The collection, 1 Corinthians 16

 

This teaching is going to challenge some of you, as to how you have been taught, but I do encourage you all who read this to study it for yourselves I found it truly exciting, but I love hearing from Holy Spirit. If you want truth he will guide you into ALL truth, Jesus is the truth amen!! We have to know that we cannot take one scripture out of context; we have to read the whole book or know the whole chapter and understand the content of that book, and know what they are saying. Go ahead give me some feedback if you like.

 

First I would encourage you to read 1Corithians (the whole epistle) but I am starting in chapter 11.Paul was setting the church in order, for those who know their bibles will know that the church in Corinth had some serious issues. (Not much different than today’s churches, sad to say) So we will start in chapter 11, Paul is exhorting the church to follow him as he is a follower of Christ; he is admonishing them to keep the ordinances as he delivered them. 1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

1Co 11:2 now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

 

He goes on to say in verse 2 about whom the head is and how you should pray and prophesy. There is obviously some disorder concerning church conduct, and order. Then in verse 17

1Co 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

He is not praising them but declaring to them that when they come together there is division and there are heresies. He was addressing the disrespectful way they took bread 17-34 (please read) in verse 34, he says “the rest will I set in order when I come”.

 

Chapter 12, Now (this word means ‘continuative”) so in other words “lets continue” with the “setting in order” of things. Chapter 12 is addressing spiritual gifts; Paul does not want them to be ignorant but to be knowledgeable with the way things should be done when they come together. Whether it is when they have communion or when they flow in the gifts.

In verse 28 of chapter 12 he directs them about how God sets some in church, first apostles secondarily Prophets.

1Co 12:28  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

1Co 12:29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?

1Co 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

 

There must have been a lot of confusion in this church, it sounds like they all wanted to be “spiritual” In other words they all wanted to run the show! It is quite clear they needed order, instruction and rebuking. There must not of been much loving flowing either because after he had addressed them about the church being like the body and loving the feeble (12:12-27) and when one suffers all suffer. He continues in chapter 13 with Love.

 

Though you have all those gifts what good are you, without love!!

 

In chapter 14 he says follow after love and desire the gifts, just combine them all, moving in the gifts and love is really preferring one another. He directs them in the order of how to prophesy. Continuing, in 14 he also addresses them about how is it that when you come together everyone has psalm, hath a doctrine.

 

1Co 14:26 How is it then, brethren? When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

 

In other words if the confusion was great in that church which it sounded like it was how would there be edifying? So when you come together take turns let there be order and love pointing towards edifying. Paul said in verse 33 God is not the author of confusion. Even the women were out of line, 34-35.

My opinion is that according to verse 36-40 it sounded like they all wanted to be prophets or spiritual,(to be spiritual meant you were like Paul, who was like Christ. And he that is spiritual judges all things. I mean after all who wouldn’t want to be like that? That position meant you were mature in the things of God, right?

 

1Co 2:13 which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

1Co 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

1Co 2:16 for who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

 So back to 1 Corinthians 14, looking at vs. 40, again he says

1Co 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

 The word decently means this:

“Becomingly in a seemly manner”, “well”; “a form”.

The word order means: an arranging of rank, or character, assigns (a certain position or lot)

In other words have some form and manner and arrange by rank those who are of reputation and character.

Now continuing in chapter 15, Paul continues again exhorting them to keep in memory what he taught vs. 2. (Let me point out this there are no chapters in there days this was one continuing exhortation, man has put the breaks in the chapters)

The rest of the chapter deals with the discrepancies of the resurrection.

 

So up to this point I laid a bit of a platform so I can take you to the chapter I want to discuss, which is chapter 16. Now you should read the previous chapters 1-10 so you get the full picture, don’t you just love the word!! I sure do! You know there was a time in my younger years of Christianity where I did not know how to even read it and understand it, for years I cried out to God to know his truth and word, and now I find myself consumed with it, Glory!!! We will never come to a place where we know everything, even if we lived to be 200 years of age there will always be something “new” Holy Spirit will bring to our understanding.

Ok so I just started in 11 but prior to that you see disorder. Look at chapter 5 there was fornication, and Paul instructed to deliver such ones to Satan for the destruction of there flesh,vs.5 of chapter 5.Then is chapter 6 we see brother taking brother to court, then as you go on it talks about marriages and idols. So it is without doubt we see the disorder of that church.

 There were a people in the bible and they were from Berea, they searched the scriptures daily to see if those things were so, we need to be like those people, searching the scripture to see what is being said is truth. Act 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

Act 17:11 these were nobler than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

I will always say, know truth for yourself; we were not to be clones of ministries but to be clones of Christ!

Ok so up to this point Paul defiantly has a pattern here, the church was in need of some order, I am sure if you are following in your bibles you can see that by now, right?

As we continue in chapter 16 this is where the Lord has brought my attention to. In most versions of the bible it is addressing money for the poor or money for those in need. And in some commentaries it is insinuating that it is money they are to collect, maybe all you reading this have understood it to be that also. But you know just because someone writes volumes of books and they are theologians with degrees hanging on the wall does not mean they are all right. Now I am also not saying they do not know anything, but my point is you have to know truth for yourselves! And one more thing, WHY IS EVERYTHING IN CHRISTIANITY ABOUT MONEY!!!!!!

I know some of you reading this may thing ,”oh Michele has got an issue with money, I guess I do have an issue, I am tired of hearing that the gospel revolves around the mighty dollar, while Christians are drowning in deceit ,not knowing truth for themselves. It’s like I heard that at Todd Bentley’s tent revivals that he had put ATM machines!!!!!!!! At a Tent revival!!!!!!!!!!! Call me a rebel, but I am a rebel for Jesus, and his doctrine not mans. I would even tell you all reading this, do not believe what I say CHECK IT FOR YOURSELF!!  If your heart is open for truth, it is amazing what Holy Spirit will show you. If love is in operation in your heart you will give no matter what, to those who are in need, that is the very essence of the character of God; after all he gave his Son for us.  I also do not believe I have to tithe as no where in the New Testament does it say to do so, but we are to have a heart that will give ALL. Preachers like to preach on being like the book of Acts, they will even have series week after week, on how we should be like the book of Acts, you know, all about the Holy Spirit being poured out and all the evangelizing they did, but they seem to leave out that they GAVE EVERYTHING SO THAT NO ONE WAS IN NEED, they never tithed, someone show me where they tithed in the book of Acts and I will repent and of my belief! Act 4:31  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Act 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

Act 4:33 and with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Act 4:34 neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

Act 4:35 and laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Act 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, the son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Act 4:37 having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the

Apostles' feet.

So we need to understand what the order of the Lord is and not man’s! Awake to truth church because when you stand before your Maker, and all will, whether you believe that or not, you are not going to say “Well Jesus, Pastor so and so told me to believe this” or I decided to follow “New age” cause the “light” guided me” or there is so many religions, and they all are right as they all lead you to the same source anyway” RUBBISH, RUBBISH RUBBISH!!!

 

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

So for you who believe there is another way to heaven or eternal life, you better think again and be honest before your heart and God! Ok I got that out, I went on a little bit of rabbit trail, but it was good one, amen?

 

So in Chapter 16 we read:

 1Co 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

1Co 16:2  Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

1Co 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

Remember the word now means “continuative”. So continuing with the exhortation Paul is saying, concerning the collection, this word means this :( let me say if you are not familiar with how to study Greek, when you look up a word, the true meaning is the prime root, in this case the prim root is lego) Now follow along closely, and you will see that this word has no meaning found in money. If you look at the meanings before the prime verb it tells you many words referring to: words, speaking uttering, the word lego comes from the word logos, which is the written word of God, it is a thought expressed, so it can be a word of scripture expressed.

 logia

log-ee'-ah

From G3056 (in the commercial sense); a contribution: - collection, gathering.

 

logos

log'-os

From G3004; something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (that is, Christ): - account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say (-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.

legō

leg'-o

A primary verb; properly to “lay” forth, that is, (figuratively) relate (in words [usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas G2036 and G5346 generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while G4483 is properly to break silence merely, and G2980 means an extended or random harangue]); by implication to mean: - ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say (-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.

This the meaning of the word lego-

1.       to say, to speak

a.       affirm over, maintain

b.       to teach

c.       to exhort, advise, to command, direct

d.       to point out with words, intend, mean, mean to say

e.       to call by name, to call, name

to speak out, speak of, mention

Now, going back to 1Cor.16 Paul says, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Well I went to the epistle of Galatians and I found no order for the church there to give money for the poor, the only scripture I found was Gal 2:10 only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

There was nothing in regards for that order like 1 Cor.16, but there is direction to the church of Galatia on how to conduct themselves in the order of the Logos.

 

God has always manifested Himself to man in and through the divine pattern called the Logos. The Bible teaches that the pattern of the entire creation is the Logos look at Hebrews 11:3). So, the Bible itself is the Logos in written form. And Jesus said, it is the Scriptures that testify of Him (John 5:39, Luke 24:44).  And it says in Titus 1:3, God “has in due time manifested His logos through preaching.”

The logos(Word, Bible) is the pattern on  how to conduct ourselves as Christians, it is the expressed thought of God, and it was being addressed in the church just as he told the Galatians also how to live after the pattern of the word. Paul suggesting to use the word to bring order and correction to the saints, and to designate leaders so that there would be no more confusion and disorder. I see nothing there to do with collecting money if you go back over the previous chapters you will see this to be a recommendation from Paul to have the collection which is the speaking the logos ,the pointing out with words, to call by name,exhort,advise,command (look at the meanings again above)Looking at vs.2

1Co 16:2  Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

 

If I understand this then the first day of the week would be the Sabbath, and to lay by him in store

Lay by him in store- these words really mean the same (lay and store) they both take you the prim word. (This is below)*

From G2344; to amass or reserve (literally or figuratively): - lay up (treasure); (keep) in store, (heap) treasure (together, up).

 

From G5087; a deposit, that is, wealth (literally or figuratively): - treasure.

 

* THIS IS THE PRIMARY WORD FOR LAY, AND STORE *-A prolonged form of a primary word θέω theō (which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate): - + advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.

 

Now let us look at the word prospered: (again looking at the primary word)

From a compound of G2095 and G3598; to help on the road, that is, (passively) succeed in reaching; figuratively to succeed in business affairs: - (have a) prosper (-ous journey).

 Neuter of a primary word εὖς eus (good); (adverbially) well: - good, well (done).

Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively a mode or means: - journey, (high-) way.

(Which this word, prosper has nothing to do with money) From a compound of G2095 and G3598; to help on the road, that is, (passively) succeed in reaching; figuratively to succeed in business affairs: - (have a) prosper (-ous journey).

 

Anywhere this word prosper is used in the bible has this meaning, a road ,implying a progress.

Now look at the word gatherings; (same meaning as the word collections) so refer if you have to that meaning above)

 So now we are in verse 3

1Co 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

Approve-

 From G1384; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication to approve: - allow, discern, examine, X like, (ap-) prove, try.

From G1380; properly acceptable (current after assayal), that is, approved: - approved, tried.

 

A prolonged form of a primary verb δόκω dokō (used only as an alternate in certain tenses; compare the base of G1166); of the same meaning; to think; by implication to seem (truthfully or uncertainly): - be accounted, (of own) please (-ure), be of reputation, seem (good), suppose, think, trow.

G1166-A prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show (literally or figuratively): - shew.

 

Letters- From G1989; a written message: -”epistle”, letter.

 

From G1909 and G4724; to enjoin (by writing), that is, (generally) to communicate by letter (for any purpose): - write (a letter, unto).

 

A primary preposition properly meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution [with the genitive case], that is, over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.: - about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, [where-]) fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-) on (behalf of) over, (by, for) the space of, through (-out), (un-) to (-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).

 

Probably strengthened from the base of G2476; properly to set fast (“stall”), that is, (figuratively) to repress (reflexively abstain from associating with): - avoid, withdraw self.

(this is the same meaning as the words lay store )A prolonged form of a primary word θέω theō (which is used only as an alternate in certain tenses); to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from G2476, which properly denotes an upright and active position, while G2749 is properly reflexive and utterly prostrate): - + advise, appoint, bow, commit, conceive, give, X kneel down, lay (aside, down, up), make, ordain, purpose, put, set (forth), settle, sink down.

 

Send-

Apparently a primary verb; to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ἵημι hiēmi [as a stronger form of εἶμι eimi] refers rather to the objective point or terminus ad quem, and G4724 denotes properly the orderly motion involved), especially on a temporary errand; also to transmit, bestow, or wield: - send, thrust in.

To bring- From G575 and G5342; to bear off (literally or relatively): - bring, carry (away).

 

A primary particle; “off”, that is, away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literally or figuratively): - (X here-) after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for (-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-) on (-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.

A primary verb (for which other and apparently not cognate ones are used in certain tenses only; namely οἴω oiō̄̄ and ἐνέγκω enegkō̄ to “bear” or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively: - be, bear, bring (forth), carry, come, + let her drive, be driven, endure, go on, lay, lead, move, reach, rushing, uphold.

Liberality-

From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).

 

A primary verb; to be full of “cheer”, that is, calmly happy or well off; impersonal especially as a salutation (on meeting or parting), be well: - farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hail, joy (-fully), rejoice.

 

Ok I know this is a lot to go through but trust me if you take the time to study this out, I have done all the work for you (meaning the looking up of words) but if you want to get the concordance out and research go for it! Here is my understanding of this passage in 1Corithians 16

 So concerning, the exhorting of the saints, as I have given order to the churches in Galatia so do ye. Upon the Sabbath let everyone of you that  has done well in their journey or walk of faith, let them ordain, appoint so that there is no advising when I come.

And when I come, whomsoever ye shall think is truthful and of reputation by your letters, (epistles) written messages, or by your setting forth, them will I dispatch and carry away Godspeed to Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

Ok how can you deny that this is not the meaning, Paul through all of Corinthians is setting an order in the church, even in 1 cor11:19   for there must be also heresies among you that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

There had to be order in regards to setting up those who are approved, examined by those who were some what spiritual, it has nothing to do with money, the whole context of the epistle is about behaving decently and in order in the church. God has a divine pattern and that is the epistles the word the bible the logos , however you want to say it , it is our format on how to live this Christian life, and Paul was establishing it in the church .Because of the disunity and fornicating and disrespect for the Lords supper and the lack of belief in the resurrection, someone had to be approved to bring some order when Paul was not there, If you are to be a leader or even a follower of Christ we are tried and examined and approved for the things of God.

 

 Php 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

Php 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

 

1Ti 3:9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

1Ti 3:10 and let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

Well what an awesome revelation I must say, For those who love to study will find this enjoyable I am sure .Remember we need to study to show ourselves approved rightly dividing the word of truth 2 Tim.2:15, do not rely on the T.V preachers to feed you, that is regurgitated food, Search and crave the word of God, He will show you mysteries!! Any feedback on this would be great. Bless you all. In His service Michele

 

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

But my God shall (fill up, complete, satisfy) all your (lack, requirement, to furnish that what is needed) according to his (wealth, “fill”, influence, supply; imbue with an emotion) in (appearance, reputation, honour, divine nature) by Christ Jesus.

 

We will be complete and satisfied in all not just some, of whatever we lack or whatever is required, according to the “filling” of His wealth (fullness) in the likeness and divine nature, by Christ Jesus. The fullness of Christ. That is what he will supply for us. His riches are not what we think or have been led to believe are riches of value. We have been led to believe that if we are rich in the natural we will win the world and that they will know God is truly alive and supplies for us the ability to get rich (yet this is true God does make one rich in the natural as we will see later) I want to show you what the true riches of God are.

 

If you read chapter 4 of Philippians, his focus is not money, the heart  that is deceived and hard will believe it is about money,(we will talk about that later also) Paul is starting out saying `stand fast in the Lord`` be of the same mind, be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication. Think on good things. Then in verse 9 he says those things which ye have both learned and received and heard, and seen in me do and the God of peace shall be with you, we know he was not talking about money but about the work that God had done thus far in his heart. Well we sure cannot say that Paul was rich in possessions, he learned to be content in whatever state he was in vs. 11-12.Then in verse 13 he confesses “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Paul knew to pull out from the treasures of Christ; whatever attribute he needed to be strengthened. Paul did not live a luxurious   life! He knew how to be content in hunger and being full, why? Because Christ Jesus satisfied, completed, that what was lacking in him to stand and walk out living for Jesus.

 

Yes this chapter does talk about giving and receiving vs. 15, but Paul said in verse 17 “not because I desire a gift” but I desire fruit, that may abound to your account. Paul knew the agenda of Jesus and it was not about getting rich! He wanted fruit and that is what Jesus will always want in us! No fruit, no character no glory!!!

Paul was confident to say “but I have all, and abound, well we know for sure it was not material gain he was talking about, Praise God!! He says “I am full “in verse 18 (this comes from the same meaning for rich) He was rich in God! He was content having the “fullness” of the Godhead dwelling in Him. Glory!! Then he goes on to say in vs. 19 but my God (the same God who fills me up) will complete and satisfy your lack, that what you require according (key word) to his riches (wealth, “to fill”) in the very divine nature and likeness of Jesus Christ.

 

Now that we got through that lets talk about what are the true riches of God. In Hebrews 11:26 we see Moses, esteemed the reproach (italics mine) of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. Moses chose to be reproached (which was a fruit a attribute) rather than have all the riches and treasures of the world (Egypt) So looking at the meaning of riches again (prime word (“fill”) Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ as “riches” Heb 11:25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Heb 11:26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.

 

Let’s look at Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

We see that the riches of God here are goodness, forbearance, longsuffering. Now look at Rom 9:23 and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore, prepared unto glory,

Here we have the riches of his glory, which is his divine nature, influence, recognition belonging to a person.  John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

John 17:5 and now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

 

Think about that one we have the glory of the Saviour emanating through us. Wow!!

 

Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

The riches here are wisdom and knowledge, they are unsearchable and yet receivable. I love this scripture;

 Col 2:2  That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

Col 2:3 in who are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Col 2:4 and this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

It is all about our hearts being knit together in love and all riches (fullness, “fill”) of the full assurance (to carry out, complete “fill”, fullness) of understanding to the acknowledgement (fully acquainted) of the mystery of God and the Father and of Christ, Look at verse 3 again. Wow!! In Christ is a treasure of spiritual riches, all that we need (lack) to be like him, wisdom knowledge, glory goodness, longsuffering forbearance, longsuffering. Verse 4 says “and this I say lest any man beguile you (deceive) with enticing words. Paul knew there were false teachers in there midst and that they would have enticing (to convince) words, that feed the lust of the flesh and the idols of their heart and not make the character of their person, like Jesus. Paul was showing more than once in scripture what true riches are, what trust is and who to trust in.

 

So we have now reproach, goodness, forbearance, longsuffering, understanding, wisdom and knowledge, as a part of the “riches” of God. I see no material possession here, why? Because the heart of God is that we first and foremost “be rich” in Him.

We have to be lovers of truth, when we are lovers of truth it will not matter how many idols we allow him to expose. If you do not want truth then you will be deceived into believing whatever is good for the flesh! And people who got their minds on money and getting rich in this world are deceived. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but that is what my bible tells me, we have to stop using the excuses, like, “If I had riches or money I could give more into the kingdom” or “I could use it for the glory of God”. Now let me clarify something at this point, God does make people rich.(we will discuss this later) I am not denying that, but the point of this is God sees the heart so I am only the messenger, and if the shoe fits than we better put it on and change our hearts or allow him to change our hearts, because we all know we are not going to take riches with us when we die.

 

2Th 2:10 and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

 

For time sake I will list the scriptures and you can study them yourselves. These are the “riches” of Christ!

Eph 2:7 that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Eph 1:7 in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Eph 1:18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Eph 2:5 even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved ;)

Eph 2:6 and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Eph 2:7 that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

2Co 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Jud 1:2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

 

2Pe 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

 

Note all these scriptures have the same meaning when pertaining to riches (“fill”) the scriptures that pertain to joy and peace Romans 15:13 uses the word “fill” it has the same meaning as “riches”. And also in 2Peter 1:2 uses the word “multiply” it has the same meaning as “riches” (“fill”, influence, supply)

Glory to God we cannot even begin to understand the value of each one and I am sure there are more listed in the bible that I have not even touched on.

Let’s go to

Pro 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

Pro 8:18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

Pro 8:19 my fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

Pro 8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

Pro 8:21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

Those who seek me early (diligently, with earnestness) shall find me.vs.18-riches and honour are with me. (With whom?) Wisdom. Durable (valued) riches (speaking of being ready) When we have wisdom (riches) we are ready for anything. Looking again at Prov.8:18 “riches and honour” the word riches there mean “to accumulate”, chiefly to grow (causatively) make rich. So wisdom makes us to grow and causes us to become rich in Christ so that we are overflowing in all the attributes of His nature, (and yes there is wisdom given on how to become rich in money, but when God sees fit to do that in a person life, we are called to focus on getting rich in Him) Hear my heart in this teaching, the church for the most part has set their hearts on the ‘riches” of this life, there focus is money, money!! The most popular teaching out there is God wants you rich! Well my bible tells me he wants me rich in Him. No condemnation to those who are rich, but if they used deceitful means, manipulation, trafficking the gospel then there should be repentance.

Back to Proverbs 8:19, wisdom is speaking here, my fruit is better than gold, yea fine gold and my revenue (income, gain, increase, to bring forth) than choice silver. Let me at this point say if your trust is in the natural gold or silver, you better have second thoughts. Look at vs.20 I lead, (who leads) Wisdom leads in the way of righteousness in the paths of judgement. That wisdom may cause those that love me (wisdom) to inherit substance, and I will fill their treasure. What an awesome promise if we seek one of Gods riches…wisdom.

 

Pro 22:4 by humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

 

Humility and fear are riches too, when we have these in operation in our lives we have true abundant life, material gain will never satisfy us to the fullest, and it only satisfies the flesh creature anyway.

 

Pro 24:3 through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

Pro 24:4 and by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

By knowledge shall the chambers (innermost) be filled with all precious and pleasant riches, glory to God! Your innermost self will be full of the wisdom and understanding and the knowledge of the glory of God which is a storehouse full of treasure!! And it belongs to us if we seek it and look for it with all our heart.

The truth is Proverbs 30:8-9 should be our prayer:

 

Pro 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

Pro 30:9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

AN UNREPENTANT HEART WILL BE DECIEVED BY RICHES (NATURAL RICHES)

Let’s talk about a seed sown among thorns, Read Matt 13. Most of us should be familiar with this parable, if not please read it. We will focus on vs.7

 

Mat 13:7 and some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

We know that is talking about a sower who went forth to sow some seed, the seed is the word of God and it fell among thorns, the thorns are symbolic of the “curse” In vs.22

Mat 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

Look again at the word thorns, the thorns as I said represent the curse, read Deut. 28 (the blessing, if you hearken to do and hear the word of God, and curse if you disobey) He that received the seed, heard it, that is what it says but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choked it out and left him fruitless. His heart was a heart that needed to break up its fallow ground. Jer 4:3 for thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.

Church people who do not obey the word and what the Lord says are still under the curse, it is not Gods fault, he has written and done all that  he can it is up to us become obedient to his ways. If our hearts are hard in any way through deceitfulness we will justify anything. Search my heart o God and see if there be any wicked way, was the cry of David, it should be our cry too.

 Read Gen.3, we see the Lord speaking to the serpent and cursing him vs.14; and in vs.17-18, he said cursed you will be due to the fact that he listened to the voice of his wife, not the voice of God, God wants us to listen to His voice he has wisdom and understanding and peace and joy in his treasure chest of riches, when we do, goodness and mercy follow us and looks after us, seek anything else, like natural riches, you will get caught up in the deceitfulness of it all.

Look at the word, deceitfulness- delusion, and deceit, to beguile.

Who beguiled Eve? The serpent. He is behind deception and if you have anything in your heart for him to come a long and tempt you, you could fall in his trap. This is what is behind the ministries that beg for money. I believe if God has called you into a ministry and you need money he will provide that money, there needs to be no manipulation, as then you are opening the door to deceit.

 

Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called to day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

The heart can become harden through the delusion of sin that is what the bible says! And riches can be deceitful if your heart is hard.

Hard-dry, parch, tough.

2Th 2:10 and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Church we need to know truth for ourselves not what someone tells us, use your bibles dissect it just as the scriptures admonish us to do.

2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Dividing-, means to dissect, expound correctly. We should be like the people in Berea Act 17:11 these were nobler than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Are the things you are hearing, things that are so. Right from the truth of the Word not conformed to man’s ways, but by interpretation of the Holy Spirit your teacher. I will leave you with this and we will continue this teaching next week.

 

 

In His service, Michele