Pastor Ralph Posted February 2, 2009 Report Share Posted February 2, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? I would guess that it appeals to the fleshly nature which loves money and takes pride in things. The prosperity gospel that I have heard is that God wants us to be financially well to do. He may and he may not. The Bible says "but godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Tim. 6:6. Money doesn't satisfy but a few needs or wants. True fulfillment and happiness comes from the Lord and our relationship with Him. Personally I like Proverbs 30:7-9 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. God Bless! Jen Numbers 6:24-26 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masika Posted February 15, 2009 Report Share Posted February 15, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? The teaching of Jesus had been, 'Seek ya first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you' (Mt 6:33). There were some whose corrupted minds led them to embrace Christianity for the sake of the things they desired, and hoped would be added. To Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustJeff Posted February 15, 2009 Report Share Posted February 15, 2009 A sure fire way to keep the tithes flowing and the pews full is to preach that God will give back to you multiples of what you give to Him. In our carnality we think that to be blessed by the Lord is to be made financially secure and that is simply not true. God blesses us according to the riches of His glory (Eph 3:16, Col 1:27) and that translates to spiritual wealth. In Matt 6:8 Jesus clearly tells us the the Father gives us what we need, not what we want. Ministries are falling to the left and to the right because the only ones who prosper from prosperity messages are the ones doing the preaching. This creates false Christians who worship God for what they expect Him to give them for their service. When it doesn't happen they are disappointed and many fall away from the faith. Remember; "God is a Spirit; and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth ' (John 4:24). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elwood C O'Dell Posted February 15, 2009 Report Share Posted February 15, 2009 I feel that people are susceptible to this type of teaching for it offers to them a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted February 16, 2009 Report Share Posted February 16, 2009 Q1. (1Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? There is a commercialism which has become so common in Christendom. I think false teachers have become more numerous in our day; this is perhaps due to the mass media made available. These teachers also notice our greed and the way we always are looking for easy answers to our problems. They have found out that religion can be very profitable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenny Posted February 16, 2009 Report Share Posted February 16, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? Where does one begin? I think we need to look at the benefits or so called benefits of wealth (financial) let me list just a few. A nice home; a new car; nice clothes; financial stability; and plenty of good food these to name but a few. All of the things mentioned here are of this world and cant be taken with us when we die. It is often easier to preach about wealth than poverty because the later doesn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan Posted February 16, 2009 Report Share Posted February 16, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? They want to believe that God rewards those who believe in Him here on earth,not just in the heavenly realms as in Epheisons 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: They also want to make other people think that they are righteous by what they have. The one I hear most isthat if you are suffering or going through bad times you must be living in sin. You only have to read the Book of Job toknow that this isfar from the truth. We are promised nothing for being a Christian except freedom from sin when we are called tolive with Christ not here in this life but the next. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia A Posted February 16, 2009 Report Share Posted February 16, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? I believe our view of money and wealth depends on the condition of our heart. If the wealth of the world is the most important thing in our lives, we will distort God's Word to make it mean that by following it, we will gain the wealth of the world. If serving God is the most important thing in our life, we will strive to do that irregardless of what the results are related to wealth of the world. Granted, we can't outgive God. Perhaps what we receive in our serving and giving will be the world's wealth along with the joy of serving God. If we receive the world's wealth and we truly want to glorify God, we will use any wealth to glorify Him. Money and wealth is not bad. It is how important it is to us and how we use it which determines whether it is good or bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iam4-1god Posted February 16, 2009 Report Share Posted February 16, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? I think that all of us want what we think is a better life, and the only way to get that better life is through money, inour human mind. Oftentimes, we tend to gage a man's worth by the amount of money he has in his bank acount. We clamor to find out the next big story as far as the rich and famous are concerned. We want to wear the same clothes, eat the same food, drive the same cars, etc. as the rich and famous. So when someone says that we can be prosperous through the Gospel of Christ, we tend to do whatever is required by these people, thinking that they must know what they are talking about. I fell into this trap many years ago, but thank God through Jesus Christ, I was delivered from this false idea! I was told that, because I didn't have enough faith, I could not receive the blessing from the Lord. I was also told the the more I give the more I receive. The truth is, God will and does bless us in many ways. It does not always involve money, and if we have faith as a grain of mustard seed, we will be able to move mountains. We just need to believe that God is who He says He is, and that He will do what He says He swill do. God doesn't need our money-it is already His! He just wants us to believe in Him! Gloray! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charisbarak Posted February 16, 2009 Report Share Posted February 16, 2009 People think money is the answer to all their problems. They think more & more will make things better for them. They are willing to try anything to get more $'s--gamble, lottery and what they hear advertised. These are people who are not content. There is some truth in these sayings. But they have warped the meanings to infer it's "Let's Make A Deal" with God. Money may not always be the "treasure" God gives us! Other distortions come when they tell the people that bad things will happen to them if they don't...... as well as "good things will happen to them if they do..... The results are money-hungry selfish men & women using any ploy they can to get money out of others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spazzo47 Posted February 17, 2009 Report Share Posted February 17, 2009 I think that people like things that make sense. It makes sense that if you do good good things should happen. So, it follows, that if you live the life of a good Christian who tithes and gives up the bad choices there should be some reward. Everything around us says that rewards come in the form of posessions and money. So the same should be said about God, God will reward us by giving us money. People who believe this don't seem to understand that money and posessions are not the only reward. In fact, God never ever promises any more than making sure our needs are met. I think the major distorion I have heard is that if we tithe, God will give all that money back and then some. I have been heartbroken in the past when my tithe put me over and I bounced checks and blamed God for not giving me the miracle that I thought was promised. I still struggle with this a little (even though I can pay my bills now), because I wasn't living a life of extravagence, in fact, I was living as cheaply as I could, and things got bad enough that I stopped tithing for a few months so I could make it. I think during that time, my faith grew as I had daily conversations with God about what was going on. I did learn what God promised (and what He didn't) and I now have an attitude of contentment with what I have (I actually feel funny driving a new to me car that is far better than the 15 year old car that blew up 2 weeks ago). I guess that act of faith was important in my spiritual journey and my relationship with God was the reward for the faith, but it's several years later and I still wonder if it was a broken a promise (and fair) that tithing cost me so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanMary Posted February 17, 2009 Report Share Posted February 17, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? I think it's because our fallen nature is susceptible to greed and the distorted teaching appeals to our flesh, to our selfishness and that condition Solomon had, that more is never enough. The false teachers quote scripture out of context and to many, it sounds like truth, which validates the greedy desires. In our culture, money and wealth equal status and power, and is a way of measuring "worth". Those who have more are more valued, and honored as more worthy, such as rock, sports, and movie stars. Their wealth gives them a platform to proclaim their values and political views to the world, and weak minds follow after them, because after all, they're dripping with wealth and must be right. Low self esteem makes one susceptible to this teaching. As a new believer 35 years ago, who grew up dirt poor and abused, my first prayer was for a big house, thinking "then I'll be as good as other people". I've learned much over the years, and the most cherished is "God is my home and my refuge." Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? I've heard preachers on television say that God wants every believer to be rich. That all you have to do to be rich, is to send them money and support their ministry and you will get their anointing to be rich. I've heard "name what you want and claim it and you'll get it". A number of the wealth teachers, have their own personal jets, wear only the finest clothing and jewelry...they've become wealthy from those who believe the message and send sacrificially in an effort to live as they do in luxury. How do they differ from the truth? They teach that godliness is a means to financial gain. To pursue money. Paul tells us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. He said " wealth is uncertain...do not put your hope in it. Seeking wealth can lead to ruin. The pursuit of wealth keeps our focus on that dead end, instead of on the things of God...building His Kingdom, sharing our faith, walking in obedience, chasing after Him and His desires, which store up treasure in Heaven. (Sadly, an entire family or ours in Idaho, cult members, were approached by another one of their cult who was running a Ponzi scheme. They all took out loans against their homes and businesses to make "tons of money", to invest in his "stocks" and most of them have lost their homes and are in financial ruin. So very sad to see this scripture lived out today. One said, "We just thought we could have a better life if we had more money". So it's not just Christians who are duped by the false teaching.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snaps Posted February 18, 2009 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? I believe that people feel they need people more than they need God, and leave the interpretation of Scripture to their leaders, so it's a; combination of misplaced need and laziness. We are taught to test the spirits of everything we hear. If the speaker has not the spirit of the scriptures s/he is not led by the Spirit of God. They then need to be challenged in their teaching, because, like ordinary mortals, they are subject to mistakes. if they will stand corrected, you can continue with them, but if they persist in error of interpretation of scripture and in their leadership and teaching model, then one should stop supporting such a regime, and go elsewhere. One should not remain in a wrong environment for the sake of the people or friends, because God can provide new friends in a right environment. I have noticed, in my experiences with cultish churches, that only the weak remain to continue being misguided. Those who are strong in their faith will quickly go elsewhere. The spiritually mature depart, leaving the church very much weakened by their absence, with few leaders that really command the respect of those who need wisdom. I have heard a great deal about being unable to out-give God. Of course this is true, but is not a good reason for giving, or for extorting money out of the congregation constantly, or for giving constant examples of how the Lord has rewarded giving in material terms. This all contributes to giving for wrong reasons, and having wrong expectations from giving. Giving is only a function of love. Where it has any other function it will not be welcomed by God our Father. It becomes an attempt to manipulate God with our finances, which is a ridiculous concept. The great leaders have not tried to extract money from people, but have gone directly to God to meet need. Right Giving is inspired by the Holy Spirit and has no need of human intervention, apart from maybe an annual teaching on tithing in the normal process of things. This distortion ,"No-one can outgive God", is truth in itself. It is the context of the teaching that makes it wrong. It is taught in every service before the offering it becomes a spiritual bondage, and evidence that the church is all about money, or is being run as a business, not a service. The truth becomes twisted into a manipulative tool, which makes Father very distressed. We should not put up with it. This is only one example but it will be found that, in a church which makes this error, there will be many other errors of interpretatin of scripture. For example, in the church I am thinking of, there is no attempt to follow up on visitors to the church, no time spent by the pastorate with the people except actually during the service. They are gone immediately afterwards, entertaining the speaker, or just uninterested in communicating their flock in general terms. One can make an appointment with them, but even that will not necessarily give you their undivided attention. Everything is formalised. There is no sense of community. The teaching about "God wants us all rich", based on Abraham's wealth, is probably true, as poverty is certainly no virtue, and men are admonished to earn money so they have something to give. It is certainly true that if a man is diligent with his studies and works hard he will probably do very well in the normal running of things, because it is Godly to work and earn. In my experience, those who have sepnt their lives so doing are reaping the wealthy consequence. However,there are those not capable of this, who should not be impressed with the idea that God wants us all rich. They are the annointed of God whom we need to take care of and support, without making them feel guilty of being unable to be wealthy as God seems to decree. There are various levels of talents, and using scripture to push people into unreachable hopes and targets of wealth through giving is twisting scripture artfully and to God's great distress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted February 18, 2009 Report Share Posted February 18, 2009 I think that people are susceptible to distorted Bible teaching about financial gain because that is what they want to hear. The four examples you give are, as you say, distorted. I have not heard preaching on any of them in this context. 'If we believe the promises of God we will prosper' I have heard, - but does the Bible say 'financially'? I have often heard and used the phrase that we can't outgive God, but I don't think we are supposed to give in order to get more back. Doesn't the Bible also say, 'When you tithe', not 'If you tithe'? Surely we are not given a choise here; those who are obedient to God do tithe. Everything belongs to God and we are stewards of what he entrusts to us, for "God owns the cattle on a thousand hills". When He sees us handling His affairs properly, He might increase what He entrusts to us. A bit like the story of the 5, 3 and 1 talents given to the servants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ob75 Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Paul says "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." the popular misinterpretation is ''money is the root of all evil." Big difference..money is not the root of evil....money is necessay to live.. But the LOVE of money means we are putting money on the throne not Jesus thus giving money power over our lives which DOES lead to temptations.. so many..you can all come up with some..worry, insecurity, greed, selfishness, envy.. all these evils take your eyes off of the Lord and place them on wordly gain or lack of which is exactly what Paul is instructing Timothy not to do!! If our eyes are fixed on what money can do for us how can this produce a harvest of fruit from the spirit?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delivered Posted February 20, 2009 Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? It is because of their ignorance, and naivete that they are susceptible to false teaching.' I don't think all people who fall prey for this distorted bible teaching, are all bad, greedy, people. Why do people come into the church? But to hear the teachings of God, and when they are taught teachings that hold some truth, in their ignorance they are easy prey to believe. Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? There have been many, but I heard a man on TV say,"God told him this was the year of 7" and he used God's great word to explain why we are to give $70.00 - It made me sick to hear such distortion, with the main reason being, there are lost people out there, who are in need spiritually, financially, family problems, who want to find God, and when they decide to put their trust in the message given, are lead astray. I do not want to be in the shoes of that man who gave the distorted Gospel! How do they differ from the truth? The truth is, God does like to bless His people, the truth is, He will bless abudantly, the truth is, He will bless financially, the truth is, He will bless spiritually; But, what is the reason we are giving, is it to get, is it all about me, OR is it all about God, is it all about others finding life eternal?? That is the true blessing. For too long I was one of those taken in, thinking I was following what the word teaches, until one day, I got so sick of it all, it was all about me, when all along, my heart was telling me, NO, it is all about Him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McCollum Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? Probably they were hoping that their debates on religion would gain them a following and financial support. "Wealth is God's blessing on the godly. If we tithe, we will get more money because we can't out give Gog. Motives having the right hearts towards money. God blesses us according to our needs and our needs is not always money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s8nfighter Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? I have been warning people for years about the false teachings of the so called ministers on T.V.. People are susceptible to the lies proclaimed by them because of two reasons. The first reason is that only in desperate times do people seek a savior. The second is because of lack of study do they not know the true Son of God. One Tela-liar told people that they had to send in double money to get double blessings from God. This double money was in offering of atonement for sins. Wow, a divorced thief telling people that they had to send in an atonement for sins. She either does not know that Christ's death on the cross was the lasting atonement for sins or was hoping that the viewers don't read their bibles. I have written to some of them and asked them to quit telling lies, that didn't work so I wrote to my congressman and now at least they are being investagated. Here is the biggest lie that is often told. Luke 6: 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." The liars will use this verse and it is a good verse to live by. But the truth is that it is all about judging one another and forgiving one another, it is not about sending some thief a hundred dollars in hopes of getting rich. Darrell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squirt1 Posted February 22, 2009 Report Share Posted February 22, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth?the only thing I can think of is when a church or ministry says that if you donate to them you will be blessed financially. People are susceptible especially durning the time we are going thru. It is no different than gambling. God did not say he would bless us finacially always, but in other ways maybe our health and maybe just a plain old blessing in itself. We always expect to get something in return as in posessions but most of the time it is spiritual. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
servant for Christ Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? The false teaching has distorted God's word so that it will sound good to people's ears, and they can gainfrom it. People believe you can get to heaven by what you own. A distortion is that the more wealth you get, the higher a spirituality you can get. It all leads down to greed. They differ from the truth because earthly riches will not get you into heaven. The Lord says to look to him for our needs to be met. If we have wealth, God wants us to share that wealth with the poor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sahala p.s. Posted February 23, 2009 Report Share Posted February 23, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? People are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain because there is some truth in its teachings The distortions that I may have heard are almost the same as I get from this lesson. 2 issues that I always hear, that is, poverty is a sin and bondage, wealth is God Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smurf1948 Posted February 27, 2009 Report Share Posted February 27, 2009 Q1. (1 Timothy 6:5) Why do you think people are so susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain? Admitting that there is some truth in popular teachings in our time, what are the distortions that you may have heard? How do they differ from the truth? Greed,I think people want something for nothing. The false teachers have away to make it sound biblical. These tv evanglist who claim if you send money for prayer cloths.manna bread,etc. you get a wind fall of thousands of dollars in return. That Gods only concerned about making you wealthy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin D Posted March 1, 2009 Report Share Posted March 1, 2009 People are susceptible to distorted teaching concerning financial gain because so much of society is driven by money and material things. Many people seem to think that money is the answer to all their problems and that money will make them happy. One scripture I have heard distorted is about receiving double. These verses given to not refer to financial gain or financial prosperity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda bass Posted March 14, 2009 Report Share Posted March 14, 2009 I believe people are susceptible to distorted Bible teaching concerning financial gain because basically we are a materialistic society. If people can justify the pursuit of money and riches by backing it with scripture that has been misinterpreted, so much the better. One of the distortions I have heard concerning the Bible and finances is the so called 'seed faith' theory. This teaches in order to be blessed financially, one needs to be willing to give a portion of their own money to the ministry of some televangelist. These teachings differ from the truth because they are based on greed and self-centeredness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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