KFLCC Kingdom Economics

The Significance of the Giving Life

These Scriptures imply that being poor is better than being rich, and that if you are rich, you have too many challenges to deal with. However, the root of these warnings deals with trusting in riches and defining the real treasure of your heart. First Timothy 6:17-19 helps sum up the teaching: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Jesus did not own earthly goods, which was mentioned earlier in this book. However, He was called a glutton and a winebibber for hanging out and eating with sinners, and He was called a friend of publicans and sinners (Matt. 11:19). Christ willingly forgave a woman caught in the act of adultery, even though she could have been stoned to death. He passed through Samaria, a city despised by the religious Jews, and ministered to the city prostitute, better known as the woman at the well. Jesus had friends of mammon who supported His ministry. Luke records: And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto Him of their substance. L UKE 8:2-3 Other translations say: Provided for him and them out of their personal belongings. (AMP) Contributing to their support out of their private means. (NASB) Contributing of their own resources to support Jesus and His disciples. (NLT) The man who was Herod’s steward was an overseer of a province with direct access to Herod’s palace. Joanna was his wife and a supporter of Christ’s ministry. Today, there are times when a woman will support a church or ministry, but the husband never attends church and might even try to hinder her from being a financial giver. In Christ’s death, two secret disciples who were wealthy businessmen and friends of Christ—Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea—took charge of His body and placed it in Joseph’s tomb. Christ made friends, and

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