The Early Testaments
The Bible contains many verses on money. In the Old Testament of The Bible, verses pertaining to money appear in several sections. For example, in Exodus 22:25-27, the LORD instructs Moses to ensure that lenders will not take advantage of the needy by charging too much interest for their loans. In Leviticus 19:35-36, it states that the lender must not take advantage of the borrower for the borrower’s own possessions and that the lender must not commit fraud. In Deuteronomy 23:19-20, it states that the borrower must not try to take advantage of the lender by using dishonest means to repay a loan.
The Relevance of Money in Jesus’ Teachings
In the New Testament of The Bible, Jesus talks about money several times. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus warns against storing up wealth, but instead advises us to seek God and keep our hearts focused on kingdom values. In Matthew 23:23-24, Jesus warns us against living a life of excessive indulgence and that we should instead prioritize justice, mercy, and faithfulness. In Luke 6:38, Jesus encourages us to “give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.” These verses all show how important money was in Jesus’ teachings.
Money and the Apostle Paul
In his letters to the early churches, the Apostle Paul discusses money several times. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, he encourages the Corinthians to “lay aside” money on the first day of the week in order to be prepared for whatever need arises. In 1 Timothy 6:10, he warns against the love of money and its power to corrupt. In 2 Corinthians 8:14, he says that we should “excel in generosity,” which points to both the spiritual and practical importance of being responsible with our finances.
Financial Stewardship in the Bible
The Bible is full of advice about money. We are encouraged to be good stewards of our finances and to use them to serve God and to help those in need. Throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, God’s will regarding finances is clear: we should use our resources to honor Him and to show mercy and kindness to those in need.
The Example of the Early Church
The early church is a great example of how Christians should handle money and resources. In Acts 2:45, we see that they shared everything they had with each other. In Acts 4:32-35, we see that they cared deeply for one another and that they would distribute resources and money fairly. Finally, in Acts 10:2, we see that Cornelius was a “devout man, one who feared God with all his household” and that he loved to give to the needy. These verses show us how the early church handled money in a godly way.
How to Use Money Wisely
The Bible is full of verses about money and it is clear that God wants us to be wise stewards of our resources. We should use our money to honor God, to practice generosity, and to help those in need. We must also develop a biblical worldview when it comes to finances and focus on kingdom values rather than materialistic values. This will ensure that we use our finances in a way that pleases God.
Money and Giving
The Bible encourages us to give generously. In Proverbs 11:24-26, it says that those who give generously will be blessed, while those who withhold what they have will be cursed. In Malachi 3:10-11, it admonishes us to give our tithes, offerings, and even a tenth of all that we have in order to experience God’s blessing. We should also strive to give cheerfully with a cheerful heart, knowing that our giving is an act of worship to God.
Money and Generosity
The Bible also encourages us to be generous with our resources. In Proverbs 3:27-28, it instructs us to not withhold good from those who need it and also instructs us to be generous with what we have. In Luke 6:38, it encourages us to give and that we will be given back even more. And in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, it encourages us to open our hearts and give cheerfully, knowing that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Money and Contentment
Finally, the Bible encourages us to remain content with our finances. In 1 Timothy 6:6-7, it instructs us to be content with what we have and not to pursue material possessions. In Hebrews 13:5, it says that we should keep our lives free from the love of money and not to be satisfied with what we have. In Luke 12:15, it admonishes us to be careful how we store up our wealth and to recognize God as the giver and sustainer of all things.
Money and Prayer
The Bible encourages us to pray regarding our finances. In Philippians 4:6-7, it instructs us to submit our financial requests and worries to God, saying that He will provide for us. In Matthew 6:33-34, it reveals that God desires for us to focus on Him and to trust that He will provide for our needs. In 1 John 5:14-15, it shows us that God is always willing to listen and answer us if we seek Him in prayer.
Money and Generosity of Heart
The Bible challenges us to be generous with our resources. In Proverbs 21:26, it says that those who are generous with their money will be blessed, while those who are stingy or hoard their money will be cursed. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says that when we give to the least of these, we are giving to Him. In James 1:27, it instructs us to care for orphans and widows, referencing a compassionate and generous heart.
Money and Trusting God
The Bible urges us to put our trust in God and to use our finances in a way that pleases Him. In Matthew 6:25-34, it shows us that we should not be anxious about our needs and that God will provide for us. In Proverbs 11:28, it states that those who trust in their riches will fall, but those who trust in the Lord will be blessed. In Psalm 37:25, it says that “the Lord will give us the desires of our heart if we delight ourselves in Him.”
Money and Growing in Faith
The Bible instructs us to use our finances to grow our faith and relationship with God. In Proverbs 19:17, it says that if we give to the poor, we are lending to the Lord and that He will repay us. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus encourages us to store up treasures in heaven, rather than to store up for ourselves. And in 2 Corinthians 9:8, it says that God is able to make all grace abound to us, so that we may have all sufficiency in all things and abound in every good work.
