Manage Money God's Way
Biblical Principles Related To Finances
Put God First:
God is big on "priorities." The first commandment in the Law states: ""I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:2-3)
Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Jesus taught that we should: "...seek first his (God’s) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Mat. 6:33)
When asked to give the greatest commandment in the Law Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.'" (Mat. 22:37-38)
Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
If we are truly in tune with the Lord then our desires will also be His desires.
Mat. 6:24 - No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
God Owns Everything:
Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Psalm 24:1 - The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
Psalm 50:10 - for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
Christians work for God as stewards of what He owns:
As Christians we are servants of Jesus Christ. Paul introduces himself as "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus..." in the first chapter of the book of Romans. Peter begins the book of 2 Peter with these words: "Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ..." (2 Peter 1:1).
Luke 12:42-44 - The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions."
Romans 6:22 - But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
Mat. 25:21 - "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
God’s will, purpose and direction is found through Bible study and prayer:
Proverbs 16:16 - How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!
Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Mark 11:24 - Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
John 15:17 - If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
1 Thes. 5:17 - pray continually…
1 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
We are called by God to do good works but we are not saved by our works. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.
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Be obedient to God:
Once we have discovered God's purpose and will for us through Bible study and prayer then, as His servants we must obey:
Proverbs 10:8 - The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
Many of us believe that partial obedience is acceptable. King Saul was given an command but chose not to follow completely. The prophet Samuel told him: "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." (1 Sam. 15:22)
The prophet Jeremiah urged Judah: "Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you." (Jer. 26:13)
Jesus taught: "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." (Luke 11:28)
Being obedient to God is a choice but it is also much more than that. "...without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Heb. 11:6) And our faith must have the proper object. Paul writes: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (1 Cor. 5:17)
One of our greatest challenges in financial management is incorrect priorities. We must put God and His Kingdom and His desires at the very top of our "list:"
Proverbs 11:4 – Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
Psalm 100:2 - Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (NKJV “Serve the Lord…”)
Deut. 16:17 - Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.
Mat. 6:20-21 - But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Gal. 6:6 - Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
God had given Moses the plans for the Tabernacle and it was time to begin construction. The Lord commanded that an offering be taken but did not designate who was to give or any specific amount that was to be given. “From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze;… and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.” (Exodus 35:5 & 21-22)
As construction was moving forward: “They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work and said to Moses, ‘The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.’ Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: ‘No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.’ And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.” (Exodus 36:3-7)
After Israel’s battle with the Midianites the army officers came to Moses “and said to him, ‘Your servants have counted the soldiers under our command, and not one is missing. So we have brought as an offering to the Lord the gold articles each of us acquired--armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings and necklaces--to make atonement for ourselves before the Lord.’" ( Numbers 31:49-50) This was apparently a voluntary offering of all the gold taken in battle.
Paul had a great heart for helping God’s people. He emphasized that our generosity must have the right attitude as its foundation when he said: "If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." (1 Cor. 13:3)
During Paul’s period of ministry there was a need to assist the believers in Jerusalem. He told the Romans: "For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem." (Romans 15:26)
In this context of giving to help the poor among God’s people Paul wrote: "And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints." (2 Cor. 8:1-4)
Paul urged the Corinthians to be part of this opportunity but he did not “command” them. Paul stressed the correct attitude of willingness: "But just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have." (2 Cor. 8:7-12)
Paul mentioned a desire that he had for “equality” amongst the believers. Then he continued with the emphasis on being eager and enthusiastic: "For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action." (2 Cor. 9:2) In the Book of Acts we are told that: "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." (Acts 4:32)
Paul told the Corinthians about the need for being generous and not giving grudgingly and then said: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: 'He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.' Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." (2 Cor. 9:6-12)
In 2 Cor. Chapters 8 and 9 there is no appeal here to the tithe as a standard against which to measure our giving. Instead Paul pointed to other believers and to Jesus, whose love moved them to give, first themselves and then money.
Paul taught the Corinthians: "...we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." (2 Cor. 4:14-15) The Greek word for "grace" is "charis."
Kenneth Wuest comments that the word comes to its highest and most exalted content of meaning in the New Testament. It refers to God’s offer of salvation with all that that implies ... offered without any expectation of return, but given out of the bounty and free heartedness of the giver (God) ... there is no room for good works on the part of the sinner as a means whereby he could earn his salvation, or after salvation, whereby he might retain that salvation ... good works naturally issue from and are required by grace.
In the case of material giving Paul exhorted these churches to give to the poor. He personally spear-headed a collection from predominantly Gentile Christians for the needs of mostly Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. Yet when he specified the manner in which giving was to be done, he did not follow the Old Testament pattern of a fixed tithe. Rather, he told the Corinthians that “each one should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income” (1 Cor. 16:2), suggesting proportional giving but leaving the decision about degree or extent to individual determination. In a later letter he reminded them that “each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7).
The principles we can glean from this situation are that out of love for God and love for others we should willingly and enthusiastically and cheerfully express our generosity. Whatever we do for the Lord, the Church, other Christians and the world our motivation needs to be love and gratitude and joy. Our gifts and our service must proceed from a cheerful heart and we must never give out of compulsion.
Give back to God's work regularly and on a percentage basis:
Obedience to God is developed through practicing Godly habits. Many of us go to church, pray and read the Bible on a regular basis. In our financial planning we must make a regular habit of investing in God's Kingdom.
Paul taught that regular and proportional (percentage) giving was appropriate: "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." (1 Cor. 16:2)
This agrees in principle with Old Testament teachings: "Then celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the Lord your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the Lord your God has given you." (Deut. 16:10)
Note: Our motive for giving is God’s spiritual blessing in our lives, but our measure for giving is God’s material blessing. Paul made this clear when he wrote to the Corinthians in his first letter, “Let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him” (1 Cor. 16:2). Paul did not lay down any mathematical formula, because grace giving is not limited by a tithe (10 percent). Grace giving is systematic, but it is not legalistic. It is not satisfied with only the minimum, whatever that minimum might be. God does not want to make us destitute through the process of giving to others.
Give your first and your best back to God:
Many people have developed the habit of giving their leftovers to God. The Bible is very clear that God desires our first and our best. This is in keeping with the concept of putting God first in everything we think, say and do:
Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
Exodus 23:19a - Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.
Deut. 26:10 - …and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, O Lord, have given me." Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him.
Lev. 22:21 - When anyone brings from the herd or flock a fellowship offering to the Lord to fulfill a special vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without defect or blemish to be acceptable.
When King David wanted to buy some land for a location for the Temple the owner of the property offered to give it to him. David responded: "I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." (2 Sam. 24:24)
Do not limit God’s blessings:
God desires to bless us. He promised blessings to Abraham: "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." (Genesis 12:2)
The Aaronic priestly blessing begins with these words: "The Lord bless you and keep you..." (Numbers 6:24)
When King Balak asked the prophet Balaam to curse Israel all he could do was bless them: "Balak said to Balaam, 'What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but you have done nothing but bless them!'" (Num. 23:11)
The history of the nation Israel is "typical" history and provides spiritual lessons for us today. Israel tested God ten times (Num. 14:22) during the wilderness wanderings: "How often they rebelled against him in the desert and grieved him in the wasteland! Again and again they put God to the test; they vexed (NKJV – limited) the Holy One of Israel." (Psalm 78:40-41)
They limited God’s desired blessing by their disobedience and their lack of faith.
Jesus taught us how we can be blessed by God: "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." (Luke 11:28b)
If we are truly disciples of Jesus Christ then our lives (our actions) will give evidence of our faith. We cannot just "talk the talk" and call ourselves true Christians. We read in the book of James: "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (James 2:17)
Obedience to God puts you in a position where God can bless you:
Obedience does not come automatically. We have choices to make all day long. These choices determine our character and our destiny. Jude writes: "Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." (Jude 1:21)
Proverbs 2:7-8 – (The Lord) holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
Proverbs 10:6 - Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
Proverbs 15:29 - The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
But God’s blessings are not “automatic” and He may choose not to bless in the way we might have expected. Paul asked God three times to remove his “thorn in the flesh.” God’s response: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Cor. 12:9)
Jesus taught: "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." (Luke 6:35)
The writer of Hebrews reminds believers: "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (Heb. 13:16)
God does bless everyone on earth every day with sunshine and air to breath. He has special blessings in store only for His children. But God doesn’t necessarily reward His followers with material things that “moth and rust corrupt.” Our blessings from God may include the material but He has much better spiritual treasures reserved for us.
According to Jesus the “acid test” of our faith is how we treat other Christians:
Jesus gave a very telling illustration about end times events: "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" (Mat. 25:34-40)
Jesus said: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)
The Apostle John asks us: "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" (1 John 3:17)
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Here are a few character traits necessary for good
Biblical Financial Management:
Do not be envious or greedy:
Proverbs 14:30 - "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."
Proverbs 23:17 - Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.
Job 5:2 - Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.
Luke 12:15 - Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
Be content with what you have – Do not worry:
Prov. 15:16 - Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.
Eccl. 5:19 - Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God.
Heb. 13:5 - Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Phil. 4:11b - I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Luke 12:22-23 - Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
Luke 12:29 - And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.
1 Timothy 6:6 - …godliness with contentment is great gain.
Phil. 4:19 - And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Be patient – God does things in His timing – Do not act hastily:
Prov. 13:3b – …he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Proverbs 19:11 - A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
Psalm 37:7 - Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Eccl.7:8 - The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
Gal. 5:22 - …the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…
Proverbs 14:15 - A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
Proverbs 21:5 - The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Do not love money, trust money or focus on getting more money:
Proverbs 11:28 - Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
1 Tim. 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Prov. 23:4 - Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
1 Tim. 6:17 - Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Be generous to the poor, needy and disadvantaged:
Proverbs 3:28 - Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"-- when you now have it with you.
Proverbs 11:24-25 - One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Proverbs 14:31 - He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Psalm 41:1 - Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble.
Psalm 37:21b - …the righteous give generously.
Lev. 23:22 - When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord your God.
Acts 20:35 - In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Choose your friends wisely:
Proverbs 1:10 - My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.
Proverbs 4:14 - Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.
Proverbs 4:19 - …the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
Proverbs 5:3-4 - …the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword.
Psalm 1:1 - Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
Proverbs 13:20 - He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
Proverbs 18:24 - A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 22:24 - Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered.
Proverbs 23:20-21 - Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
Proverbs 24:1 - Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company.
Search out and listen to wise godly counsel:
Proverbs 1:5 – …let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…
Proverbs 11:14 - For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.
Proverbs 12:15b - …a wise man listens to advice.
Proverbs 15:12 - A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.
Proverbs 15:22 - Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Psalm 33:11 - But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Obtain your wisdom and knowledge from God:
Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 2:6 - For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 3:13-18 - Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
Proverbs 9:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 16:20 - Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
If you do not listen to and obey godly advice you are a fool:
Proverbs 12:15 - The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.
Psalm 14:1a – The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
Proverbs 1:22 - How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
Proverbs 10:8 - The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
Proverbs 10:14 - Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
Proverbs 10:23 - A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
Proverbs 15:14 - The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
Proverbs 17:16 - Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?
Save and invest for the future and for economic cycles but don’t hoard:
Proverbs 10:5 - He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
Proverbs 11:26 - People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.
Proverbs 13:3b - …he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Proverbs 27:12 - The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
Proverbs 30:24-25 - Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.
Lev. 25:21-22 - I will send you such a blessing in the sixth year that the land will yield enough for three years. While you plant during the eighth year, you will eat from the old crop and will continue to eat from it until the harvest of the ninth year comes in.
Mat. 25:16 - The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more.
Do everything in the power of the Spirit as working directly for the Lord:
Col. 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Zech. 4:6 - So he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty.”
Romans 8:5b - …those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Romans 8:9a - You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.
Romans 8:14 - …those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Gal. 5:16 - So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Exodus 31:1-3 - Then the Lord said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts…
Be honest in everything you say and do:
Proverbs 16:11 - Honest scales and balances are from the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
Lev. 19:36 - Use honest scales and honest weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt.
Lev. 19:12 - Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.
Psalm 101:7 - No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.
Proverbs 8:13 - To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
Proverbs 11:1 - The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.
Proverbs 6:16-19 - There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Eph. 4:28 - He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Do things God’s way not your own way:
Proverbs 3:5-7 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.
Proverbs 12:15a - The way of a fool seems right to him…
Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Proverbs 16:3 - Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:12 - Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 26:16 - The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.
Isaiah 5:21 - Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.
Work diligently and do not be lazy:
Proverbs 6:6-8 – Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:9-11 - How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
Proverbs 10:4 - Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
Proverbs 10:26 - As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is a sluggard to those who send him.
Proverbs 12:24 - Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
Proverbs 13:4 - The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
Proverbs 14:23 - All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
2 Thes. 3:10 - For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."
Be discerning and make wise choices:
Proverbs 2:11 - Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
Proverbs 10:13 - Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
Proverbs 15:21 - Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.
Proverbs 16:20 - The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.
Proverbs 17:24 - A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
Proverbs 17:28 - Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Proverbs 21:17 - He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.
A person reaps what he sows:
Proverbs 1:29-32 - Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
Proverbs 6:10-11 - A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest--and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
Proverbs 10:9 - The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
Proverbs 23:29-30 - Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.
2 Cor. 9:6 - Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Gal 6:8 - For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Do not be proud – instead be humble:
Proverbs 3:34 - He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.
Proverbs 8:13 - To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
Proverbs 11:2 - When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 13:10 - Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Proverbs 15:33 - The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 16:5 - The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
James 4:6 - But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Reduce your debt – Pay what you owe promptly:
Proverbs 22:7 - The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Psalm 37:21a - The wicked borrow and do not repay…
Romans 13:7 - Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Lev. 19:13 - Do not defraud your neighbor or rob him. Do not hold back the wages of a hired man overnight.
Deut. 24:15 - Pay him his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and is counting on it. Otherwise he may cry to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin.
Lev. 27:31 - If a man redeems any of his tithe, he must add a fifth of the value to it.
Romans 13:8 - Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Do not co-sign a loan and do not ask someone to co-sign for you:
Proverbs 6:1-3 - My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge for another, if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!
Proverbs 11:15 - He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe.
Proverbs 17:18 - A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.
Rest on a regular basis:
God's pattern for man included regular rest: "Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed." (Exodus 23:12)
Even Jesus needed rest: "Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'" (Mark 6:31)
Do not complain because you are speaking against God – Be thankful always:
God has a master overall plan and purpose for everything that has happened or will happen in the future. He knows the end from the beginning. Paul tells us that God "...works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will..." (Eph. 1:11b) Sometimes we do not understand what God is doing.
King Solomon wrote: "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." (Proverbs 3:11-12)
When Israel was wandering in the wilderness they murmured and complained to Moses and Aaron about their circumstances. Moses told them: "…You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord." (Exodus 16:18b) Later on "...the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!" (Num. 21:4b-5) The people had not listened, they continued to complain. "Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died." (Num. 21:6) There was a consequence for their actions.
Job lost everything that he owned and all of his children yet the Bible records: "In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing." (Job 1:22) At the end of all of his troubles Job was blessed materially by receiving back twice as much as he had lost.
In the New Testament we are told: "Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph. 15:19b-20) "…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thes. 5:18) "Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!" (James 5:9)
Diversify your investments:
Eccl. 11:2-3 - Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.
Note: At the time this was written, “Cast your bread upon the waters” was a metaphorical expression used in the grain trade that illustrated the potential successful prospects of a business investment. In short, it is biblical to take some risk within one’s investment portfolio. However, verse 2 recommends diversifying your investments into several (e.g., seven or eight ) categories, because you do not know what disaster may come upon any particular company or sector. (http://biblefinance101.wordpress.com/)
Stay away from “Get rich quick” schemes:
Proverbs 10:2 - Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 13:11a - Dishonest money dwindles away…
Proverbs 15:16 - Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.
Proverbs 16:8 - Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
Make a financial plan (a budget) - planning for the future is Biblical:
Genesis 41:34-36 - Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.
Exodus 16:16 - This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Each one is to gather as much as he needs. Take an omer for each person you have in your tent.’
Exodus 25:40 - See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.
1 Chron. 28:19 - "All this," David said, "I have in writing from the hand of the Lord upon me, and he gave me understanding in all the details of the plan."
Proverbs 14:15 - "A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps."
Proverbs 14:22b - "...those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness."
Luke 14:28 - Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?
Understand that improper priorities may produce undesired consequences:
Deut. 28:15-17 - However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: You will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country. Your basket and your kneading trough will be cursed. (The curses continue through Deut. 28:68)
Haggai 1:2-6 - This is what the Lord Almighty says: "These people say, 'The time has not yet come for the Lord's house to be built.' "Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."
We must remember to draw out the timeless principles from these Old Testament passages. Many Old Testament promises are very specific to Israel and were made under the conditional Old Covenant.
Maintain a Biblical perspective on problems, disasters and tragedies:
Isaiah 46:9-10 - Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers. Later on in his life he told them:
Genesis 50:20 - You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Exodus 4:11 - The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord?
Exodus 7:3 - But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.
Exodus 14:4 - And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.
John 9:2-3 - His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life…
Romans 5:3-4 - …we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 8:28-29 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
John 16:33 - I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Keep an eternal perspective:
John 14:2 - In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
Mat. 19:29 - And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother* or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
2 Cor. 5:1 - Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
Rev. 21:6-7 - He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
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How much should we give to God's Kingdom?
Tithing – An Old Testament Law – A New Testament Principle?
After Abraham had rescued Lot from the four kings he met Melchizedek who was the King of Salem and also the priest of God most high. Melchizedek said: "'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything." (Gen 14:19-20) What he gave was not a tenth of everything that he owned but a portion of the spoils of war. There is no indication that this was required. Abraham recognized that the victory was from God and willingly gave something back to God.
At the time of Moses Israel was a theocracy. The priests were also judges. The Law given by Moses describes several different tithes. These were designed to feed government workers (the Levites).
Lev. 27:30 - A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.
Lev. 27:32 - The entire tithe of the herd and flock--every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod--will be holy to the Lord.
Num. 18:21 - I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of Meeting.
Deut. 14:22-23 - Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.
Deut. 14:28-29 - At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year's produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.
The specific purpose of Old Testament tithing was to provide food for the Levites who had no inheritance, to provide food for the congregation to eat in fellowship with the Lord at feasts and to provide food for the poor. The total tithe was about 23%. The tithe only applied to food, farmers and agricultural products. It was never specifically applied to money, household goods, wages or investments. The poor, fishermen, carpenters and tentmakers would not have paid tithes because they did not have fields, herds flocks, etc. Therefore Jesus and His disciples and Paul most likely did not pay tithes.
Mat. 23:23 – Jesus is speaking - "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."
This teaching was given to Jews under the Old Covenant prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection. This verse cannot be interpreted as teaching tithing for the Church under the New Covenant.
When Peter was asked if he and Jesus paid the Temple tax he want and asked the Lord how to handle the situation Jesus said: "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours." (Mat. 17:27) So there is a record of Jesus and Peter paying the temple tax “so that we may not offend them.” But there is no record of Jesus or His disciples tithing.
Romans 13:8 - Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Notes: While the N.T. does not teach a tithe, our commitment to the Lord can still be measured in part by our willingness to give (2 Cor. 8–9). Leaders in the early Church like Irenaeus and Epiphanius emphasized freedom in Christian giving without any external compulsion. No individual or organization should lay a burden of debt on Christians. Jesus paid it all. Our duty is to love. Our love should move us to be generous.
Avoid Legalism:
Gal. 5:4 - You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
In the early history of the Church questions arose about the relationship between the Law and requirements for Christians:
Acts 15:1 - Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved."
A meeting was held in Jerusalem during which Peter commented:
Acts 15:10 - Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?
The council made a decision. This would have been an opportune moment to address tithing but it was not mentioned at all. In the letter sent to the Gentile churches the following statement was made:
Acts 15:28-29 – It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.
It is noteworthy that the words “not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements” are used and that nothing about tithing, giving or financial matters is mentioned. Legalistic giving requirements can act to reduce a person’s generosity (See footnotes for more details).
Note: In the New Testament era the Epistles never call for a tithe. There is now no single worship center and no priesthood to be supported by the old, annual temple tithe. While giving to support individuals who minister full time is mentioned in the New Testament, no letter suggests this be done through a local tithe. The New Testament emphasizes a deep concern for the poor and needy, especially within the family of faith. Paul and others did organize offerings to be taken up for those in hunger-ridden foreign lands. But the guidelines for giving that Paul laid down nowhere mention or imply that the tithe is to be used to measure a Christian’s obligation.
Specific Old Covenant promises to Israel are not guarantees for Christians:
Lev. 26:3 - If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land. I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country. (and the blessings continue through Lev. 26:13)
Deut. 28:1-6 - If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock--the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. (and the blessings continue through Deut. 28:14)
Malachi 3:10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
This verse in Malachi is very specifically addressed to the Jews:
Malachi 3:6 - I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.
It is even more specifically targeted towards dishonest priests:
Malachi 2:1 - And now this admonition is for you, O priests.
Note: The priests had this perquisite also, the tenth of the tithes which were the Levites perquisite. But they appropriated all the tithes, robbing the Levites of their due nine-tenths; as they did also, according to JOSEPHUS, before the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus. Thus doubly God was defrauded, the priests not discharging aright their sacrificial duties, and robbing God of the services of the Levites, who were driven away by destitution [GROTIUS].
The blessings referred to in Malachi 3:10 are the Deuteronomy 28 blessings that are specifically addressed to Israel:
Deut. 27:11 - On the same day Moses commanded the people…
Deut. 27:14 - The Levites shall recite to all the people of Israel in a loud voice…
Notes: That the passage in Malachi refers back to the Law as given by Moses is reinforced by Malachi himself as he quotes the Lord saying: "Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel." (Mal. 4:4) If we choose to attempt to be justified by the Law by keeping one part of it then we are obligated to keep the entire Law: "Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law." (Gal. 5:3)
The anticipation of blessing for obedience to God’s command to tithe was based on the Mosaic covenant, which promised blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Mal. 3:10; cf. Deut. 28:15–68). Generally, God will meet the needs of his own people (Ps. 34:9–10; Phil. 4:19), but that is not an unconditional guarantee. There certainly were and are exceptions. Yet, where God chooses not to provide physically, he gives sufficient grace to go without (2 Cor. 12:9).
The Old Covenant is no longer in force:
Eph. 2:14-15 - For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace…
Romans 10:4 - Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
The basic teaching about giving is consistent in both the Old and New Testaments:
Deut. 16:17 - "Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you."
2 Cor. 8:12 - "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have."
Everyone should give in proportion as God has blessed them. We should not limit our generosity by artificial or legalistic guidelines.
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All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version of the Bible (unless otherwise indicated).
Bibliography:
Cultwatch, Inc. "A Study of Enforced Giving and Tithing Within the Church," http://www.cultwatch.com/tithing.html
Hughes, Robert B. ; Laney, J. Carl: Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Tyndale House Publishers, 2001 (The Tyndale Reference Library), S. 387
Jamieson, Robert ; Fausset, A. R. ; Fausset, A. R. ; Brown, David ; Brown, David: A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments. Oak Harbor, WA : Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997, S. Mal 3:8
Richards, Larry ; Richards, Lawrence O.: The Teacher's Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1987, S. 887-888
Richards, Lawrence O.: The Bible Readers Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton : Victor Books, 1991; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996, S. 586
Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. 2 Co 8:13
Zuck, Roy B.: A Biblical Theology of the New Testament. electronic ed. Chicago : Moody Press, 1994; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996, S. 290
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