KM-04 T1: Discussion 2

[Dave]

In Matthew 17:24-27 and Matthew 22: 15-22, Jesus taught on the responsibility to obey authority and to pay taxes. God has put authority in place to protect and govern citizens. Jesus further had an opinion on wealth, on money and on stewardship. See Matthew 6:24- 27 and Matthew 25:14-30.

Read the article “Money and Possessions – God’s Wealth in our Hands” (p. 143) from the Africa Study Bible.

What ethical principles can you draw from the above Scriptures in Matthew and the article from your Africa Study Bible for the management of money, integrated with how Christians are to live by the law of the Spirit, and not to be governed by their flesh?

Describe any  instances where you have read about, experienced or seen these biblical principles used in the wrong way and the result

[Nomhle Mpotsha]

NOMHLE MPOTSHA Discussion 2 Ethical Principles from scriptures in (Matthew 17:24-27, 22:15-22, 6:24-27 and 25:14-30)
In first scripture Jesus was showing obedience to authority that recognizing and respecting governmental and societal structures as part of God ‘s order and the need to pay taxes, and he did even miracle to provide the means.
Second scripture teaches the principle of rendering to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s suggesting a balance between civic duty and spiritual faithfulness to God. This involves an ethical principle of fulfilling societal responsibilities while maintaining faith.
Third scripture warns us as Christians, of not allowing the things of these earth to own us like material needs to possess our love for God and neighbour, to God we are more valuable than the birds and wildflowers.
The last scripture illustrates stewardship, where individuals are entrusted with resources and expected to use them wisely and productively. The ethical principle here is accountability and responsibility to use of what one is given, with the reward or consequence depending on one’s diligence.
“Money and Possessions- God’s Wealth in our Hands” I can say is a perspective where wealth is seen as a divine gift to be managed ethically, agreeing with Christian values of generosity, fairness and spiritual priority over material gain. Ethical principles that can be drawn include the Stewardship by managing resources (money, possessions) as a trust from God, using them to benefit others and honour God. Spiritual focus by prioritizing spiritual growth and service over material wealth or fleshly desires.
Personal instances I have experience about, was in the church after service two leaders were responsible for counting, recording, and signing the total money. When the time of one of them go to bank for depositing. The teller discovered cash shortage of amount of R200 and that leader eventually paid the money because she realised that she did not do check-up and learning that both must do all processes of counting, recording and signing together. The money was taken by one of them for her personal needs. (Spirit of flesh: greed, selfish ambition).

[Maggie Smuts]

Managing Money According to the Bible
The Bible teaches us how to manage money and possessions in a way that honors God. Here are some key principles:
– Obey authority and pay taxes: Jesus taught that we should respect and obey those in authority, including paying taxes (Matthew 17:24-27, Matthew 22:15-22). This helps maintain order and stability in society.
– Don’t worship money: Jesus warned that we cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Our priority should be our relationship with God, not accumulating wealth.
– Be good stewards: Jesus taught that we are responsible for managing the resources God has given us (Matthew 25:14-30). We should use our talents and resources wisely and for God’s purposes.
The Africa Study Bible article “Money and Possessions – God’s Wealth in our Hands” highlights the importance of:
– Trusting in God’s provision: We should trust that God will provide for our needs, rather than relying solely on our own efforts.
– Using wealth for God’s purposes: We should use our resources to help others and advance God’s kingdom, rather than just accumulating wealth for ourselves.
Wrong Use of Biblical Principles
Unfortunately, some people have used these biblical principles in the wrong way, leading to negative consequences. For example:
– Prosperity gospel: Some people have taught that God wants all believers to be wealthy and prosperous, which can lead to a focus on material gain rather than spiritual growth.
– Materialism: Some Christians have prioritized accumulating wealth and possessions over their relationship with God and serving others.
– Mismanagement of resources: Some individuals or organizations have mismanaged resources, leading to financial crises or scandals.
These examples show the importance of using biblical principles in a way that honors God and benefits others.
Living by the Law of the Spirit
As Christians, we are called to live by the law of the Spirit, which means being guided by God’s love and principles rather than our own selfish desires. This includes:
– Prioritizing our relationship with God: We should seek to deepen our relationship with God and live according to His principles.
– Using our resources wisely: We should manage our resources in a way that honors God and benefits others.
– Trusting in God’s provision: We should trust that God will provide for our needs and live with contentment and gratitude. By living according to these principles, we can experience a more abundant and meaningful life that honors God and benefits others.

[Author]

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