us in giving is thus: family first, then pastors, then believers in need then unbelievers in need. These needs seem so vast, and our resources seem so miniscule, how, one may ask, can we meet these goals. We must remember-- God did not require us to feed all the poor or to satisfy every need. He knew we could not. What God honors is the process of sacrificing, of surrendering all, according to His command even though the task seems fruitless. In that way, we will receive His reward and not that of any man.
Text of the Radical Reformer-- Radio Show #57
In our personal budget, the Scripture says that we must give to meet the needs of our families. This means not only our spouse and children, but our aged parents as well. If we do not care for their basic needs, then we are worse than unbelievers, Paul says.
Next, whether in our personal budget or our church budget, we must meet the needs of our church leaders-- especially those who teach us God's word. This is significant, because they probably depend on us to supply their needs and God says it is our responsibility to do so.
Next, we must provide for the needs of other brothers and sisters in the church. Should another in the body of Christ have need, we-- as an individual or as a church-- should rush in to help as we can. This is especially a need in which the church can provide assistance such as food, clothing or shelter. Also, this command is not restricted to a single church body, but extends out to the entire worldwide church. Thus, we must do what we can to assist starving believers or homeless believers in Latin America, Africa, India or Indonesia as well as our local congregation. If we refuse to help these brothers and sisters, then we demonstrate that we have not recieved God's grace, for God's love does not live in us.
Last in priority, but with no less zeal, we must provide for unbelievers that have need as well. Yes, we must do this wisely, but to do so is to provide a foundation for the gospel to be accepted. Our evangelism must have hands and feet as well as tongues. Should we only preach the gospel to unbelievers yet not live it out to them, they rightly call us hypocrites.
In summary, God's command to us in giving is thus: family first, then pastors, then believers in need then unbelievers in need. These needs seem so vast, and our resources seem so miniscule, how, one may ask, can we meet these goals. We must remember-- God did not require us to feed all the poor or to satisfy every need. He knew we could not. What God honors is the process of sacrificing, of surrendering all, according to His command even though the task seems fruitless. In that way, we will receive His reward and not that of any man.
Text of the Radical Reformer-- Radio Show #57
Giving To Elders
Let us not be unwise, but wise. Yes, the command to us is: Sell your possessions and give to the poor. But let us remember that the first poor person we must give to is the elder who teaches us God's word. Some would say, "Yet he is not poor, we give him a descent salary." Perhaps so, but the members still determine his salary and give him what the members see fit. Such a leader who teaches the word of the Lord is worthy of double honor, Paul says. And extravagant income, not just a paltry one. Woe to the church who keeps wealth for themselves, or who forces their pastor or his wife to hold a second job to make ends meet.
The primary act of a church budget is to provide for the needs of the pastor. Any church who reduces a pastor's salary for the sake of a building or a cirriucuulum or program or denominational administration has lost God's desire for a church. Now I would be the first to admit that pastors, as well as most Christians in the U.S., have inflated salaries and that they have not God's purposes for their income in mind, but their own gain. As Scripture says, the greedy will not gain God's kingdom, I believe that a greedy pastor is not worthy of his office. And God will judge every church leader who maligns God's word for their own comfort or gain. But let us not now speak of a Christian leader's responsibilities, but of the duty of the receiver of God's word to the one who teaches it. Jesus taught that a worker is worthy of his hire. Thus, the teacher of God's word, the follower of Jesus, has sacrificed much in order to understand and give freely this most precious of all gifts: the word of God. To listen to and to obey God's word is the most difficult work any of us can undertake. To teach God's word doubly so, for those who teach and yet do not do are under the curse of God. Thus, we must examine ourselves carefully and compare ourselves and our followers to God's word daily.
Not only give to your pastor, but pray for him as well. He needs your mediation before God. Pray that God would give him boldness when he needs to be a prophet and humble when he needs to be persecuted. Pray that he would discern the word of God truly, by the Holy Spirit and that his emotions and schedule and earthly duties would never stand in God's way of him doing God's will. Then turn around and pray the same for yourself that you may be counted worthy of such a pastor that you were praying for.
Text of The Radical Reformer radio show #56
The primary act of a church budget is to provide for the needs of the pastor. Any church who reduces a pastor's salary for the sake of a building or a cirriucuulum or program or denominational administration has lost God's desire for a church. Now I would be the first to admit that pastors, as well as most Christians in the U.S., have inflated salaries and that they have not God's purposes for their income in mind, but their own gain. As Scripture says, the greedy will not gain God's kingdom, I believe that a greedy pastor is not worthy of his office. And God will judge every church leader who maligns God's word for their own comfort or gain. But let us not now speak of a Christian leader's responsibilities, but of the duty of the receiver of God's word to the one who teaches it. Jesus taught that a worker is worthy of his hire. Thus, the teacher of God's word, the follower of Jesus, has sacrificed much in order to understand and give freely this most precious of all gifts: the word of God. To listen to and to obey God's word is the most difficult work any of us can undertake. To teach God's word doubly so, for those who teach and yet do not do are under the curse of God. Thus, we must examine ourselves carefully and compare ourselves and our followers to God's word daily.
Not only give to your pastor, but pray for him as well. He needs your mediation before God. Pray that God would give him boldness when he needs to be a prophet and humble when he needs to be persecuted. Pray that he would discern the word of God truly, by the Holy Spirit and that his emotions and schedule and earthly duties would never stand in God's way of him doing God's will. Then turn around and pray the same for yourself that you may be counted worthy of such a pastor that you were praying for.
Text of The Radical Reformer radio show #56
Tithing
Go into any good, Bible-believing church and more than likely, if you are a member, you will be asked for money. And why not? Each church has programs to provide for and the Bible to teach and property to keep up. If you enjoy of the fruits, shouldn't you give to make it happen? And so many churches hold to a doctrine of tithing-- that 10% of ones income should go to the church. I want to say loud and strong that the New Testament does not teach tithing! There is nothing in the teaching of Jesus, the teaching of Paul or any of the other apostles that encourages tithing. In fact, the New Testament teaches against tithing. Frankly, 10% isn't enough.
Jesus taught that one was not just to give a tithe, but one's whole life to God. Everything you have is to be surrendered in order to be a follower of Jesus. Not just hypothetically surrendered, but surrendered in reality-- given away so that you no longer have sovereignty over your possessions. For Jesus the choice was this: either you can retain your possessions, your comfortable life and your wealth or you can give it away and God will hold your inheritance for you-- safely kept-- until the soon-coming kingdom arrives. In Acts, the primary examples to the church are those who sold their land-- which was the primary inheritance of their families--and they sold their possessions and laid the money at the apostle's feet. Each gift is not a stingy 10% but a wholehearted generousness that gives according to the need.
And even so, the money given is not to be given for the needs of the church. Not to property, not to orchestras or to music ministers-- rather the money is to go to the poor. The apostles, when they received the money, did not spend it on a new building for their 3000 new members to meet in. Rather, they gave it to the poor and needy among their church, supplying their needs-- providing food and clothing and other needs they had. Even so, should a church pour money into building projects but refuse to help a member in financial crisis-- this is not a church following Jesus. Should a church provide a lavish program to entertain their wealthy members, but fail to assist their starving brothers in Indonesia, then the Spirit of Christ lives not in their church. Jesus told us to give to the poor, not to give to ourselves. And to give only to ourselves to make ourselves spiritually fat is idolatry, not the pure sacrifice God wishes for us to live out in the likeness of his Son.
-Text of the Radical Reformer, Radio Show #55
Jesus taught that one was not just to give a tithe, but one's whole life to God. Everything you have is to be surrendered in order to be a follower of Jesus. Not just hypothetically surrendered, but surrendered in reality-- given away so that you no longer have sovereignty over your possessions. For Jesus the choice was this: either you can retain your possessions, your comfortable life and your wealth or you can give it away and God will hold your inheritance for you-- safely kept-- until the soon-coming kingdom arrives. In Acts, the primary examples to the church are those who sold their land-- which was the primary inheritance of their families--and they sold their possessions and laid the money at the apostle's feet. Each gift is not a stingy 10% but a wholehearted generousness that gives according to the need.
And even so, the money given is not to be given for the needs of the church. Not to property, not to orchestras or to music ministers-- rather the money is to go to the poor. The apostles, when they received the money, did not spend it on a new building for their 3000 new members to meet in. Rather, they gave it to the poor and needy among their church, supplying their needs-- providing food and clothing and other needs they had. Even so, should a church pour money into building projects but refuse to help a member in financial crisis-- this is not a church following Jesus. Should a church provide a lavish program to entertain their wealthy members, but fail to assist their starving brothers in Indonesia, then the Spirit of Christ lives not in their church. Jesus told us to give to the poor, not to give to ourselves. And to give only to ourselves to make ourselves spiritually fat is idolatry, not the pure sacrifice God wishes for us to live out in the likeness of his Son.
-Text of the Radical Reformer, Radio Show #55
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