Luke 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

Introductory Thoughts

The Bible mentions true riches thus indicating the existence of false riches. Much of what the world considers riches simply serves as a veil for true poverty. While on earth, the Lord appeared to be the poorest of the poor (Matthew 8:20), all the while being the One who owned all things. The believers at Smyrna appeared to be poor, but the Lord unflinchingly stated that they were in fact rich (Revelation 2:8-9). The opposite was said of those in Laodicea. Although they claimed to be rich, the Bible states the reality: they were poor (Revelation 3:14-17). This truth is confirmed in Proverbs 13:7 when the Bible says, “There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.”

Devotional Thoughts

• (For children): The greatest treasure you can possess is eternal life (John 3:16; Colossians 1:27). Paul spoke to Felix about these true riches, yet Felix chose the false riches (Acts 24:24-26). The Bible points out that Moses understood the true riches (Hebrews 11:26).
• (For everyone): Read 2 Corinthians 8:9. What did the Lord give up to come to this earth? What have you gained in Him since calling upon Him as Saviour?
• According to the Bible, why are carnal riches considered false riches? Why are spiritual riches the only true riches? Why should we view them as superior?

Prayer Thoughts

• Thank the Lord for the riches you have in His Son.
• Ask God to show you the superiority of true riches.

SONG: HE GIVETH MORE GRACE