Stewardship: Motives of the Heart

God or Mammon?

Lesson #3 for January 20, 2018

Scriptures: Psalm 33:6-9; 50:10; Matthew 19:16-22; 1 Peter 1:18; Hebrews 2:14-15; Exodus 9:14; Philippians 2:9-11[1] .

1.    In the Scriptures God made it very clear that we cannot serve Him and money at the same time. (For example, see Luke 12:20-21[2].) What does it mean to “serve mammon”? We all have to earn a living and provide for ourselves and our families. Does a poor family which spends all of its time trying to survive in a country where many people are starving to death qualify as “serving mammon”? We need food, clothing, and housing. Mammon means wealth.

2.    If we are focused on God and all He has done for us and wants to do in us, does that make it easier to place a proper value on money?

3.    What was God’s first reason for claiming ownership of us? He is our Creator. Read Genesis 1:1; Psalm 33:6-9; Isaiah 45:11-12; Jeremiah 51:15; John 1:3[3]. Everything in the universe was created by Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

It was Christ that spread the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth.

It was His hand that hung the worlds in space, and fashioned the flowers of the field. “His strength setteth fast the mountains.” “The sea is His, and He made it.” Psalm 65:6; 95:5. It was He that filled the earth with beauty, and the air with song. And upon all things in earth, and air, and sky, He wrote the message of the Father’s love.—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages* 20.1.

4.    Contrary to some religions, Christianity does not teach that material things are basically and inherently evil. The Bible teaches that material things are to be used for the glory of God.

5.    Read Deuteronomy 26:10-13[4]. These verses suggest that we should be thankful to the Lord for everything He has given us and that we should share the good things we have with the Levites (our pastors), foreigners, widows, and orphans. This second tithe was to be set apart for those individuals. The second tithe was to be used mainly for the support of the poor. The first tithe was, of course, for the support of the temple and the Levites.

6.    But, earlier, God had given another set of directions which are quite interesting. Read Deuteronomy 14:22-29[5]. Once again, they were advised to set aside a tithe; this time they were to use the tithe to feed themselves and their families and to share with the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows. But, they were specifically told that they were to take the produce or animals-or, if it was some distance from home to Jerusalem, they were to sell the produce and carry the money so that when they got to Jerusalem, they could buy beef, lamb, wine, or beer-to celebrate in the presence of the Lord. But, they were not to neglect the Levites, the foreigners, the orphans, or the widows. How should we interpret those directions in our day? If you are having a beer party, should you invite the pastor? We are not asked to travel some distance to a place of worship. Instead of giving a second tithe to support the poor and needy, we pay taxes to the government and expect them to care for the poor. Is that a satisfactory solution? God was more concerned about us caring for the poor and worshiping Him as we should than about what we eat or drink. Compare Proverbs 31:4-7[6].

7.    Does the fact that Jesus as Creator made everything place on Him the responsibility of knowing what is best for what He has made?

8.    Various aid organizations have tried to evaluate the situation in our world as far as food is concerned. While some parts of the world are starving, other parts have more food than they need. The experts who have tried to assess the situation believe that if food were distributed equally-or at least fairly-there would be enough for everyone to eat. For those of us who live in countries with plenty, do we have an individual responsibility to help those who are starving? Did your mother tell you to eat your food because children were starving in China and India?

9.    Jesus was unique in human history. He is called the Son of God and at the same time a/the Son of Man. We know, in fact, that He has always existed. There was never a time when the divine Christ was born. A second mystery involving Jesus is the fact that He was able to come to our earth and live as the human Jesus while having available to Him at any time the possibility of exercising His divine power. However, He did not exercise that divine power until resurrection Sunday when He arose from the grave, using His own power. (See John 10:18[7]; Desire of Ages 785.2.)[8]

Here are two mysteries for the price of one-the plurality of persons within the unity of God, and the union of Godhead and manhood in the person of Jesus. . . . Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is this truth of the Incarnation.—J. I. Packer, Knowing God (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1973), p. 53.—[as quoted in Sabbath School Bible Study Guide* for Monday, January 15.]

10.    Jesus as God (Colossians 1:15-20[9]) came down to this world to show us the true picture of God. Satan has done everything he possibly can to misrepresent God; in our day, he is doing everything he possibly can to prevent us from taking the time and effort to learn the truth about God and the truth about the life and death of Jesus. Instead, he offers any kind of ploy he can think of to distract our attention. One of his most successful efforts has been to get human beings to focus on money and what money can do for them. In what way does the love of material things depersonalize our understanding of God?

11.    Read Matthew 19:16-22[10]. Try to imagine yourself in the position of that rich young ruler. Remember that the Jews-like many religious people today-believed that being rich was a proof that he was a good person and God was, therefore, blessing him. So, what Jesus said to the rich young ruler was: “Give up all that the world regards as God’s blessings; and then, as a despised poor man who apparently is not blessed by God, come and follow Me!”

12.    Despite the fact that this young man had virtually everything the world had to offer, he was not satisfied. Why not? What was it that he still felt was lacking? Did he have a “Godshaped hole” in his heart?

13.    How can we make sure that we have a right relationship to the things of this world whether we are rich or poor? Is it okay to “store up money” in a retirement account to provide for yourself and/or your family in your old age?

14.    When Adam and Eve sinned, they placed themselves and all of humanity as debtors to God with a debt that we can never repay.

God’s love for us set in motion the plan of redemption. Jesus became a “surety” for us (Heb. 7:22). It is Christ’s identity as the Redeemer that reveals the most important transaction ever made. Only the sacrifice of His life could accomplish the required payment of divine justice. Jesus paid the debt of sin that we owed as justice and mercy embraced at the cross.

The universe never had seen or witnessed the display of such wealth as was used in the payment for the redemption of humankind (Eph. 5:2).—Ibid.* for Tuesday, January 16.

15.    If Jesus “paid the debt,” to whom was it paid? To the Father to assuage His wrath? To the Devil to buy us back? What do we mean when we say that Jesus “paid the debt”? If a soldier dies on the battlefield, we sometimes say, “He paid the ultimate price.”

By pouring the whole treasury of heaven into this world, by giving us in Christ all heaven, God has purchased the will, the affections, the mind, the soul, of every human being.—Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons* 326.1; FLB*101.6; AG* 173.2; HP* 198.3; OHC* 104.3.

16.    Does the fact that God has purchased our wills mean that we no longer have any choice?

17.    Christ’s death has rescued us from a multitude of problems. Read Colossians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Peter 1:18; Hebrews 2:14-15; Galatians 3:13; Revelation 1:5[11]. These verses tell us that Christ has saved us from the power of darkness, God’s anger, the worthless manner of lives that we have been living, an overwhelming fear of death that makes us slaves, the curse that is upon us for breaking the law, and our sins.

18.    Jesus came and lived and died “to deal with sin” (Romans 8:3[12]) and to destroy the Devil. (Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8[13]) How did Jesus destroy the Devil? By telling the truth? And demonstrating it in His life?

19.    Read John 19:30[14]. While Jesus was, no doubt, not speaking Greek but Aramaic in those final moments of His life on this earth, the Greek word tetelestai meaning “it is finished” has been called the most important word ever spoken. Do you agree with that assessment? What did Jesus think was finished when He made that statement? In His prayer earlier as recorded in John 17, He suggested that He had correctly represented the Father. Was that His mission to this world?

20.    Why is it that the life and especially the death of Jesus and how He died destroy the Devil and deal with sin and make salvation possible for the entire world?

21.    It has often been said that the death of Christ “satisfied justice.” What does it mean to say that “justice is satisfied”? Is justice a code word for God’s wrath or anger? What should be our response?

22.    Many Christians and pastors have looked through Scripture to find a humble statement representing what our response should be. It is very interesting that our Bible Study Guide chose Job 42:5-6.

Job 42:5-6: 5 In the past I knew only what others had told me, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. 6So I am ashamed of all I have said and repent in dust and ashes.—American Bible Society. (1992). The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation* (2nd ed., Job 42:5-6). New York: American Bible Society.

23.    When Job uttered those words, what was God’s immediate response?

Job 42:7-8: 7 After the LORD had finished speaking to Job, he said to Eliphaz, “I am angry with you and your two friends, because you did not speak the truth about me, as my servant Job did. 8Now take seven bulls and seven rams to Job and offer them as a sacrifice for yourselves. Job will pray for you, and I will answer his prayer and not disgrace you as you deserve. You did not speak the truth about me as he did.”—Ibid.* (Job 42:7-8).

24.    Job said that he was ashamed of his words; but, God was proud of Job’s words because they represented the truth about God. Who was right?

25.    Do these verses suggest that we could actually live lives and speak words that would be an honor to God’s kingdom? Could we, like Job, say of God “what is right”?

26.    Read Exodus 9:14[15]. In this passage God was speaking very strong warning words to Pharaoh. We know what the results were. But, what did He mean when He said: “There is none like me in all the earth”? (Exodus 9:14, NKJV*)

27.    In the simplest terms, it means that there are no other gods. (See Exodus 8:10; Deuteronomy 4:39; 32:39; 1 Kings 8:60; Isaiah 42:8; 43:10; 44:6; 45:5-6,18,21; Daniel 3:29; Micah 7:18-20; and Mark 12:32[16].)

It is impossible for the finite minds of men to fully comprehend the character or the works of the Infinite One. To the keenest intellect, to the most powerful and highly educated mind, that holy Being must ever remain clothed in mystery.—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church,* vol. 5, 698.2-699.0.

28.    It should be immediately obvious to every Christian who takes the Bible seriously that there is no one else equal to God. For an example, see Isaiah 40-55.

29.    God is also separate and distinct from all that He has created. Read 1 Samuel 2:2; Psalm 86:8; Isaiah 55:8-9; Jeremiah 10:10; Titus 1:2.[17] These verses make it clear that there is no one else like our God; He is high above us-as high as the heavens are above the earth. And this wonderful God promises us life; in fact, He did so before the beginning of time.

30.    Considering the fact that God created the entire universe, and thus, everything in it belongs to Him, how could human beings choose to worship anything else? If God were no different from an ordinary human being, He would laugh at our foolishness. But, God loves us so much that He is jealous about us. He does not want anything to hurt us. While everything in the universe belongs to Him-not only we ourselves but also all our possessions-God loves it when we choose to use them properly for His name’s sake.

31.    God not only owns everything (Job 38:4-11[18]) but also we are dependent upon Him for every single heartbeat and every breath. (Acts 17:25,28[19]; Christian Education 195.1; Education 130.5; The Faith I Live By 28.1-2; Patriarchs and Prophets 115.1; and especially Review and Herald,* December 20, 1890, par. 15: “Every pulsation of the heart is a rebound from the touch of the finger of God.”)

32.    Read Deuteronomy 10:14; Psalm 50:10; 104:16; Ezekiel 18:4; Haggai 2:8; and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20[20]. These verses make it very clear not only that we belong to God but also that everything in the universe belongs to Him.

33.    Ellen White agreed:

All things belong to God. Men may ignore His claims. While He bountifully bestows His blessings upon them, they may use His gifts for their own selfish gratification; but they will be called to give an account for their stewardship.—Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church,* vol. 9, 246.2.

34.    We will always be stewards or tenets of what belongs to God. We can never create something that did not come from God. We cannot own anything that did not come from God. But, God will not force His will upon us. He refuses to do that.

35.    Think what it means that, in reality, you do not own any of the things that you “possess” but that they belong to God. What should that tell you about how you should relate to the things in your possession? If God truly owns everything, how should that affect our spending habits?

36.    Think of the environment in which God placed Adam and Eve at the beginning.

Adam and Eve were given the garden of Eden to care for. They were “to dress it and to keep it.” They were happy in their work. Mind, heart, and will acted in perfect harmony. In their labor they found no weariness, no toil.

Their hours were filled with useful work and communion with each other.

Their occupation was pleasant. God and Christ visited them and talked with them. They were given perfect freedom.... God was the owner of their Eden home. They held it under Him.—Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases,* vol. 10, 327.1.

37.    When we recognize that God created everything and that everything thus belongs to Him, how should that affect our relationship to our environment?

38.    What does it mean to say that God is a “jealous God”? God feels about us just as loving parents feel about their children, only many times more because His love is so much deeper and broader.

39.    Could we develop a simple rule for deciding if some particular use of something that God has loaned to us is a proper use of that thing or an abuse of that thing? See 1 Corinthians 10:31.

40.    In light of what we have studied in this lesson, why does God seem to provide so much more generously to some than to others? Is He responsible for all the famines and droughts that occur? Do we recognize Christ as our Creator, Redeemer, and the Owner of everything? He became a Human Being so He could reach out to human beings. Most of all, He wants to be our Friend. (John 15:15)[21]

41.    In light of all this, what should our relationship to Him be? Could we really be friends of our Creator? Shouldn’t we be spending more time in contemplation of His life and His death in order to get to know Him better?

42.    How should we relate to people who do not believe in creation? Do we have to convince them of the truth about Who created our world before we can speak about God to them? If there were no Creator, what worship options would people have?

43.    To worship means that we hold something or Someone as a value to us in our lives-we consider that Person or that thing to be “of worth.” Every human being wants to be a part of, or relate to, things that are of worth.

44.    In that light, would you agree that human beings were created for worship? Unfortunately, many in our world are trying to divide up their worship. They say they want to worship God; but, they also want to worship mammon. Ultimately, that is not possible.

Many have accumulated possessions, thinking that they themselves are the masters, only to find that maintaining, repairing, and storing them requires so much time that they are the servants! Our property and wealth, however, are wonderful things when we recognize them for what they are: material blessings bestowed by a loving Creator, given in order that we might distribute His blessings to others.—Adult Teachers Sabbath School Bible Study Guide* 40.

45.    So, what can money buy? Can any amount of money supply the emotional needs for love, belonging, purpose, hope, adventure, satisfaction, and wholeness that humans so much long for?

46.    Read Matthew 6:31-34; Matthew 7:7-11[22]. God has promised to give us whatever we need. If our requests are reasonable, He will respond at the best possible time. In fact, John 3:16 tells us that He loved us so much that He gave all of heaven in the form of His Son to die for us so that we can have eternal life. What more could we ask?

47.    In this lesson we have sought to consider the two sides of the debate over God versus mammon. Do you feel that you have a clear understanding of both sides? Is there any question in your mind about whether or not God is the Creator of the entire universe?

48.    In Paul’s day, there was an early stage of development of an idea called gnosticism. The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary describes gnosticism as:

a generic term for a variety of religious movements of the first centuries of the Christian era. Although the theology, ritual practice, and ethics of these groups differed considerably, all purported to offer salvation from the oppressive bonds of material existence through gnosis, or “knowledge.” —Paul Achtemeier, ed. (italics supplied), The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (New York: HarperSanFrancisco, 1996), p. 380.—[as quoted in Ibid.* 41.]

49.    Gnosticism was a direct attack against some of the most fundamental beliefs of Christianity. Gnostics did not believe that Christ could be a human being if He was God. Any person with a physical body could not be sinless because anything physical was evil. He could not live in the uterus or even be born to a physical woman; therefore, Mary herself would have to have been more than human.

50.    In summary, we need to remember that inherently our world was created as good. See Genesis 1. Unfortunately, as human beings we have corrupted it through our sins. Having sold ourselves into the hands of the Devil, we are in a hopeless condition unless God does something to rescue us.

51.    Read 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Peter 1:18; Hebrews 2:14-15; Galatians 3:13[23]. As Christians we believe that Jesus did indeed truly become fully human in addition to being fully divine. There is no distinction in God’s mind and there should not be in ours between that which is spiritual and, therefore, good and that which is physical.

52.    So, do we find ways to worship God every day and not just on Sabbath? Do our decisions reflect the fact that we are not our own but we have been bought with a price? (1 Corinthians 6:19-20[24])

53.    In our dealing with our environment, do we recognize that God is owner of all? Do we have a tendency to love the gift more than the Giver? Do we recognize that while we cannot serve God and mammon, we can use mammon to serve God? God has given us not only material possessions to use for His honor but also talents which should be used for His glory. How can we multiply the talents that God has given us?

© 2017, Kenneth Hart, MD, MA, MPH. Permission is hereby granted for any noncommercial use of these materials. Free distribution of all or of a portion of this material such as to a Bible study class is encouraged. *Electronic version.    Info@theox.org

1-(Psa 33:6 ESV+) By R16the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by R17the breath of his mouth all R18their host.

(Psa 33:7 ESV+) He gathers the waters of the sea as R19a heap; he R20puts the deeps in storehouses.

(Psa 33:8 ESV+) Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!

(Psa 33:9 ESV+) For R21he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

(Psa 50:10 ESV+) For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.

(Mat 19:16 ESV+) R9And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to R10have R11eternal life?”

(Mat 19:17 ESV+) And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. R12If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”

(Mat 19:18 ESV+) He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, R13“You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,

(Mat 19:19 ESV+) Honor your father and mother, and, R14You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

(Mat 19:20 ESV+) The young man said to him, R15“All these I have kept. What do I still lack?”

(Mat 19:21 ESV+) Jesus said to him, “If you would be R16perfect, go, R17sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have R18treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

(Mat 19:22 ESV+) R19When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

(1Pe 1:18 ESV+) knowing that you R18were ransomed from R19the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

(Heb 2:14 ESV+) Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise R8partook of the same things, that R9through death he might R10destroy R11the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

(Heb 2:15 ESV+) and deliver all those who R12through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

(Exo 9:14 ESV+) For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself,N1 and on your servants and your people, so R1that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth.

(Php 2:9 ESV+) R24Therefore R25God has R26highly exalted him and bestowed on him R1the name that is above every name,

(Php 2:10 ESV+) so that at the name of Jesus R2every knee should bow, R3in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

2-(Luk 12:20 ESV+) But God said to him, R2‘Fool! R26This night R3your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, R4whose will they be?’

(Luk 12:21 ESV+) So is the one R5who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

3-(Gen 1:1 ESV+) R0 In the R1beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

(Psa 33:6 ESV+) By R16the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by R17the breath of his mouth all R18their host.

(Psa 33:7 ESV+) He gathers the waters of the sea as R19a heap; he R20puts the deeps in storehouses.

(Psa 33:8 ESV+) Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!

(Psa 33:9 ESV+) For R21he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

(Isa 45:11 ESV+) Thus says R6the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and the one who formed him: R7“Ask me of things to come; will you command me R8concerning my children and R9the work of my hands?N1

(Isa 45:12 ESV+) R10I made the earth and created man on it; it was my hands R11that stretched out the heavens, and R12I commanded all their host.

(Jer 51:15 ESV+) R20“It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.

(Joh 1:3 ESV+) R5All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4-(Deu 26:10 ESV+) And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, O LORD, have given me.’ And you shall set it down before the LORD your God and worship before the LORD your God.

(Deu 26:11 ESV+) And R7you shall rejoice in all the good that the LORD your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you.

(Deu 26:12 ESV+) “When you have finished paying all R8the tithe of your produce in the third year, which is R9the year of tithing, giving it to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your towns and be filled,

(Deu 26:13 ESV+) then you shall say before the LORD your God, ‘I have removed the sacred portion out of my house, and moreover, I have given it to the Levite, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all your commandment that you have commanded me. I have not transgressed any of your commandments, R10nor have I forgotten them.

5-(Deu 14:22 ESV+) R1“You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year.

(Deu 14:23 ESV+) And before the LORD your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, R2you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, R3and the firstborn of your herd and flock, R4that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.

(Deu 14:24 ESV+) And if the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, when the LORD your God blesses you, because R5the place is too far from you, which the LORD your God chooses, to set his name there,

(Deu 14:25 ESV+) then you shall turn it into money and bind up the money in your hand and go to the place that the LORD your God chooses

(Deu 14:26 ESV+) and spend the money for whatever you desire—oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And R2you shall eat there before the LORD your God and rejoice, you and your household.

(Deu 14:27 ESV+) And you shall not neglect R6the Levite who is within your towns, for R7he has no portion or inheritance with you.

(Deu 14:28 ESV+) R8“At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns.

(Deu 14:29 ESV+) And the Levite, because R7he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that R9the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.

6-(Pro 31:4 ESV+) R10It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings R11to drink wine, or for rulers to take R12strong drink,

(Pro 31:5 ESV+) lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and R13pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

(Pro 31:6 ESV+) Give strong drink to the one who R14is perishing, and wine to R15those in bitter distress;N1

(Pro 31:7 ESV+) R16let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.

7-(Joh 10:18 ESV+) R26No one takes it from me, but R25I lay it down R1of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and R2I have authority to take it up again. R3This charge I have received from my Father.”

8-Desire of Ages 785.2 When the voice of the mighty angel was heard at Christ’s tomb, saying, Thy Father calls Thee, the Saviour came forth from the grave by the life that was in Himself. Now was proved the truth of His words, “I lay down My life, that I might take it again.... I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” Now was fulfilled the prophecy He had spoken to the priests and rulers, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up (Joh 10:17 ESV+) R23For this reason the Father loves me, R24because R25I lay down my life that I may take it up again.

(Joh 10:18 ESV+) R26No one takes it from me, but R25I lay it down R1of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and R2I have authority to take it up again. R3This charge I have received from my Father.”

(Joh 2:19 ESV+) Jesus answered them, R26“Destroy this temple, and in three days R1I will raise it up.”

9-(Col 1:15 ESV+) R9He is the image of R10the invisible God, R11the firstborn of all creation.

(Col 1:16 ESV+) For byN1 him all things were created, R12in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether R13thrones or R14dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created R15through him and for him.

(Col 1:17 ESV+) And R16he is before all things, and in him all things R17hold together.

(Col 1:18 ESV+) And R18he is the head of the body, the church. He is R19the beginning, R20the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

(Col 1:19 ESV+) For R21in him all the R22fullness of God was pleased to dwell,

(Col 1:20 ESV+) and R23through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, R24making peace R25by the blood of his cross.

10-(Mat 19:16 ESV+) R9And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to R10have R11eternal life?”

(Mat 19:17 ESV+) And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. R12If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”

(Mat 19:18 ESV+) He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, R13“You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,

(Mat 19:19 ESV+) Honor your father and mother, and, R14You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

(Mat 19:20 ESV+) The young man said to him, R15“All these I have kept. What do I still lack?”

(Mat 19:21 ESV+) Jesus said to him, “If you would be R16perfect, go, R17sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have R18treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

(Mat 19:22 ESV+) R19When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

11-(Col 1:13 ESV+) He R4has delivered us from R5the domain of darkness and transferred us to R6the kingdom of R7his beloved Son,

(1Th 1:10 ESV+) and R1to wait for his Son R2from heaven, R3whom he raised from the dead, Jesus R4who delivers us from R5the wrath to come.

(1Pe 1:18 ESV+) knowing that you R18were ransomed from R19the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

(Heb 2:14 ESV+) Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise R8partook of the same things, that R9through death he might R10destroy R11the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

(Heb 2:15 ESV+) and deliver all those who R12through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

(Gal 3:13 ESV+) Christ R19redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, R20“Cursed is everyone who is hanged R21on a tree”—

(Rev 1:5 ESV+) and from Jesus Christ R13the faithful witness, R14the firstborn of the dead, and R15the ruler of kings on earth. To R16him who loves us and R17has freed us from our sins by his blood

12-(Rom 8:3 ESV+) For R10God has done what the law, R11weakened by the flesh, R12could not do. R13By sending his own Son R14in the likeness of sinful flesh and R15for sin,N1 he condemned sin in the flesh,

13-(Heb 2:14 ESV+) Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise R8partook of the same things, that R9through death he might R10destroy R11the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

(1Jn 3:8 ESV+) R17Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was R18to destroy the works of the devil.

14-(Joh 19:30 ESV+) When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, R5“It is finished,” and he bowed his head and R6gave up his spirit.

15-(Exo 9:14 ESV+) For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself,N1 and on your servants and your people, so R1that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth.

16-(Exo 8:10 ESV+) And he said, “Tomorrow.” Moses said, “Be it as you say, so R23that you may know that R24there is no one like the LORD our God.

(Deu 4:39 ESV+) know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that R9the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; R10there is no other.

(Deu 32:39 ESV+) “‘See now that R8I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; R9I kill and I make alive; R10I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.

(1Ki 8:60 ESV+) that R1all the peoples of the earth may know that R2the LORD is God; there is no other.

(Isa 42:8 ESV+) I am the LORD; that is my name; R20my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.

(Isa 43:10 ESV+) R26“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and R1my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. R2Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.

(Isa 44:6 ESV+) Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and R9his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: R10“I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.

(Isa 45:5 ESV+) R24I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; R25I equip you, though you do not know me,

(Isa 45:6 ESV+) R26that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the LORD, and there is no other.

(Isa 45:18 ESV+) R22For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he R23did not create it empty, R24he formed it to be inhabited!): “I am the LORD, and there is no other.

(Isa 45:21 ESV+) R6Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God R7and a Savior; there is none besides me.

(Dan 3:29 ESV+) Therefore R9I make a decree: Any R10people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of R19Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego R11shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.”

(Mic 7:18 ESV+) R13Who is a God like you, R14pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression R14for the remnant of his inheritance? R15He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.

(Mic 7:19 ESV+) He will R16again have compassion on us; R17he will tread our iniquities underfoot. R18You will cast all ourN1 sins into the depths of the sea.

(Mic 7:20 ESV+) R19You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, R20as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

(Mar 12:32 ESV+) And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that R23he is one, and R1there is no other besides him.

17-(1Sa 2:2 ESV+) R9“There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is R10no rock like our God.

(Isa 55:8 ESV+) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.

(Isa 55:9 ESV+) R16For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

(Jer 10:10 ESV+) R21But the LORD is the true God; R22he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation.

(Tit 1:2 ESV+) R4in hope of eternal life, which God, R5who never lies, R6promised R7before the ages beganN1

18-(Job 38:4 ESV+) “Where were you when I R21laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.

(Job 38:5 ESV+) Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?

(Job 38:6 ESV+) On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone,

(Job 38:7 ESV+) when the morning stars R22sang together and all R23the sons of God R24shouted for joy?

(Job 38:8 ESV+) “Or who R25shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb,

(Job 38:9 ESV+) when I made clouds its garment and R26thick darkness its swaddling band,

(Job 38:10 ESV+) and prescribed R1limits for it and set bars and doors,

(Job 38:11 ESV+) and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your R2proud waves be stayed’?

19-(Act 17:25 ESV+) nor is he served by human hands, R21as though he needed anything, since he himself R22gives to all mankind R23life and breath and everything.

(Act 17:28 ESV+) for R5“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;N1 as even some of R6your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’N2

20-(Deu 10:14 ESV+) Behold, R14to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, R15the earth with all that is in it.

(Psa 50:10 ESV+) For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.

(Psa 104:16 ESV+) The trees of the LORD are watered abundantly, R15the cedars of Lebanon R16that he planted.

(Eze 18:4 ESV+) Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: R23the soul who sins shall die.

(Hag 2:8 ESV+) R17The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts.

(1Co 6:19 ESV+) Or R16do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? R17You are not your own,

(1Co 6:20 ESV+) R18for you were bought with a price. R19So glorify God in your body.

21-(Joh 15:15 ESV+) R21No longer do I call you servants,N1 for the servant R23does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for R24all that I have heard from my Father R25I have made known to you.

22-(Mat 6:31 ESV+) Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

(Mat 6:32 ESV+) For R12the Gentiles seek after all these things, and R13your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

(Mat 6:33 ESV+) But R14seek first R15the kingdom of God and his righteousness, R16and all these things will be added to you.

(Mat 6:34 ESV+) R17“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

(Mat 7:7 ESV+) R25“Ask, R26and it will be given to you; R1seek, and you will find; R2knock, and it will be opened to you.

(Mat 7:8 ESV+) For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

(Mat 7:9 ESV+) Or which one of you, if his son asks him for R3bread, will give him R3a stone?

(Mat 7:10 ESV+) Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?

(Mat 7:11 ESV+) If you then, R4who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will R26your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

23-(1Th 1:10 ESV+) and R1to wait for his Son R2from heaven, R3whom he raised from the dead, Jesus R4who delivers us from R5the wrath to come.

(1Pe 1:18 ESV+) knowing that you R18were ransomed from R19the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

(Heb 2:14 ESV+) Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise R8partook of the same things, that R9through death he might R10destroy R11the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

(Heb 2:15 ESV+) and deliver all those who R12through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

(Gal 3:13 ESV+) Christ R19redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, R20“Cursed is everyone who is hanged R21on a tree”—

24-(1Co 6:19 ESV+) Or R16do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? R17You are not your own,

(1Co 6:20 ESV+) R18for you were bought with a price. R19So glorify God in your body.

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