Definition of Luxury: (Noun) A state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense.
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. 1 Tim 6:17
It appears God doesn’t mind you enjoying yourself, but it has to be a certain kind of enjoyment.
The disciples were urging Him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” So the disciples began to say to one another, “No one brought Him anything to eat, did they?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of the One who sent me and to complete His work. John 4:31-34
You have to understand that when He gives you things to enjoy, it’s for a purpose. 1 Tim 6:18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds…
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The Truth About Riches
Many preachers say there are many references to riches in the bible. They forget to point out that almost all those references are negative. According to Luke 6, the rich had received their comfort on earth already.
I believe God does not have a problem with your bank account being heavy. He has a problem with it staying heavy when you are surrounded by poverty.
Be like Abraham, super wealthy but also super responsible for a super-number of people.
This is why you need God’s help for a rich man to make it into the coming age’s ruling class. Don’t be jealous of rich people because they need a miracle from God to “make the kingdom”.
You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. James 5:5
How did they live?! In luxury. Are you understanding the challenge?
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What’s Wrong with Living Luxuriously?
You have lived in pleasure on the earth and self-gratification. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. James 5:5
You know what happens to the fattened calf? It eats and lives luxuriously. What do you expect when you see an animal being fattened consistently? They are about to slaughter it, that’s what it means. Overly self-nourishing is preparation for the day of slaughter. It’s like a qualification where you make yourself a mark, you put a target on your forehead and say, “Slaughter me. Let me be a subject.” It’s the same thing with thinking luxuriously. A lot of people actively think they should live very luxuriously. They call it a blessing.
It says, “You have lived in pleasure in the earth.” In other words, “I don’t want you to spend your life on living in pleasure on the earth.” Why? Because you have the future to have pleasure without end. Hebrews 11:38 – Tells us that we are Pilgrims. Paul said it in Hebrews, Peter said it in 1 Peter 1. Have you not read these things? He said “If we call upon the Father, let us pass the time of our sojourning, our pilgrimage here in fear.
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The Balance
Why is there such an emphasis on living like a stranger, like someone who is travelling through the land? Why? It’s because God knows and understands that you can’t serve two masters effectively. You cannot live like a king on the earth, and also be a king in the age to come.
You can’t be a king twice; So God is saying, “I hope you don’t want this other thing, because you won’t have it; you have already taken your fill.”
Do you remember that rich man? “My soul, you have stored up much goods. Relax, take your fill.” And a voice came and said, “You fool! Today, your soul is required of you. To whom will all these things be?” (Luke 12:16-21)
Isn’t that enough evidence that God does not want you to live wantonly as was said in days past? Unfortunately, the wrong interpretation of heaven makes people think, that if you don’t enjoy yourself here and now, you cannot enjoy in the age to come. It’s an error.
You have to stop being afraid that this is the only chance to live in luxury. There are endless other chances.
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