God’s original purpose was to extend His heavenly kingdom to Earth. He designed us in His image, granting us dominion and rulership to establish a world mirroring His kingdom in heaven (Genesis 1:26). As children of God, He provides us with everything we need to fulfill this purpose successfully (2 Corinthians 9:8). As His chosen people, it delights Him pleasure to give us the the resources of His kingdom (Luke 12:32)—even the financial resources. In fact, one of the benefits of being in God’s kingdom is having access to favor, honor, money, wealth and prosperity through His faithful promises. 

Deuteronomy 28:11-12 (ESV): “And the LORD will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the LORD swore to your fathers to give you. The LORD will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Psalm 112:1-3 (ESV): “Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.”

We find assurance in God’s promises of wealth because His word is eternal and everlasting. Isaiah 55:11 emphasizes the word that proceeds from His mouth does not return empty; it always accomplishes His desires and fulfills all of His purposes.  

Despite the truth of God’s promises, why do we frequently witness servants of God struggling financially? Why, in our personal lives, do we encounter persistent unmet needs day after day? Why do we experience constant financial hopelessness if God, the ultimate provider, gift giver and a good father (Matthew 7:11), promises to meet all of our needs exceedingly and abundantly (Ephesians 3:20)? The disconnect often lies, not in God’s willingness to provide, but in our understanding and application of biblical principles regarding money and wealth. 

Understanding Wealth

Money is a vital resource that helps us meet basic needs and pursue various endeavors. However, from a biblical perspective, wealth is more than just money; it includes resources that contribute to a prosperous and fulfilling life, such as financial assets, possessions, and overall economic well-being. Wealth, in this sense, is a tool for achieving God’s purposes in our lives and those around us.

Wealth also includes intangible and spiritual assets, such as meaningful relationships, spiritual treasures, and actively participating in God’s blessings. The Bible teaches us to view wealth not as an end but as a means to align with God’s will, spread His love, and positively impact others.

We Are Managers of God’s Wealth

God, who has sovereignty of all things, is the owner of all wealth. As His stewards, He gives us the ability to obtain and manage wealth effectively—reflecting the character of a good father who delights in providing for us as His children. 

Haggai 2:8 (ESV): “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts.”

Deuteronomy 8:18 (ESV): “You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”

Proverbs 10:22 (ESV): “The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”

Ecclesiastes 5:19 (ESV): “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.”

1 Chronicles 29:12 (ESV): “Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.”

Proverbs 8:18 (ESV): “Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.”

Four Reasons Why God Gives Us Access To Wealth

The financial blessings God gives us are not just for personal enjoyment but are designed to achieve His purpose for our lives. In doing so, we become and remain equipped to meet the needs of others, creating a practice of provision, the way God provides for us.

Wealth is a reflection of God’s divine nature and greatness. In understanding His character, we recognize that He desires to bless us not only for our sake, but ultimately for the sake of His holy name (Ezekiel 36:22-23). As recipients of His blessings, we are entrusted with the responsibility of managing wealth in a way that glorifies His name, reflects His character, and magnifies His love to the world.

1. Carrying Out God’s Purpose For Our Lives

Setting our focus on God and His plans for our lives helps us remember that if He purposed us to do something, He will provide the finances to bring it to life. We can find comfort in His commitment to provide the necessary resources to ensure we achieve what He has called us to do. Philippians 4:19 affirms, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” This assurance echoes Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing,” emphasizing that in our pursuit of God’s purposes, we lack no good thing.

We can trust His promise in 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” This highlights the link between God’s abundant blessings and our ability to fulfill the works He prepared for us to do.

When doubts about financial sufficiency creep in, we must remember that God places high value on us, and His provision is limitless. Matthew 6:26 reminds us of this: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our understanding but to acknowledge Him in all our ways, promising that He will direct our paths. This affirms God’s guidance and ultimate provision in every area of our lives. Matthew 6:33  underscores this, urging us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, promising that all these things, including our material necessities, will be given to us as well.

2. Honoring God with Generosity

As stewards over His material possessions, we honor God with our money by engaging in acts of generosity and giving. In return, God promises prosperity, goodness, blessings, rewards, and unfailing provision. Proverbs 3:9-10 encourages us to “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” This echoes the principle that generosity yields prosperity, as Proverbs 11:25 states, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Righteousness is associated with generosity (Psalm 37:21), while Psalm 112:5 reminds us that goodness accompanies those who lend freely. Proverbs 19:17 reveals the divine promise that those who show kindness to the poor are lending to the LORD and will receive a heavenly reward. Proverbs 28:27 reinforces this truth, proclaiming, “Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 calls us to give with a cheerful heart, emphasizing the transformative power of joyful generosity. Malachi 3:10, the only place in the Bible where God says to test him, is an invitation to experience God’s faithfulness through tithing—leading to an overflow of blessings that surpasses our capacity to contain them.

3. Providing for Ourselves and Our Families

Wealth serves a crucial role in providing for both our own needs and the needs of our families. The Bible emphasizes the responsibility of using financial resources to ensure the well-being of our households (1 Timothy 5:8). Wealth is a means to leave a lasting and positive legacy for future generations, securing the prosperity of our families and communities. Proverbs 13:22 affirms the value of a righteous person leaving an inheritance for their children’s children, emphasizing the impact of financial stewardship. In His abundance, God will meet all our needs, highlighting the divine provision that aligns with the principles of financial responsibility and caring for one’s family. Wealth should be approached not only as a means of personal provision but as a channel for blessing and securing the future of those connected to us.

4. Freedom

Wealth empowers us to serve, give, and impact the world in alignment with God’s will, without restriction. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 states “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” Financial resources allow us the capacity to give with joy and gratitude, creating a spirit of generosity. 

We must remember that wealth is a tool for freedom, rather than a master that enslaves us. 1 Timothy 6:10 cautions “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” By acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all wealth, we find freedom to fulfill our purpose, unburdened by financial anxieties. 

Trust God Not Wealth

Accessing wealth from a biblical perspective requires a transformative mindset that aligns with God’s purposes. Money becomes a detrimental resource when we make it into an idol. God must always be first in our hearts, and setting our hearts on Him ensures that wealth serves its purpose without leading to dissatisfaction or harm. Ecclesiastes 5:10-15 warns about the dangers of loving money, emphasizing that the pursuit of wealth for its own sake is ultimately meaningless. The sleep of a content worker is contrasted with the restlessness of the rich, highlighting that it is pointless to accumulate wealth without a higher purpose. This echoes 1 Timothy 6:17-19, which advises the rich not to put their hope in uncertain wealth but to find hope in God, who generously provides for our enjoyment.

Humility is rooted in the fear of the Lord, and it leads to true riches, honor, and life (Proverbs 22:4). We are encouraged to have a balanced approach to wealth—one where humility and deep respect for God guide our path.

By understanding wealth through a biblical lens, living on God’s promises, and embracing the reasons God grants us access to wealth, we can effectively navigate the journey to financial abundance in the kingdom.