Category: money matters

The Thing Which is Good

Monday, September 1, 2025

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28 KJV).

On this Labor Day, we talk about work, “the thing which is good.”

In this day and age of increasing “government assistance,” people are becoming less and less aware of our hard work being the Lord Jesus’ preferred method of the source of our incomes. While the physically and mentally disabled are obvious exceptions, the God of the Bible expects all of us to contribute labor in order to provide for ourselves. For children and young adults, even being a student in school is work enough!

Observe the doctrine being communicated in today’s Scripture. The grace life does not merely teach us to quit doing bad things, but it also instructs us to start doing good things (Titus 2:11,12). Once a thief trusts the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished crosswork as sufficient payment for his sins, then God expects that thief to quit stealing and find a job so he can provide for his needs!

The God of creation calls work “the thing which is good” (today’s Scripture). Work is not something to be avoided; it is something to be embraced for the Lord’s glory!

When the Lord Jesus Christ put the first man, Adam, on earth, that man had a divine commission. Adam was not to simply loaf around and do nothing: “And the LORD God took the man, and put him in the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Adam was to protect that garden, to till its ground, to prepare it for Jesus Christ to come down and dwell in with he and Eve (because of sin, that earthly kingdom over which Jesus Christ will rule is still awaiting fulfillment!).

Saints, may we work to provide for our families (1 Timothy 5:8), and may we work to help those who truly are needy (today’s Scripture). In the words of God the Holy Spirit, that is “good!” 🙂

The Thing Which is Good

Monday, September 2, 2024

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28 KJV).

On this Labor Day, we talk about work, “the thing which is good.”

In this day and age of increasing “government assistance,” people are becoming less and less aware of our hard work being the Lord Jesus’ preferred method of the source of our incomes. While the physically and mentally disabled are obvious exceptions, the God of the Bible expects all of us to contribute labor in order to provide for ourselves. For children and young adults, even being a student in school is work enough!

Observe the doctrine being communicated in today’s Scripture. The grace life does not merely teach us to quit doing bad things, but it also instructs us to start doing good things (Titus 2:11,12). Once a thief trusts the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished crosswork as sufficient payment for his sins, then God expects that thief to quit stealing and find a job so he can provide for his needs!

The God of creation calls work “the thing which is good” (today’s Scripture). Work is not something to be avoided; it is something to be embraced for the Lord’s glory!

When the Lord Jesus Christ put the first man, Adam, on earth, that man had a divine commission. Adam was not to simply loaf around and do nothing: “And the LORD God took the man, and put him in the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Adam was to protect that garden, to till its ground, to prepare it for Jesus Christ to come down and dwell in with he and Eve (because of sin, that earthly kingdom over which Jesus Christ will rule is still awaiting fulfillment!).

Saints, may we work to provide for our families (1 Timothy 5:8), and may we work to help those who truly are needy (today’s Scripture). In the words of God the Holy Spirit, that is “good!” 🙂

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #18

Saturday, September 23, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (verse 21). Though earthly wealth is useful to us in obtaining a variety of favors and possessions from fellow humans, God cannot be bribed and will let no one into His Heaven based on any financial records, tax returns, or charitable contribution receipts. Worldly status means nothing to Him. Either we have trusted His Son’s finished crosswork and acquired His righteousness by faith, or we have not. Those without Jesus Christ had better come to trust Him as their personal Saviour now, and stop depending on uncertain riches for lasting peace and security (either now or later, eternal loss will come).

When a representative of an enormous eminent “Christian” cult was asked how much wealth his church had, he smugly replied, “Only God knows!” Decades later, and now boasting a billion members, the Lord is still keeping track of their finances. We can be absolutely certain He has not overlooked so much as a single penny! Laying up treasure for self, but not rich toward God, these religious leaders will give an account to Him. They too will lose the earthly fortunes they extorted from their gullible parishioners. The grim reality of today’s Scripture is that church leaders and church members alike do not “take it with them” when they leave this world!

If only the professing church (Christendom = Christendumb!)—and even the genuine church (the Body of Christ)—heeded the simple financial advice God the Holy Spirit issued in 1 Timothy 6:3-10,17-19! If only we had listened to the Lord Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:24, Luke 12:15-21, and Luke 16:13! Our world would have far less debt, bitterness, poverty, disappointment, miserliness (greediness), idolatry, ruthlessness, and even loss of life! Christians would be wise stewards of their material goods, God’s ministry would be fully funded, and Hell would have fewer souls. Think about it, dear friend, and act accordingly!

-FINIS!-

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #17

Friday, September 22, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

Loving money instead of loving God is spiritual suicide, especially for church leaders (1 Timothy 6:10). Yet, what about church members? The Holy Spirit through Paul also addressed them in 1 Timothy chapter 6: “[17] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; [18] That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate [share]; [19] Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

Pastor Timothy was to instruct the materially wealthy not to be “highminded”—haughty or proud (Proverbs 18:23; Proverbs 28:11), particularly toward those less fortunate (see James 2:1-5, for instance). Though they assumed they were financially secure, even the richest people are not exempt from thieves, inflation, debt, recession, depression. Eventually, physical death will snatch “uncertain” material riches away (1 Timothy 6:17; cf. Proverbs 23:4,5), so we  should not put our faith in them. Instead, we should “trust in the living God” (cf. Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13)!

It is not a sin to save money, but it is a sin to go to extremes to keep to it. Rather than hoarding our material wealth, we should “do good, that [we] be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate [share]; laying up in store for [ourselves] a good foundation against the time to come, that [we] may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:18,19). We should be rich in good works (cf. Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14)! Sound Bible doctrine will motivate us to use our financial resources to fund grace ministries, that the Gospel of God’s Grace (1 Corinthians 15:3,4) be disseminated. Our giving under grace (and the sound Bible doctrine serving as motivation) will result in a spiritual reward in eternity future (serving in an office of Heaven’s government!). With our priorities in order, we enjoy eternal life (God’s life) on Earth.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #16

Thursday, September 21, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). The context is a greedy minister “serving God” (HA!) with the primary goal of, not teaching the truth, but providing himself with earthly gain. Such departure from sound Bible doctrine results in a metaphorical impalement (“pierced themselves through”), with “many sorrows” (numerous long-term distresses/griefs) being the weapon and the materialistic souls being the stabbing victims!

Most regrettably, the professing church has often allowed moneymaking to take precedence over sound Bible doctrine. Consider so-called “Christian” publishing houses marketing all kinds of “Christian” literature. These companie$ offer products covering a wide range of theological persuasions. Only a fraction of this material is actually Christian. The remainder is denominationalism and/or paganism in disguise. Why? Had they restricted their materials to the truth, doctrinal debates would have been settled, and those preferring to maintain their favorite theological errors would not buy from such a “limited, narrowminded” product line!

During the last 130 years, over 200 modern English Bible translations have been produced. This diversity is a bu$ine$$ model. Selling just King James Bibles would be meager proceeds. Now, if a company retails a dozen different translations, the consumer has many “final authorities” from which to choose. Do not forget: “the love of money” (profit$!) prompts the company to offer this assortment of translations in the first place! To attract crowds, megachurches cannot offend anyone, so their teaching is shallow and able to accommodate various positions. Church attendance and funding are thus maximized. Neither can denominations afford to support sound Bible doctrine, for their revenue would also vanish. Preachers and professors often decline to take a stand for the King James Bible and dispensational Bible study because it would mean losing pensions and retirement funds, and becoming outcasts at their colleges and churches. If you doubt, ask them!

Friends, we are left with one final caution from Paul to Timothy about earthly wealth, so let us hear it well and believe it….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #15

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

Re-read 1 Timothy 6:6-9. Now, verse 10: “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Unfortunately, this is commonly misunderstood and misquoted. Moreover, not only have modern English Bible translators failed to adequately capture the thrust of Paul’s Greek words, they have contributed to the confusion surrounding the verse. They soften “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (King James Bible) to “For the love of money is a root of all kinds/sorts of evil.” Their usage of “kinds” or “sorts” is totally unwarranted, and a blatant perversion of God’s Book!

First Timothy—like Paul’s other three Pastoral Epistles (Second Timothy, Titus, and Philemon)—is a handbook for ministry workers. These words are the Holy Spirit’s instructions for maintaining a local assembly. The context of 1 Timothy 6:10, “the love of money is the root of all evil,” is ministry. Not “having money” but rather “loving money” is the root of all evil in ministry. Misconduct in ministry (compromise, false teaching, and so on) originates because someone seeks profit. They love the little “g” god, not the big “G” God (remember Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13!). Ministers must take extreme caution here, lest Satan conquer them.

Listing qualifications for bishops (pastors) and deacons (helpers), God the Holy Spirit required men “not greedy of filthy lucre” (1 Timothy 3:3,8). Titus 1:7 says “not given to filthy lucre.” Think of a “lucrative” bu$ine$$ operating according to corrupt or unethical principles. God’s ministry, including the local church, will become such a cesspool for greed if the wrong leaders are appointed. This iniquity is what Paul warned Timothy about in 1 Timothy chapter 6! Remember well the thieves robbing people in the Temple in the name of “God” in Matthew 21:12-14, Mark 11:15-18, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-17! The “religious leaders” also cheated widows in Matthew 23:14, Mark 12:40, and Luke 20:47! Such false teachers want the fortunes of those they lead astray (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 16).

Yet, there is more….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #14

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

Re-read 1 Timothy 6:6-8: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” Failure to apply these verses to life by faith, will doubtless bring the contrast and calamity of verse 9: “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”

“They that will be rich” highlights people’s will or volition—an ambition, desire, objective, goal, aim. They are also described in Proverbs 28:20,22: “…he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent… He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye [envy], and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.” They live solely to prosper in the material realm (only temporary!), to the extent of overlooking their needs in the spiritual realm (forever!). “He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts [bribes] shall live” (Proverbs 15:27). “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:4,5).

The “temptation [enticement] and snare [trap]” of materialism (“I want to get as much money as I can, and retain as much of it as I can!”) means falling into worse sins (namely, “I will go to extreme lengths, even brutal and/or dishonest means, to obtain and keep it!”). Here are the “many foolish and hurtful lusts,” the stupid and harmful or damaging desires (longings, yearnings) that overcome such a person’s heart. The result is like men sinking in water, drowning in “destruction [ruin/death] and perdition [damnation].” How truly awful!

Let us now move on to examining 1 Timothy 6:10 and how it really amplifies the admonition….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #13

Monday, September 18, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

One of the 18 sins enumerated in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 is “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” In Luke 8:14, when describing how lost Israel will be distracted from believing the Gospel of the Kingdom in the ages to come, the Lord Jesus spoke of “cares and riches and pleasures of this life.” Without a doubt, the rich fool of Luke 12:16-21 and the rich man of Luke 16:19-31 preferred worldly luxury and momentary comforts to the righteousness of God in Christ. Satan’s evil world system is just as alluring in our day. Lost and saved alike are still being sidetracked to concentrate more on temporary matters than eternal ones.

The Holy Spirit through Paul adjusts our thinking. Back to 1 Timothy 6:8, “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” Another passage Paul wrote regarding contentment is Philippians 4:11-13: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” No matter his circumstances or situations (good or bad, abundance or poverty), Paul could be content because Father God had equipped him in Christ to handle all of life’s “ups and downs.” Remember, he was “in bonds” (house-arrest in Rome referenced in Acts 28:30,31) when he penned Philippians (see Philippians 1:7,13,14,16)! Yet, Philippians has well over a dozen verses about joy, joy, joy, JOY!

Yet, what if we fail to adopt this renewed mind and instead take up the world’s viewpoint in all this? Of course, the Holy Spirit anticipated the likelihood His instruction in righteousness would be willfully and totally ignored. Consequently, He issued even more warnings through Paul’s pen….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #12

Sunday, September 17, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

Let us keep examining Paul’s words to Timothy: “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7). Could this be any plainer? We exited our mother’s womb owning nothing, and we will enter our tomb owning nothing! “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (verse 8). Owning basic material goods—something to eat, something to wear, shelter in which to live—is not a sin. These are needs that must be met.

However, human nature is sinful and becomes greedy (see Ephesians 4:19). It is not wrong to enjoy life and material blessings, but there is a substantial difference between this and attempting to fill God’s place with more and more worldly possessions. Remember, “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Our spiritual blessings in Christ are ours forever—eternal life, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, redemption, forgiveness, acceptance, and so on (see Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:6,7; Colossians 1:14; et al.). Unlike physical possessions, these are true, permanent assets.

Once we are content with Father God and what He has done for us in Christ, we realize He is God and any material goods we have are not (recall Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). With these priorities in order, we can proceed to using our financial resources wisely for His glory….

He Was One of The World’s Richest! #11

Saturday, September 16, 2023

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20 KJV).

He was “one of the world’s richest,” but now he is among its poorest!

Carefully read 1 Timothy chapter 6: “[3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

The Holy Spirit through Paul counsels Timothy (and all Christians, but especially church leaders) to be on guard for false teachers and “from such withdraw thyself [get away from them!]” (verse 5). These charlatans in religion—these so-called “spiritual guides”—are described most vividly. One error motivating them is they are “supposing that gain is godliness” (verse 5). They promote the erroneous concept that any material prosperity, physical increase, or worldly profit is automatic worship of God (that it glorifies Him when someone prospers or increases or profits in the physical realm). Do not forget: these false teachers can “praise the Lord” (HA!) when they swindle their devotees to gain their fortunes!

On the contrary, “the doctrine which is according to godliness” (verse 3) is that which glorifies God and allows us to worship Him. That sound Bible teaching worthy of our trust is provided in Paul’s words to Timothy, including, “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (verse 6). To worship the Lord in keeping with Pauline revelation, and to be thankful to our Heavenly Father in all situations and circumstances for what we do have (regardless of amount, little or much), that combination (worship of God and contentment) is true gain, real increase, eternal advantage….