THE POVERTY OF LIFE REVELATION 2:8-10

Much is given on the subject of riches and poverty in the Bible. Have you ever considered the real meaning of poverty? We generally think in terms of material things when we consider the meaning of such terms. Poverty— Deficiency in necessary properties or desirable qualities or in a specific quality. Jesus taught many great lessons on the subject of the rich and the poor.

The Rich Man and Lazarus He spoke of many who had the world’s goods as those were deep in poverty. The Rich Young Ruler The Rich Farmer The Rich Man and Lazarus Proverbs 13:7 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches. WHO IS THE POOR PERSON?

The One Who Is Destitute Of Good Works I Timothy 6:17-19 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. The Bible is clear when it comes to arrogance. Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Our faith and trust must be in the Lord only. All else is sure to fail. The Rich Young Ruler did not have enough faith to let go of his riches and put his trust in the Lord. Psalms 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. Psalms 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

According to Acts 10:38 Jesus “went about doing good.” I Timothy 6:18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share The person who has not lost himself in good works is a person given to poverty. According to Acts 10:38 Jesus “went about doing good.” It is the Christians responsibility to be: Rich in good works Ready to give Willing to share The result: I Timothy 6:19 Storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

The Person Who Has Never Become A Christian And Has No Hope Of Heaven There is no poverty to be compared to the person who lives without the hope of going to heaven. Jesus came into this world, left the riches of Heaven and became poor. Why? So that we might have the hope of going to Heaven. II Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty you might become rich. If you are not a Christian then you are without hope. Ephesians 2:12 That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

There are many in the world today striving for only that which is temporal. Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? II Corinthians 4:18 We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. You might have the riches of this world, but if you do not have Christ you are living in poverty.

The One Who Has Fallen Away From Christ Revelation 3:15-18 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth. Because you say, `I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” If you do not have Christ in your life you are immensely poor and you are living in spiritual poverty. It is a matter of choice.

But God Does Not Want You To Be Poor Real Poverty Is A Number Of Things It is having access to the Bible, but not reading it. Being exposed to Christian fellowship, but not taking advantage of such opportunities. It is having a healthy mind and body, but having no purpose to engage them. It is having talents, but not using them in worthwhile efforts, or not using them at all. Those guilty of these are purposely living in spiritual poverty. But God Does Not Want You To Be Poor

Jesus came into the world to make us rich. What Can Make Us Rich? Accepting God’s salvation and letting Him have complete control of your life. Jesus came into the world to make us rich. This cannot happen unless we let Him. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Given by David Hamlin on 10-25-09 am Hollister, Missouri church of Christ www.hollisterchurchofchrist.org