We all are drawn to the word “riches” because it signifies having an abundance of something, especially money and valuable possessions.
The concept of wealth captivates the human heart, promising security, comfort, and status.
But we must ask ourselves a fundamental question: Do these material things truly constitute real riches?
Many believers operate under the misconception that God arbitrarily decides who becomes rich and who becomes poor.
If this were true, why would we pray for God to provide for our needs?
This thinking creates confusion about God’s character and His relationship with His children. The truth is simple: either God is good, or He is not.
Looking around us today, we can observe that money and wealth alone do not guarantee happiness or create harmonious homes and families.
This observation does not make money inherently evil—the issue lies not with money itself, but with who possesses it and how they choose to use it.
Today, we will scrutinize biblical texts to define true riches according to God’s eternal perspective.
We will discover that true wealth transcends material possessions and finds its source in the redemptive work of Christ Jesus.
True Riches Meaning
True riches, in the biblical sense, represent everything we have received through Christ’s redemptive work.
These spiritual treasures are eternal in nature and cannot be purchased with money or acquired through human effort.
Unlike temporary material wealth, true riches are imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.
The essence of true riches lies in their eternal value and transformative power.
While material wealth can be lost, stolen, or devalued, the riches we possess in Christ remain secure and constant.
These riches include spiritual blessings, divine relationships, and heavenly inheritance that money simply cannot buy.
Key Characteristics of True Riches:
- Eternal Duration: They last forever, unlike temporary material possessions
- Divine Origin: They come directly from God through Christ’s finished work
- Transformative Power: They change our nature and perspective on life
- Unearned Nature: They are gifts of grace, not rewards for good works
- Universal Accessibility: Available to all who believe, regardless of economic status
True riches also cultivate a heart that seeks not only personal gain but also the well-being of others.
The salvation we receive through Christ transforms our mindset from selfishness to love, as the renowned Bible teacher W.E. Kenyon often noted that selfishness is one of the major problems of the unsaved, while the new creation is created in love.
True Riches Bible Verses
Scripture provides abundant testimony about the nature and value of true riches.
Here are foundational verses that illuminate this truth:
Luke 16:11 – “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”
Colossians 2:10 – “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
Ephesians 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”
2 Corinthians 8:9 – “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”
Colossians 1:27 – “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
What are the True Riches in Luke 16 vs 11?
To properly understand Luke 16:11, we must examine it within its proper context.
One fundamental rule of biblical interpretation is that we cannot interpret a verse in isolation—we must consider both the preceding and following text.
Luke 16 continues the parable that began in Luke 15, and the true essence of any parable lies in the profound truth it conveys.
From Luke 16:1-10, we observe that the unjust steward was self-seeking and self-indulgent, using deceit to secure his future.
This behavior represents everything that contradicts the nature of a true believer.
As Christians, we cannot be self-seeking and self-indulgent while simultaneously seeking to serve God.
Understanding the Key Terms:
Mammon: This refers to riches, money, or material wealth—things that are temporary and subject to decay.
True Riches: These represent everything we have received from Christ’s redemptive work—eternal blessings that money cannot purchase or provide.
The contrast Jesus draws is profound: material wealth (mammon) represents temporal, uncertain riches, while true riches represent eternal, secure spiritual blessings.
In Luke 16:10, Jesus states, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”
Significantly, “the least” refers to material riches or mammon. This reveals God’s perspective: in His eyes, material wealth is actually small and insignificant compared to spiritual riches.
If we cannot be faithful stewards of temporary, lesser things, how can we be trusted with eternal, greater things?
The true riches mentioned in Luke 16:11 encompass the complete Gospel message and all the spiritual blessings that flow from Christ’s redemptive work.
These represent the most valuable treasures in existence, far surpassing any material wealth this world can offer.
Examples of True Riches
Scripture reveals numerous examples of the true riches we possess as believers. Each represents an invaluable treasure that no amount of money could ever purchase:
1. The Gift of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 1:13 – “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.”
We have all received the gift of the Holy Spirit, who doesn’t come and go but lives within us permanently.
Unlike Old Testament times when prophets experienced temporary visitations, the Holy Spirit now dwells in us constantly.
This permanent indwelling is unique to us as new creations in Christ, representing the pinnacle of spiritual wealth.
2. Peace with God
Romans 5:1 – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Colossians 1:20 – “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.”
Ephesians 2:14-16 – “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us… And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.”
The work of Christ has already established our peace with God. This is not something we pray for or hope to receive someday—we have peace now! With this peace comes 24/7 uninterrupted access to the Father.
3. The Complete Work of Redemption
Colossians 2:10 – “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.”
The new birth is a complete process, not an ongoing one. Nothing is missing in the new birth, and nothing is broken.
We must stop looking for what we lack in the new creation.
Jesus accomplished a perfect and complete work!
This knowledge gives us confidence that we are the head over all power and principality of Satan.
4. The Forgiveness of Sins
Colossians 2:13 – “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.”
Colossians 1:13-14 – “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
Even if someone spent eternity separated from God, it would not be sufficient payment for sin.
The forgiveness of sins we have received is a major treasure of God’s redemptive work that money can never purchase.
We can declare with confidence: “I have the forgiveness of sins!”—this is a free gift from God the Father.
5. The Gift of Righteousness
Romans 4:5-6 – “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.”
Righteousness is a gift from God to every believer.
We do not work for it, and all our good works cannot make us righteous. We are righteous through Christ Jesus alone.
The moment we accept Christ’s sacrifice, God declares us justified, and this justification cannot be lost—this is the beauty of redemption.
6. Eternal Life
1 John 1:2 – “For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.”
1 John 2:25 – “And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.”
1 John 5:11, 13 – “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son… These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.”
Eternal life remains one of the most vital true riches in Christ that we possess NOW because of what Christ accomplished for us.
This life is not merely duration without end, but the very quality of divine life itself.
Sermon on True Riches
Sermon Title: “Treasures That Last Forever”
Main Points:
I. The Deception of Material Wealth (Luke 16:1-10)
- Material wealth can deceive us into thinking we have true security
- The unjust steward’s self-seeking behavior warns against misplaced priorities
- What the world calls “great riches” God calls “the least”
II. The Reality of Spiritual Wealth (Luke 16:11)
- True riches are found in Christ’s redemptive work
- These riches are eternal, not temporary
- They transform our hearts from selfishness to love
III. The Practical Application (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
- Don’t trust in uncertain riches but in the living God
- Be rich in good works, ready to distribute and share
- Lay up treasures in heaven, not just on earth
IV. The Complete Inventory of Our Wealth
- We are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10)
- We have forgiveness, righteousness, eternal life, peace with God
- The Holy Spirit dwells within us permanently
Sermon Illustration: The Two Inheritors
Two brothers inherited from their father. The first received stocks, bonds, and real estate worth millions. The second received his father’s good name, reputation, values, and character.
Twenty years later, the first brother had lost everything through poor investments and moral failures.
The second brother, though never wealthy in material terms, lived a fulfilled life, was respected by all, and passed on a legacy of integrity to his children. Which brother truly inherited riches?
Application Questions:
- Are you faithful with material possessions (mammon) as a steward?
- Do you recognize and appreciate the true riches you have in Christ?
- How can you be “rich in good works” in your current situation?
Prayer Points on True Riches
Prayers of Gratitude
- Father, I thank You for the immeasurable riches I have in Christ Jesus.
- Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells within me permanently.
- I praise You for the complete work of redemption that makes me whole.
- Thank You for the peace with God that gives me 24/7 access to Your presence.
Prayers for Understanding
- Holy Spirit, open my eyes to fully comprehend the true riches I possess.
- Help me to value eternal treasures above temporary material wealth.
- Give me wisdom to be a faithful steward of both material and spiritual blessings.
- Let me never forget that in You, I am complete and lack nothing.
Prayers for Others
- Lord, help me to share these true riches with others through the Gospel.
- Make me rich in good works, ready to distribute and willing to communicate.
- Use me as a vessel to show others where true security and wealth are found.
- May my life demonstrate the value of heavenly treasures over earthly ones.
Prayers for Faithfulness
- Help me to be faithful with the “unrighteous mammon” so I can be trusted with true riches.
- Guard my heart against the deceitfulness of material wealth.
- Let me never be highminded or trust in uncertain riches.
- May I always remember that You give us richly all things to enjoy.
Prayers for Perspective
- Adjust my perspective to see material wealth as “the least” in Your eyes.
- Help me to lay up treasures in heaven where moth and rust cannot corrupt.
- Let me invest in eternal things that will last forever.
- May I find my identity and security in Christ alone, not in possessions.
Riches of Christ – Bible Verses About True Riches in Heaven
The riches of Christ and our heavenly inheritance are beautifully described throughout Scripture:
Ephesians 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”
Ephesians 1:18 – “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.”
Ephesians 2:7 – “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 3:8 – “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”
Philippians 4:19 – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Colossians 1:27 – “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Colossians 2:2-3 – “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
2 Corinthians 8:9 – “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”
1 Peter 1:4 – “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.”
Matthew 6:20 – “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.”
These verses reveal that our heavenly riches are:
1)Exceeding riches of God’s grace
2)Spiritual blessings in heavenly places
3)An incorruptible inheritance
4)The unsearchable riches of Christ
5)All treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
What is Ephesians 3 vs 19?
Ephesians 3:19 states: “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”
This remarkable verse represents the pinnacle of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers and reveals the ultimate true riches available to every Christian. Let’s examine its profound meaning:
“To know the love of Christ”
This knowledge goes beyond intellectual understanding.
The Greek word “ginosko” implies experiential, intimate knowledge.
Paul prays that believers would not merely comprehend Christ’s love intellectually but experience it personally and deeply.
“Which passeth knowledge”
Christ’s love transcends human understanding. It is:
- Immeasurable in its depth
- Infinite in its scope
- Unconditional in its nature
- Eternal in its duration
No human mind can fully grasp the magnitude of Christ’s love. It surpasses our ability to comprehend, yet we are called to know it experientially.
“That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God”
This phrase represents the ultimate goal of Christian experience—to be filled with God’s very nature and character. This includes:
- His love filling our hearts
- His wisdom guiding our decisions
- His power working through our lives
- His peace ruling in our minds
- His joy strengthening our souls
The Context of Ephesians 3:14-21
This verse comes within Paul’s prayer that begins in verse 14. He prays that believers would:
- Be strengthened by the Spirit in the inner man (v. 16)
- Have Christ dwell in their hearts by faith (v. 17)
- Be rooted and grounded in love (v. 17)
- Comprehend the dimensions of Christ’s love (v. 18)
- Know the love of Christ that passes knowledge (v. 19)
- Be filled with all the fullness of God (v. 19)
This as True Riches
Ephesians 3:19 represents perhaps the greatest true riches possible—to experientially know Christ’s surpassing love and be filled with God’s fullness.
This spiritual wealth includes:
- Perfect security in God’s unchanging love
- Complete satisfaction in His presence
- Divine nature operating through us
- Access to infinite resources of grace
- Participation in God’s own life and character
Money cannot purchase this knowledge or filling. Education cannot achieve it. Human effort cannot earn it. It comes only as a gift of grace to those who are in Christ Jesus.
Conclusion
The explanation throughout this study reveals that true abundance in Christ is found within the Gospel message itself.
Revisiting Luke 16, we see that the steward proved untrustworthy with his master’s resources. As believers, we are entrusted with the Gospel—a complete representation of Christ’s accomplishments.
This Gospel message embodies the true riches of Christ, and we are called to preserve it unaltered.
We must guard against the temptation to dilute or modify this precious treasure for temporary gain or human approval.
True riches are not found in bank accounts, real estate portfolios, or investment returns. They are discovered in:
- Our complete standing in Christ
- The permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit
- Peace with God through Jesus Christ
- The forgiveness of all our sins
- The gift of righteousness
- Eternal life that begins now
We conclude with Paul’s counsel to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:20:
“O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.”
May we be faithful stewards of both the material resources God has given us and the infinitely more valuable spiritual riches we possess in Christ.
Let us live with the perspective that values eternal treasures above temporary ones, knowing that our true inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, and reserved in heaven for us.
The choice before us is clear: we can pursue the uncertain riches of this world that fade away, or we can embrace and share the true riches that last forever.
May we choose wisely, living as those who understand the surpassing value of our inheritance in Christ Jesus.
My passion lies in reaching out to young adults in communities and schools, witnessing the transformative power of faith in their lives.
This blog extends my ministry, sharing insights, encouraging believers, and exploring Christ's teachings in daily life.
Welcome, Brother James.
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