Kingdom Economics and Biblical Finance

2 Corinthians 8:5, "They exceeded our expectations by first dedicating themselves fully to the Lord and then to us, according to God's pleasure." (TPT)

The Subject of Money

When it comes to the subject of money, wealth, economics, and prosperity, opinions are sometimes varied and discussions may become very heated. Nonetheless, even though the Church of Jesus Christ has "ducked and dived" around this topic for centuries, it is necessary for Christian Leaders and Christians themselves to open up and speak out about it. Why is this so essential?

Firstly, there is one aspect which Jesus spoke about more than many others. Money! We read in the Scriptures how He often and directly probed into the attitudes and mindsets of His followers regarding wealth and money. So, since this is undoubtedly true, we have a duty to ensure our hearts and minds are aligned with God's will and purposes for our lives. This is especially true when it comes to finances and how the spirit of mammon actually uses the power of money against the Church.


Our Heart Attitude

The introductory title and the verse at the top of this page give us a good indication of where and how God requires us to begin this journey. Our starting point must be our personal relationship and dedication to the Lord. Without our emphatic commitment and devotion to Him, our efforts to make any headway economically will be insubstantial and not of any great magnitude at all.


Christocentric Perspective

In this series of teachings I will discuss with you the Economics of God's Kingdom. His Kingdom and His viewpoint is and will be my point of departure. I will endeavour at all times to maintain a Christocentric posture and perspective.

Matthew 6:33, "But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides..." (AMP) (for your edification read from vv 19-34).

Matthew 6:25-34 refers to the "way" unbelievers (or heathen) conduct themselves with regards to earthly "things." Please notice how often the phrase, "take no thought" is used in this passage. I suggest to you that the "taking thought" is a symptom of fear, anxiety, and worry (see Luke 21:34; 1 Peter 5:7). This is the reason I may from time to time delve into the "operations" of this world's economic system.

(Please note that much of the economics of the world system is based on the principle of "survival of the fittest!" This is a mindset which is based largely on fear, and a fear of lack, with many Christian Believers caught in its trap!)

My intention to investigate the way the world approaches money and economics is purely for informational purposes. This is especially true for us since we as God's sons, live and operate within this system. At the same time, it is also necessary for us to know where and how the enemy may use fear and anxiety to waylay us in our quest to please God economically. Remember, God intends for us to live successfully, yet righteously within the "confines" of the babylonian architecture. Actually, I believe our Heavenly Father "demands" from us that we live far above the systems of babylon!

Furthermore, it is important for us to become aware of the snares and pitfalls the wordly economic system may set for us. We are in this world but not of it. Take a look at a portion of the Lord's prayer for us in John 17:

John 17:15, "I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world (worldly, belonging to the world), [just] as I am not of the world." (AMP)

The term "world" in these verses DOES NOT refer to the physical world or earth planet we live on. It refers to the system of operation used to "make the world go 'round." This system, as we will discover, is largely of "spiritual" origin and is directly controlled by satan himself. One of the most "powerful" tools or "mechanisms" is his use of entrapment & deception to manipulate the hearts and minds of mankind through the spirit of mammon.


Jesus Destroyed the devil!

It is important for us to remember that the devil was completely and utterly defeated and destroyed by the finished work of the cross. Jesus' horrible death completely annihilated and destroyed any and all "power" satan may have wielded before the crucifixion. Take a look at these authoritative and very conclusive verses:

1 Corinthians 2:7, "But rather what we are setting forth is a wisdom of God once hidden [from the human understanding] and now revealed to us by God - [that wisdom] which God devised and decreed before the ages for our glorification [to lift us into the glory of His presence]. 8 None of the rulers of this age or world perceived and recognized and understood this, for if they had, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory." (AMP)

Colossians 2:15, "[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross]." (AMP)

Hebrews 2:14, "Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to nought and make of no effect him who had the power of death - that is, the devil..." (AMP)

The BIG Question!

The question which arises now is this: Why does it appear the devil still exerts such "great" influence and dominance in this world? Seemingly it is especially true in the context of economics and money! I will briefly give an answer now, and in the next lesson I will explore the topic in more depth.

A major key for us to grasp is that the devil conducts his "business" in darkness. He is not called the "prince of darkness" for nothing (see Ephesians 6:11-12; Colossians 1:13; John 12:31; 14:30).

Suffice it to say that the "darkness" referred to actually means, "ignorance." In essence it signifies and symbolizes the absence of the knowledge of "light" or the "Light" Himself! When we conduct our lives outside of the knowledge of the Light, or Christ, we actually work, manoeuvre and steer our lives in and "into" darkness... And, in this "twilight gloom" it is very easy to chase phantoms "dreamed" up by satan and the systems of this world (John 3:19; Galatians 3:1; Ephesians 4:17 - 18).

To be continued...


Yours in His Love and Grace

Jan van Rooyen

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