Category Archives: Riches

Bible, Christ, Provision, Riches, Scripture, Supply

ACCORDING TO, NOT OUT OF

PHILIPPIANS 4:19

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

I am not and probably never will be wealthy in the eyes of the world. Being in full-time ministry, and now serving as a missionary, I do not expect to make an extravagant salary. My wife and I are content to live on what our ministry supporters provide. It’s been amazing these past 3 ½ years to see how the Lord has moved the hearts of people to give. I praise Him for that.

Why am I talking about that? Because in today’s verse, Paul points us to the true source of our provision. He says, “My God will supply.” The Greek word translated as “will supply” really means He will fill up, He will overflow, He will cram you full. That says a lot more than just “supply.” And when Paul says “according to His riches” that’s important. He could have written “out of,” but he didn’t. The Holy Spirit wants us to know that we are given richly because He owns it all.

APPLICATION

I just recently memorized Romans 8:32. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” You see, that’s the extent of His giving. He gives above and beyond. He gave His own Son. I read a quote today that said, “The Son of God became a man so that men could become sons of God.” That is giving according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Our riches will not last. Even the wealthiest person’s wealth will eventually give out. But not God’s. His riches go far beyond anything this world has ever seen. Everything that has ever been created belongs to Him. He gives according to His riches because He is a generous God who loves His children. James tells us in James 1:17, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”

What should we do with such blessings? We should give “according to” also. We give knowing that God will bless that gift. He will take it a multiply it. I heard a story last night about a nine year girl who wanted to help orphans. With some help from friends, she designed a T-shirt that went viral. In a short amount of time, she had over $9,000 which grew to over $200,000. One little girl’s burden was exponentially multiplied by the Father. As the Father blesses you, turn around and bless another.

Lord, I praise You for being my source of provision and never letting me down.

You can make an investment in our ministry at www.twr.org/carl-willis

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Abundance, Bible, Blessing, Glory, Grace, Love, Power, Riches, Scripture

BOUNDLESS RICHES

EPHESIANS 2:7

“so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” 

I am sure you have heard stories about rich people and their luxurious lifestyles. It’s on television all the time. Names like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos are usually among the top 10 richest. But who was the richest person ever? Mansa Musa (1280-1337)! They say his wealth was incomprehensible. Ever heard of him? I hadn’t either which goes to show you money isn’t the answer to everything.

Aren’t you glad Paul wasn’t talking about monetary riches in today’s verse? God promises us “boundless riches of His grace.” The Greek word used for “boundless” is huperballó. It’s only used five times in the New Testament, three times in Ephesians (1:9; here, and 3:19) and two times in 2 Corinthians (3:10 and 9:14). I want us to look at what Paul uses this word to describe.

APPLICATION

In 2 Corinthians 3:10, Paul uses huperballó to describe God’s glory. “…because of the glory that surpasses it.” Later in the same letter, Paul uses the word to describe God’s grace. 9:14 says, “while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.” So, we have God’s glory that is surpassing and God’s grace which is surpassing.

Then in Ephesians, we saw back in 1:19 “and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe.” Then the last time Paul uses huperballó is in this letter to the Ephesians in chapter 3 and verse 19. “and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.” That means in Ephesians, Paul uses that word to describe God’s great power, His great love through Christ and the riches of His grace.

Paul really liked that word, didn’t he? Through the Holy Spirit, he penned those words so long ago which still ring true in our ears. God’s surpassing glory, surpassing grace, surpassing riches of His grace, surpassing greatness of His power and His surpassing love. Wow! God’s riches are truly surpassing. Are you an heir to all of this? If you are a believer in Jesus, you are the richest person in the world!

Thank You, Lord, for the surpassing riches of Your grace towards me.

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Abundance, Bible, Blessing, Covenant, God's Will, Mercy, Riches, Scripture

RICH IN MERCY

EPHESIANS 2:4

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,” 

I doubt I will ever be independently wealthy in the eyes of the world. I mean, my wife and I live comfortably, but we aren’t going to retire on the French Rivera, lol. Being rich or wealthy means different things to different people. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 give us a warning about money. “9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

In contrast, Paul says in today’s verse that God’s wealth is a good thing. He is “rich in mercy.” God’s wealth will never run out. His riches are limitless. So, if He is rich in mercy, that means His mercy will never run out. Lamentations 3:22 says, “The LORD’S acts of mercy indeed do not end, For His compassions do not fail.” They do not fail!

APPLICATION

Does that give us permission to do whatever we want? No way! It does give us permission to do as we should. Love should be a driving motivator. 1 Peter 1:3 shows us the benefit of His mercy. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” It is His great mercy that gives us that new birth.

Hebrews 4:16 gives us another reason to look for His mercy. “Therefore, let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.” His mercy is waiting for us to come to Him during those times when we need Him most. Have you needed Him lately?

In similar words as our verse today, Paul says this in Titus 3:5-6. “5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior,” His mercy is not given because we deserve it. He just gives it! Do you need some mercy today? Come to the Father.

Lord, have mercy on me today. Show me Your mercy all the day long. 

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