Introduction: Some say that money is the root of all kinds of evil. Others say that money is the root of all kinds of good. As we know, money is neither good nor evil. When money is in the hand of an evil man, it becomes a means of evil. But when money is in the hand of a good man, it becomes a means of good. As a Christian, what kind of attitude should we have about money?


1. God´s people and material things in Old Testament times.
    1) The Garden of Eden was the first home of humankind. God created an abundant
        and beautiful garden (Ge 2:11-12).
    2) Noah, man of God and his material. He was rich enough to build a huge ark
        (Ge 6:3).
    3) Abraham
        ① When he came to Canaan, he was 75 years old and had nothing (Ge 12:1).
        ② When he came out of Egypt, he became very wealthy in livestock and in silver
            and gold (Ge 13:1-2).
        ③ Life in Canaan-a rich man who had 318 trained men (Ge 14:14, 16).
        ④ The testimony of Eliezer, the servant (Ge 24:35).
    4) Isaac´s material (Ge 26:12-14).
    5) Jacob´s material (Ge 32:10).

2. God´s people and materials things in New Testament times
    1) The poor life of Jesus-poverty of redemption
        ① 2 Corinthians 8:9
        ② Galatians 3:13
    2) Poverty of the disciples
        ① Poverty that is chosen (Mk 6:8-9).
        ② Life as a guest (Heb 11:13-16).
    3) Our view concerning material things
        ① We are freed from the curse
        ② We receive the blessing of Jesus Christ
            -It doesn´t mean there is no hardship. It means that even hardship bears the fruit
              of blessing (Jas 5:11)

3. Daily bread
    1) What we need for our daily bread-job, education, housing, clothing, transportation
        (Mt 6:11; Phil 4:19).
    2) Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness-all these things will be given to you
        (Mal 3:10-12).
    3) Not the life that is more than enough, but the life that is not in need
        (Ps 23:1; 34:9-10).

4. A life that pleases God
    1) Love neither money nor material things (1Ti 6:10; Heb 13:5; Mt 6:24).
    2) Material to serve God and neighbors
        -We should possess to share according to the will of God-not as an owner of
          material things but as a steward (Acts 20:35; Lk 6:38).
    3) The principle of sowing and reaping (Gal 6:7; 2Co 9:8-9).


Conclusion : Poverty in itself is not a good virtue. But if we have a positive mind although we are poor, then that is a good virtue. There is nothing bad about being rich. What is bad is a greedy heart-not knowing how to share. The more you have the better for the life of a steward who has Jesus in his heart.