For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you, it is the gift of God
(Ephesians 2:8)
July 17, 2008
Rich in Faith
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (James 2:5 KJV).
I thought this verse fit perfectly with the last post I just published. It is an important verse that has been coming to my mind quite often lately. What thinkest thou? :)
biblegateway.com has some good commentary on James. I found a good point there under James 2:5, that "wealth leads one to become poor in faith because it gives one a false sense of security."
Not that that is true in EVERY case, but in a lot of cases. So when we have less, we are more dependent on God, and our faith grows.
Thank you for that Stephanie. I'm reading a couple of those commentaries right now, since I read your comment. Thanks. As the poor huckster used to say, "I'm nothing at all, but Jesus Christ is my all in all." :D
I was thinking and decided to add a sort of "side note":
I see how some could think there is spiritual value in being poor and not rich. I've met people who believe this way. I was tempted to believe like that in the past! But, the Bible does not say that, it is simply showing how those who are poor are blessed with riches of faith. They do not somehow merit more favor, but they do receive an abundance of wealth when they find more satisfaction in Jesus instead of the things of this world.
I thought I should that. As in the case of the poor huckster, he had joy because he found his all in all in Christ Jesus our glorious Lord.
Thanks for commenting. To answer your question, I could point you to my profile page, but I am going to only give you this reason for now: because I like the word "Hearken."
What do you think of the verse? (You can use modern English or 17th cent. English if you'd like).
Another side Note: God chooses for the poor to be rich in faith for a reason that relates to Him. Know what it may be?
"Oh," said Jack, "I never lose anything, for in the first place 'I'm a poor sinner, and nothing at all' - and no one can rob me if I am nothing at all - and in the second place, 'Jesus Christ is my all in all,' - and who can rob Him? He is in heaven; I never get richer or poorer, for I am always nothing, but I always have everything."
CJ, Thanks so much for reading that poor huckster post. I love that passage you quoted. That is one of my favorite parts as well. This little poor huckster tract has been such a blessing to me, and I know to many others as well. I'm glad I could share it here.
I just hit me when I read this verse that the "poor" in this verse could also mean "poor is spirit", and not only poor in wealth... if that makes sense. I have noticed personally that when I am poor in spirit - truly desperate for Jesus - that God teaches me and blesses me to be rich in faith. Thanks for sharing this verse and the awesome reminder. God bless. Kaysie
Kaysie, Thanks so much for that insightful comment. I definitely agree with you. I believe this verse can apply to the poor in spirit, because not all who are poor are poor in spirit.
In America, we are under extreme pressure to try to do all we can to make enough money to support a large home with a swimming pool, a couple of SUV's, lot's of high tech entertainment, a boat for hot summer weekends, expensive vacations, and whatever other interests we can find to waste time. In this case, we need to be reminded that it is those who have nothing that God has chosen to be rich in faith. Therefore, us who are rich in worldly stuff can rejoice in the abundance of faith God gives to the poor. And so James says, "Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a wild flower he will pass away." (James 1:9-10).
13 comments:
biblegateway.com has some good commentary on James. I found a good point there under James 2:5, that "wealth leads one to become poor in faith because it gives one a false sense of security."
Not that that is true in EVERY case, but in a lot of cases.
So when we have less, we are more dependent on God, and our faith grows.
Thank you for that Stephanie. I'm reading a couple of those commentaries right now, since I read your comment. Thanks. As the poor huckster used to say, "I'm nothing at all, but Jesus Christ is my all in all." :D
I was thinking and decided to add a sort of "side note":
I see how some could think there is spiritual value in being poor and not rich. I've met people who believe this way. I was tempted to believe like that in the past! But, the Bible does not say that, it is simply showing how those who are poor are blessed with riches of faith. They do not somehow merit more favor, but they do receive an abundance of wealth when they find more satisfaction in Jesus instead of the things of this world.
I thought I should that. As in the case of the poor huckster, he had joy because he found his all in all in Christ Jesus our glorious Lord.
Josh,
Thanks for commenting. To answer your question, I could point you to my profile page, but I am going to only give you this reason for now: because I like the word "Hearken."
What do you think of the verse? (You can use modern English or 17th cent. English if you'd like).
Another side Note: God chooses for the poor to be rich in faith for a reason that relates to Him. Know what it may be?
Maybe it has something to do with God being glorified when His power is perfected through our weakness? (2 Cor 12)
Hey Stephanie,
I think you're on to something.
I just read your post "The Poor Huckster." And yes, James 2:5 does go well with it.
Thanks for sharing!
-cj
Also, I love this part of your last post,
"Oh," said Jack, "I never lose anything, for in the first place 'I'm a poor sinner, and nothing at all' - and no one can rob me if I am nothing at all - and in the second place, 'Jesus Christ is my all in all,' - and who can rob Him? He is in heaven; I never get richer or poorer, for I am always nothing, but I always have everything."
CJ,
Thanks so much for reading that poor huckster post. I love that passage you quoted. That is one of my favorite parts as well. This little poor huckster tract has been such a blessing to me, and I know to many others as well. I'm glad I could share it here.
I just hit me when I read this verse that the "poor" in this verse could also mean "poor is spirit", and not only poor in wealth... if that makes sense.
I have noticed personally that when I am poor in spirit - truly desperate for Jesus - that God teaches me and blesses me to be rich in faith.
Thanks for sharing this verse and the awesome reminder.
God bless.
Kaysie
Kaysie,
Thanks so much for that insightful comment. I definitely agree with you. I believe this verse can apply to the poor in spirit, because not all who are poor are poor in spirit.
In America, we are under extreme pressure to try to do all we can to make enough money to support a large home with a swimming pool, a couple of SUV's, lot's of high tech entertainment, a boat for hot summer weekends, expensive vacations, and whatever other interests we can find to waste time. In this case, we need to be reminded that it is those who have nothing that God has chosen to be rich in faith. Therefore, us who are rich in worldly stuff can rejoice in the abundance of faith God gives to the poor. And so James says, "Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a wild flower he will pass away." (James 1:9-10).
Amen. :)
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