A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

170

A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

b. Live with godliness with contentment, the source of true gain, 1 Tim. 6.6-7 – Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, [7] for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

c. Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all necessary material possessions will be given as a by-product, Matt. 6.33.

d. Keep free from the love of money and cultivate gratitude, Heb. 13.5-6 – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” [6] So we can confidently say,"The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"

3. Central principles

a. “Private property,” in some sense, is an artificial notion, for God is the source of all life and goodness: the earth is the Lord’s. (1) Deut. 10.14 – Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.

(2) Ps. 24.1 – The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.

(3) Exod. 19.5 – Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine.