Wealth trap I Corinthians : 4


❇️ What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? (v7)

❇️ Paul asked this very stinging question to put some sense into Corinthians which is also relevant to us. People are happy to flaunt their prosperity at anytime and everywhere insensitive to the needs of people around them.

❇️ James 5:5 states,” You have lived on earth in luxury and self- indulgence; You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.” This is a warning to all those hoarded wealth in the last days (Jas.5:3)

❇️ Many think the wealth, power and position they have are due to their ability, hard work and intelligence.But God in Dt.8:18 says, God gives us the ability to produce wealth. He also gives us the time, health and opportunity to create wealth and hence we can’t overplay our part by boasting.

❇️ There is a saying we can have wealth but wealth should not have us because wealth is a good servant but a bad master

❇️ The downside of having great wealth only for selfish enjoyment is given in the following Bible verses.

▪️Wealth is worthless in the
day of wrath – Pro. 11:4

▪️Great wealth leads to turmoil
– Pro.15:16

▪️Wealth hoarded harms its
owner- Ecc.5:13

▪️Wealth is deciteful and
choke the word – Mt.13:22

▪️Wealth is uncertain and
hence don’t put hope in
it – 1 Tim.6:17

▪️God doesn’t care how much
we have but how much we
give – Mk.12:44

❇️ The bright side of having wealth as given below
▪️We can honour the Lord with our wealth–Pro.3:9

▪️Wealthy can be generous and sharing – 1 Tim.6:18

❇️ In the light of the word of God as given above let us choose to use our wealth to lay up treasure for us in heaven so that we may take hold of the life that is truly life (1Tim. 6:19). So let us identify someone in need to whom we can extent our generosity at this time of pandemic

✅ Insights learnt:
▪️God gives the ability to get
wealth

▪️Wealth is meant for sharing
with poor & honouring God

▪️Wealth is a good servant and
a bad master

Dr.E.Christadoss
Vellore 🙏🏽