Dave Havir, continuing his response to the question, “Must believers give up their possessions?,” having given seven ‘proof texts' in Part 1, now continues the object lesson of developing a more mature approach to Bible Study rather than blindly follow someone else who may have a desire to control us. The biblical admonition against covetousness does not translate into a wholesale condemnation of owning or having property. We need to learn how to use without abusing, including moderately consuming alcohol. Whenever we look for inspiration, we cannot check logic and common sense at the door. God created sex for a pleasurable, wholesome expression of love, but condemns fornication, adultery, and perversion.  Physical possessions have also been given to individuals by God. Having or even desiring wealth is not wrong, but coveting, lusting after, or trusting in riches is wrong. Money is not the problem; the love of money is the problem. Coveting riches and trusting riches gets in the way of godliness. But having a proper perspective on riches will motivate reserves of hospitality and generosity. The leadership of the early church often consisted of successful people who owned homes which they could offer for services and fellowship. If a person does not have abundance, it is somewhat challenging to be a cheerful giver.

Abuse of alcohol * Acts 11:28; 16:14-17 * Aquila and Priscilla * Arbitrate * Being a policeman * Being snookered * Believers do not have to give up their possessions * Believers have homes * Beware of covetousness * Colossians 4:15 * Common sense * Controlling * Coveting * Debating * Defrauding * I Corinthians 7:2-31 * I John 3:17 * I Timothy 3:3; 6:10-17 * Freedom to give * Deuteronomy 14:23-26 * I Corinthians * I Timothy 3:8-12; 6:10 * God loves a cheerful giver * Hebrews 13:4 * Hospitality * Idols * James 4:3 * Love of money * Luke 7:33-34; 12:15 * Lydia * Marriage to be undefiled * Mark 10:24 * Mutual consent * Mutual giving in marriage * Moderation * Philemon had church in his home * Physical possessions * Qualifications * Romans  15:25-26; 16:3-19 * II Corinthians 9: 6-7, 12 * Serving needs * Sexual love * Sowing bountifully * Tele-evangelists * Trusting in riches * Using without abusing * Wine is from the Lord, but the drunkard is from the devil