Because I have titled this blog with two questions, I will try to answer both of them at the same time I am writing this. These questions can created a lot of confusion within Christendom because the spectrum of social status with in it will give you all kinds of answers. I must speculate a bit on the first question, because to claim a historical Jesus Christ, who claimed to be the Messiah, in order to have a lot of wealth would have to have a high social position in the time in which he lived. Why would a Jewish and Roman society crucify a wealthy person, someone with money, surely it would be a great scandal in the time that Jesus lived. In order for Jesus to be rich he would have to been greatly educated, and this verse shows that he had little education; 14About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. 15The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning,d when he has never studied?” 16So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17If anyone’s will is to do God’se will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. 18The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. 19Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?” John 7:14-19 ESV.
To put the above verse in context, Jesus was asked to go up to the festival to prove who he was. At first he refused, but then went up later. In the gospel of John 7:14-15 the people there describe Jesus as one who has never studied. I interpret this to formal training in the scriptures. Jesus had a wisdom, and an authority to teach that baffled them all. Surely he was poor the bible even describes him as a Carpenter's son.
The second question in my title is and is it a sin to be rich? I personally don't think so, but if you search the bible they are commands and warning for those who are rich. One is found in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 ESV As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Paul the apostle writing to Timothy knew that there would be people of wealth in his church, so he gave Timothy instructions in how to minister to them. From this we know that there is a great responsibility with having money, but we find many verses in the bible where the Lord is just as kind and gracious to the poor. 1 Samuel 2:7-9 ESV,The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low and he exalts.
8He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
and on them he has set the world.
To put the above verse in context, Jesus was asked to go up to the festival to prove who he was. At first he refused, but then went up later. In the gospel of John 7:14-15 the people there describe Jesus as one who has never studied. I interpret this to formal training in the scriptures. Jesus had a wisdom, and an authority to teach that baffled them all. Surely he was poor the bible even describes him as a Carpenter's son.
The second question in my title is and is it a sin to be rich? I personally don't think so, but if you search the bible they are commands and warning for those who are rich. One is found in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 ESV As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Paul the apostle writing to Timothy knew that there would be people of wealth in his church, so he gave Timothy instructions in how to minister to them. From this we know that there is a great responsibility with having money, but we find many verses in the bible where the Lord is just as kind and gracious to the poor. 1 Samuel 2:7-9 ESV,The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low and he exalts.
8He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
and on them he has set the world.
9“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness,
for not by might shall a man prevail.
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness,
for not by might shall a man prevail.
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