150405 eng wealth in the bible by steve miller

Who is Steve Miller?

Introduction

• Who is Steve Miller?– Born and raised in the “OC” (California)– Parents Divorced when I was 6– Grilled Cheese and Canned Soup…”we was po”– Both parents were not good stewards with money

Malaysian Work Experience

– Set the context for the discussion today


– Set the context for the discussion today– Head of Business Banking


– Set the context for the discussion today– Head of Business Banking• Focus on Chinese SME’s


– Set the context for the discussion today– Head of Business Banking• Focus on Chinese SME’s• Relationship based businesses


– Set the context for the discussion today– Head of Business Banking• Focus on Chinese SME’s• Relationship based businesses• Malaysian Chinese Businessmen think from a “Win-

Win” perspective


– Set the context for the discussion today– Head of Business Banking• Focus on Chinese SME’s• Relationship based businesses• Malaysian Chinese Businessmen think from a “Win-

Win” perspective• In the West the Banker has to “buy” but not here


– What Have I learned about Chinese Wealth vs. other cultures


– What Have I learned about Chinese Wealth vs. other cultures• Long-term thinking


– What Have I learned about Chinese Wealth vs. other cultures• Long-term thinking• Diligent Savers


– What Have I learned about Chinese Wealth vs. other cultures• Long-term thinking• Diligent Savers• Quite conservative


– What Have I learned about Chinese Wealth vs. other cultures• Long-term thinking• Diligent Savers• Quite conservative• Normal weaknesses…..Money related

Wealth in the Bible

• Topics to Discuss:– Hope in God not Wealth

Wealth in the Bible

• Topics to Discuss:– Hope in God not Wealth– God is not against wealth

Wealth in the Bible

• Topics to Discuss:– Hope in God not Wealth– God is not against wealth– Wisdom + Wealth

Wealth in the Bible

• Topics to Discuss:– Hope in God not Wealth– God is not against wealth– Wisdom + Wealth– God looks at our heart …always!

Wealth in the Bible

• Topics to Discuss:– Hope in God not Wealth– God is not against wealth– Wisdom + Wealth– God looks at our heart …always!– Tithes and Offerings

What does the Bible say about Wealth?

– The Bible is filled with stories on:• Sex


– The Bible is filled with stories on:• Sex• Murder


– The Bible is filled with stories on:• Sex• Murder• Infidelity


– The Bible is filled with stories on:• Sex• Murder• Infidelity• And …..MONEY


– All of these impact MEN in the bible


– All of these impact MEN in the bible– Today we will focus on Money

• …”the root of all evil”




– Paul: Place our Hope in God Not wealth • 1 Timothy 6:6-20




– Paul: Place our Hope in God Not wealth • 1 Timothy 6:6-20

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 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.

Final Charge to Timothy

11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

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. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.

Wealth in the Bible

– So is God against Wealth?• Parable of the talents- Matthew 25:14-30

14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’

21 “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!’

22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’

23 “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!’

24 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Wealth in the Bible

– So is God against Wealth?• God is a socialist and a capitalist….he wants people

to work hard in all things

Wealth in the Bible


to work hard in all things• Hand up not a “hand out” (he would not like

BRIM)

Wealth in the Bible



BRIM)• God cares the most about what we do with our

talents….to help advance his kingdom

Wealth in the Bible



BRIM)• God cares the most about what we do with our

talents….to help advance his kingdom• To he who much is given, much is required

Wealth in the Bible

– But wealth alone with no Godly Wisdom can be evil

Wealth in the Bible


1. Do not be tight fisted Deut 15:- If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them.

Wealth in the Bible


1. Do not be tight fisted Deut 15:- If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them.

(Penangites)

Wealth in the Bible


2. Wretched RichRev 3:17- You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked

Wealth in the Bible– But wealth alone with no Godly Wisdom can be evil

3. Listen Rich people James 5:1-6- Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.[a] 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

Wealth in the Bible–Wealth + Wisdom is Good

Wealth in the Bible–Wealth + Wisdom is Good• Different faces of Wealth

Wealth in the Bible–Wealth + Wisdom is Good• Different faces of Wealth – Eccl 5:10- Whoever loves money never has enough;

whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.This too is meaningless.


whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.This too is meaningless. – I Samuel 2:7- The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he

humbles and he exalts.


whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.This too is meaningless. – I Samuel 2:7- The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he

humbles and he exalts.– Eccl 7:12- Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter,

but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.

Wealth in the Bible–Wealth + Wisdom is Good• Solomon’s request to God….would you ask for

this?– 2 Chronicles 1:7-12

Wealth in the Bible

2 Chronicles 1:7-12

That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

8 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. 9 Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

Wealth in the Bible

11 God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”

Wealth in the Bible– So how can we be “biblically wealthy?”

Wealth in the Bible– So how can we be “biblically wealthy?”• What is your heart’s treasure?

Matthew 6:21- For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.



• Be content –Hebrews 13:5- Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.



• Be content –Hebrews 13:5- Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.

• All needs met –Philippians 4:19- And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Wealth in the Bible– So how can we be “biblically wealthy?”• Cannot serve 2 masters –Matt 6:24 – Luke 16:13-15- “No one can serve two masters. Either

you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.

Wealth in the Bible– So how can we be “biblically wealthy?”• Give it all up and follow me –Matt 19:21- 21 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.”

Wealth in the Bible– So how can we be “biblically wealthy?”• Biblical thoughts on Debt-

Wealth in the Bible– So how can we be “biblically wealthy?”• Biblical thoughts on Debt- • Plan ahead – Asians….especially Chinese are better than most at this– Luke 14:28- Suppose one of you wants to build a tower.

Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?

Wealth in the Bible– So how can we be “biblically wealthy?”• Biblical thoughts on Debt- • Plan ahead – Asians….especially Chinese are better than most at this– Luke 14:28- Suppose one of you wants to build a tower.

Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?

• Lender to many…borrower to none – Deut 28:12- The Lord will open the heavens, the

storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.

Wealth in the Bible– So how can we be “biblically wealthy?”• Tithes and Offerings

Wealth in the Bible– So how can we be “biblically wealthy?”• Tithes and Offerings• Why should we Tithe?

Wealth in the Bible– So how can we be “biblically wealthy?”• Tithes and Offerings• Why should we Tithe?– Biblical command- Give 1/10th

Wealth in the Bible– So how can we be “biblically wealthy?”• Tithes and Offerings• Why should we Tithe?– Biblical command- Give 1/10th – Gen 28:22- and this stone that I have set up as a pillar

will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”


– Biblical command- Give 1/10th – Gen 28:22- and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will

be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”

– Lev 27:30-32- “‘A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. …32 Every tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the Lord.


– Biblical command- Give 1/10th – Proverbs 3:9-10- Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first

fruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.[a]


– Biblical command- Give 1/10th – Proverbs 3:9-10- Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first

fruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.[a]

– Numbers 18:21-32- The Lord said to Moses, 26 “Speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the Lord’s offering.

Wealth in the Bible– So how can we be “biblically wealthy?”• Why should we Tithe?

– Do not Rob God, But instead “test him”– Malachi 3:9-12-You are under a curse—your whole nation—

because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

Wealth in the Bible– So how can we be “biblically wealthy?”• Tithes- Honor God but do not boast about tithes

– Matt 6:1-4- “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others….4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Wealth in the Bible– So how can we be “biblically wealthy?”• Tithes- Honor God but do not boast about tithes

– Matt 6:1-4- “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others….4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

– Luke 11:42- “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.

Wealth in the Bible

What is the difference between a tithe and an offering/gift?

Wealth in the Bible

What is the difference between a tithe and an offering/gift?• Gift/Offering is above and beyond the normal tithe

Wealth in the Bible

What is the difference between a tithe and an offering/gift?• Gift/Offering is above and beyond the normal tithe• Church Building fund

Wealth in the Bible

What is the difference between a tithe and an offering/gift?• Gift/Offering is above and beyond the normal tithe• Church Building fund• If it doesn’t “hurt” then it really isn’t much of a sacrifice

Wealth in the BiblePromised blessings for the giver• Cheerful Giver– 2 Corinthians 9:6-14- Remember this: Whoever sows

sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work

Wealth in the BiblePromised blessings for the giver• Parable of the widow– Luke 21:1-4, Mark 12:41-44- Truly I tell you,” he said,

“this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Wealth in the BibleBlessings for the giver• Better to give then receive– Acts 20:35- In everything I did, I showed you that by

this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Wealth in the BibleBlessings for the giver• Better to give then receive– Acts 20:35- In everything I did, I showed you that by

this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

• Press down and flowing over – Luke 6:38- Give, and it will be given to you. A good

measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Wealth in the Bible

The Ultimate Offering

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not

perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Wealth in the Bible

In Summary:– Our hope should be in God not Wealth

Wealth in the Bible

In Summary:– Our hope should be in God not Wealth– God is not against people being wealthy

Wealth in the Bible

In Summary:– Our hope should be in God not Wealth– God is not against people being wealthy– But Wisdom must come first

Wealth in the Bible

In Summary:– Our hope should be in God not Wealth– God is not against people being wealthy– But Wisdom must come first– God looks at your heart (cannot serve 2 masters)

Wealth in the Bible

In Summary:– Our hope should be in God not Wealth– God is not against people being wealthy– But Wisdom must come first– God looks at your heart (cannot serve 2 masters)– Commandment to Tithe

Wealth in the Bible

In Summary:– Our hope should be in God not Wealth– God is not against people being wealthy– But Wisdom must come first– God looks at your heart (cannot serve 2 masters)– Commandment to Tithe– God loves a cheerful giver

What are we doing (giving) to help expand HIS church?

Thank You

150405 eng wealth in the bible by steve miller

Documents

chinese wealth

chinese smesrelationship

money related wealth

wealthwisdom wealthgod

impact men

wealthwisdom wealthwealth

moneythe root

steve miller