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Christian teaching on Wealth in the New Testament

Answer Text:
Christian teaching on Wealth
–Jesus is depicted in the Gospels associating with both the rich and the poor. For example, some of his disciples like James and John came from wealthy families.
-He also associated with Zacchaeus who was a wealthy tax collector (Luke
19:1-10) and Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy Jew who offered his grave for Jesus’ burial.
The New Testament view of wealth is that:
-Wealth should not determine a person’s worth. The devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus was promised all these
kingdoms if he bowed down and worshipped the devil. Jesus resisted the temptation.
-Christian should seek more spiritual than material wealth.
-God is the owner of wealth and people should realize that they are only stewards. We should use our wealth to help those that are less fortunate than ourselves.
Paul emphasizes that it is the duty of Christians to help the poor.
-Obsession with money and wealth leads to sin. Paul in his letter to Timothy condemns the love for money which he regards as the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10)
-Church leaders should avoid greed for wealth. Paul
teaches that one of the qualities of a good church leader is to be content with what she or he has and not be greedy for wealth or be motivated by self gain. ( 1 Timothy 3:3,8; Titus 1:7)
-Rich exploiters will be judged by God. In the book of James the rich who oppress the poor are condemned (James 5:1-6),
they will suffer God’s judgment.