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![2. What About the Love of Money?
1 Timothy 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
Matthew 19:16-24 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher,
what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me
about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If
you want to enter life, obey the commandments." "Which ones?" the
man inquired. Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery,
do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,'
and 'love your neighbor as yourself.' [fn]" "All these I have kept," the
young man said. "What do I still lack?" Jesus answered, "If you want to
be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will
have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man
heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then
Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to
enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to
go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom
of God."
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Uploaded byDavid Johnson
3. The Integrated Life: Profit and Wealth
This document discusses biblical perspectives on wealth, profit, and poverty. It addresses whether the Bible permits earning a profit, the love of money versus money itself, examples of wealthy Christians, and different views like the prosperity gospel. It argues that wealth is a gift from God meant to be managed wisely and used to help others rather than being a source of pride or security. Overall wealth should be enjoyed but with gratitude to God and awareness of its impermanence. Trials can come to both the wealthy and poor according to God's purposes.
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3. The Integrated Life: Profit and Wealth
- 1. Profit and Wealth David L. Johnson, Ph.D. For more Christian content, go to LessonsForUS.com Video Book Report
- 2. 1. Is WealthPermitted by the Bible? Jesus affirmed the right to earn a profit Matthew 25:14,19-21 "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them…."After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.' "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!' "The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.' "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!'” Luke 20:9 He went on to tell the people this parable: "A man planted. a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time Video Book Report
- 3. 2. What Aboutthe Love of Money? 1 Timothy 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 Matthew 19:16-24 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.' [fn]" "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Video Book Report
- 4. 3. A WealthyMan’s Example R. G. LeTourneau produced 70% of the earthmoving equipment used during World War II He gave 90% of his income to Christian work and lived off the other 10% Video Book Report
- 5. 4. The PovertyGospel Luke 6:20 Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. James 2:5 Listen, my dear St. Francis of Assisi brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? Video Book Report
- 6. 4a. Scriptures ThatWarn Against Poverty Proverbs 13:18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. Proverbs 14:23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty Proverbs 28:19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty Video Book Report
- 7. 4b. Scriptures ThatPromise Economic Blessing Psalm 35:27 May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, "The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant." Deuteronomy 28:1,14, 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 …The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity--in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground--in the land he swore to your forefathers to give you. Video Book Report
- 8. 5. The ProsperityGospel Malachi 3:10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,' says the LORD of hosts, 'if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows". John 10:10 - "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly". Philippians 4:19: "My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches of glory in Christ Jesus". 3 John 2 - "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers". Video Book Report
- 9. 5a. Scriptures ManifestingTrials James 1: 2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance Job 1:1 In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. 2 Corinthians 8:9 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. Video Book Report
- 10. 6. God’s Prosperity Wealth is not all material 1Kings 4:29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight… Wealth is from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. Wealth is to be managed. Parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) Wealth is not our source of trust. 1 Timothy 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. Video Book Report
- 11. 6. God’s ProsperityContinued Wealth is to be enjoyed. 1 Timothy 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. Wealth is to be used for God's purpose 1 Timothy 6:18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. Video Book Report
- 12. To Learn More Click on Video Book Report
Editor's Notes
- #2 Hi, this is Dave Johnson and I’m continuing the videobook report series in which I am discussing the book, The Integrated Life: Experience the Powerful Advantage of Integrating Your Faith and Work, by Ken Eldred. This is Part 3. Profit and Wealth
- #3 Ken Eldred, the author says, “I'm flabbergasted by the degree of abnormal criticism and suspicion of wealth you see among clergy of all faiths. They think that because an individual's wealthy it was ill-gotten gain at someone else's expense.” People assume that the socialistic attitude of their culture must be biblically correct. But is it? Jesus affirmed the right to earn a profit. In the parable of the talents Matthew 25: 14-30 the nobleman can expect a multiplication of investment money and in another story of the parable of the tenants Luke 20:9-16, the landowner could expect lease payments. Both of these are returns on assets, or profits, that Jesus was affirming. Sadly, many in the church have adopted the principle of socialism. But the economic pie is not fixed as socialists suggest. Wealth is created. In fact, in a competitive world, profits can be viewed as the sign that others are being served in a way that creates an aggregate benefit and grows aggregate wealth. Without profit, a business cannot continue to serve people to the glory of God. Matthew 25:14,19-21 "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them…."After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.' "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!' "The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.' "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!'” Luke 20:9 He went on to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time.
- #4 1 Timothy 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 Note first that it's the love of money, rather than money itself that's called the source of various evils. The poor can idolize money, just as much as wealthy. Matthew 19:16-24 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.' [fn]" "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Didn't Jesus say that the rich wouldn't inherit the kingdom of God? Let’s examine that passage in Matthew 19:16-24. Was Jesus denouncing wealth or what the man most valued, wealth? Jesus was getting at the man's heart—what he truly valued. The young man's material possessions were an idol that kept him from following Jesus.
- #5 R. G. LeTourneau created an enormous company that produced some of the world's largest machinery, from earthmovers to bridge builders to portable offshore drilling rigs. Nearly 70% of the earthmoving equipment used during World War II was LeTourneau’s machinery. He gave 90% of his income to Christian work and lived off the other 10%, a practice he continued, even when his company was in financial jeopardy. Though he worked hard to give away the money God had given him, he still had $90 million when he died in 1969, an amount equivalent to more than $500 million today. LeTourneau said “The question is not how much of my money I give to God, but rather how much of God's money I keep for myself”
- #6 Didn't Jesus state that the poor are blessed in Luke 6:20? Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Also James said the following in James 2:5: Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? One special characteristic of the order founded by St. Francis of Assisi is a vow of poverty Although material poverty could be a greater blessing to the believer than riches as he learns to draw more and more on his heavenly resources, the scriptures do not say we should seek poverty.
- #7 In fact the Scriptures do not reflect an appealing view of poverty. A number of Proverbs warn against habits that lead to poverty. Proverbs 13:18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. Proverbs 14:23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty Proverbs 28:19 He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty
- #8 In addition, there are scriptures that promise economic blessing. God delights in the well-being of his servant as expressed by Psalm 35:27 May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, "The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant." God promises a multitude of economic blessings to those who obey him and follow his commands in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. 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….The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity--in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground--in the land he swore to your forefathers to give you.
- #9 The prosperity gospel states that we should expect health and wealth and that they are the evidence of right standing with God. Sickness and poverty are thus seen as evidence of sin or insufficient faith. The following verses are often used to justify the prosperity gospel: Malachi 3:10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,' says the LORD of hosts, 'if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows". John 10:10 - "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly". Philippians 4:19: "My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches of glory in Christ Jesus". 3 John 2 - "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers".
- #10 However, God uses difficulty to teach us and perfect us James 1: 2-3. James 1: 2-3Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance Job is another example. Despite his fearing God and shunning evil, he lost everything Job 1:1 In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. Perhaps the most notable example is the life of Jesus. 2 Corinthians 8:9 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. So this opposite extreme to the poverty Gospel also falls short.
- #11 How then are we to view wealth? Wealth includes all areas, not just material wealth, Solomon’s request was for spiritual wealth and in 1Kings 4:29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight. Wealth is from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 says But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. Wealth is to be managed. From the parable of the talents, he holds us accountable for wise deployment of these resources. Wealth is not our source of trust. 1 Timothy 6:17 says 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. Wealth is to be enjoyed. God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. We should each seek God's guidance on the defining line. 1 Timothy 6:17 says 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. Wealth is to be used for God's purpose. Paul instructs those who are rich that they should be ready to give, willing to share, and generous on every occasion. 1 Timothy 6:17-18 says 1Ti 6:18 Command them (who are rich) to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
- #12 How then are we to view wealth? Wealth includes all areas, not just material wealth, Solomon’s request was for spiritual wealth and in 1Kings 4:29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight. Wealth is from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 says But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. Wealth is to be managed. From the parable of the talents, he holds us accountable for wise deployment of these resources. Wealth is not our source of trust. 1 Timothy 6:17 says 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. Wealth is to be enjoyed. God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. We should each seek God's guidance on the defining line. 1 Timothy 6:17 says 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. Wealth is to be used for God's purpose. Paul instructs those who are rich that they should be ready to give, willing to share, and generous on every occasion. 1 Timothy 6:17-18 says 1Ti 6:18 Command them (who are rich) to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
- #13 If you would like to purchase this book, please click on the displayed graphic. Thanks for listening. http://www.amazon.com/Integrated-Life-Experience-Advantage-Integrating/dp/0984091114/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313942764&sr=8-1