Adam wrote:Sunbeam wrote:But let us look at this verse from 1 Timothy.
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.
This does not suggest at all that there is anything at all wrong with wealth, but that we must be alert to the temptations that come with it..the inclination to feel smug because we have it, and the tendency to place our trust in it. Our trust must be placed in God, and we must view money for what it is...a rich gift from God to be enjoyed!
I understand the overall point you are making, but the context of 1 Timothy makes it clear that the "riches" that God provides are spiritual and not material.
For this assessment to be accurate it would have to be saying, "Don't put your hope in spiritual blessings which are uncertain, but to hope in God. This would be illogical.
Alternately, you would have to deduce that in mid-sentence, and with no indication, the focus shifts from material to spiritual blessings. Is there any inherent reason for this deduction, other than simply deciding that it must be the case based on what one has already decided is truth?
I maintain he does speak of monetary wealth. That is the subject that is being addressed initially here, and the thought follows through logically to the end, if you maintain that focus.
Or so it seems to me.
I realize there are those who reject the idea that you can be both rich and Godly. I am not one of those people. I believe that within Scripture there are indications, both overt and covert, that this is not true.