Discribeple

A Charge/Command v17

• Not tips or a suggestion
• To those with earthly wealth
• Today, almost all of us are wealthy compared to Paul's context.
• Gives negative commands:
  • Don't be proud/arrogant
    • To be proud is to not be thankful.
      • Deut 8:16-18
      • We forget that all wealth we have is from God.
        • He can take them away just as easily.
  • Don't trust in our wealth
    • Again, riches can be fleeting.
    • God is the only thing we have that can't be taken away.
    • Too often we don't even enjoy what we have because the worry about losing it or the desire to get more.
      • Proverbs 11:28
• Positive commands: v18
  • Do good
    • To employ your wealth to benefit others
    • Selfless frugality can be good, but we shouldn't be stingy with others.
  • Be rich in good works
    • We should build heavenly wealth, not earthly wealth.
    • Our works should be beautiful and reflect the character of God.
    • 1 Timothy 2:9-10
  • Be ready to distribute
    • An attitude of being ready and willing to give
  • Willing to communicate
    • Not just talking
  • Store up heavenly riches
    • How can we say we believe in something if we aren't willing to invest in it?