The New Testament presents numerous reflections on the nature of material things, their relationship to our faith, and how believers should view the world around them. While many people today are preoccupied with the pursuit of material wealth, possessions, and success, the Bible offers wisdom and guidance on how to handle these “things” in light of our spiritual calling. The New Testament, through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, provides clear perspectives on the impermanence of earthly things, the temptation of materialism, and the importance of focusing on eternal values.
In this article, we will explore 33 New Testament verses that address the theme of material things. These verses span a range of topics from the use of wealth, to the fleeting nature of possessions, to how believers should prioritize spiritual things over worldly ones. The aim is to provide a biblical perspective that encourages Christians to view material things with the right mindset, rooted in faith, stewardship, and eternal hope.
Introduction: Understanding the Role of “Things” in the Christian Life
The word “things” appears frequently in the New Testament, but it takes on various meanings depending on the context. The material world—our possessions, wealth, desires, and even our relationships—are all part of what the Bible refers to as “things.” However, the Bible consistently emphasizes that our focus should not be on these temporal things, but rather on things that are eternal and spiritually significant.
The teachings of Jesus often challenge believers to shift their perspective from worldly values to kingdom values. He instructs us not to store up treasures on earth, but to focus on heavenly treasures (Matthew 6:19-21). The apostle Paul writes to various early Christian communities about the importance of putting off the things of the world in order to pursue Christ and His righteousness (Philippians 3:8).
The New Testament affirms that, while material things are not inherently sinful, their misuse and the way they dominate our lives can lead to spiritual harm. A healthy Christian life involves using worldly possessions for the glory of God, with an attitude of contentment and a focus on eternal things.
33 New Testament Verses on Things
1. Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus teaches that material things on earth are temporary, and it is wiser to invest in heavenly treasures that cannot be taken away. Our focus should always be on eternal things.
2. Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Jesus instructs His followers to prioritize God’s kingdom over earthly possessions. When we focus on God and His righteousness, He promises to provide for our needs.
3. Matthew 19:21
“Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’”
Jesus challenges a rich young man to detach himself from his material possessions and follow Him, emphasizing the value of spiritual wealth over worldly goods.
4. Matthew 19:24
“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Jesus warns of the dangers of material wealth, which can easily become an idol and prevent individuals from fully embracing the kingdom of God.
5. Luke 12:15
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’”
Jesus warns against greed, pointing out that life’s true value is not found in material possessions but in a relationship with God.
6. Luke 12:33-34
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus calls His followers to radically prioritize heavenly treasures over earthly ones, emphasizing that material possessions are fleeting, but spiritual investments last forever.
7. Luke 16:11
“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”
This verse challenges believers to be responsible stewards of their material wealth, as how we manage worldly possessions can reveal our readiness for greater, eternal riches.
8. John 6:27
“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.”
Jesus distinguishes between earthly sustenance, which is temporary, and the eternal nourishment that comes from Him—encouraging believers to focus on eternal things rather than temporary comforts.
9. Acts 3:6
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’”
Peter, having no material wealth to offer, gives the crippled man something far more valuable—healing in the name of Jesus. This highlights the value of spiritual gifts over material things.
10. Romans 8:18
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Paul reminds believers that present hardships and the material suffering we face pale in comparison to the eternal glory that awaits us in Christ.
11. Romans 13:14
“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Paul urges Christians to focus on spiritual things—putting on Christ—rather than indulging in the desires of the flesh or seeking after material satisfaction.
12. 1 Corinthians 3:12-13
“If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.”
Paul uses the imagery of building materials to describe how our works—whether rooted in eternal values or worldly things—will be tested and judged.
13. 1 Corinthians 7:31
“Those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.”
Paul reminds believers that the current world and its material aspects are temporary, and we should not become overly attached to them.
14. 1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Even in the most mundane activities, including consuming food and drink, we are called to honor God, reminding us that all things—whether material or spiritual—should be used for His glory.
15. 2 Corinthians 4:18
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Paul urges Christians to focus on the eternal, unseen realities rather than the temporary, visible things of the world.
16. Philippians 3:8
“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.”
Paul speaks about the value of knowing Christ over material things, declaring that all earthly gains are worthless compared to the surpassing value of Christ.
17. Philippians 4:11-13
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
Paul teaches contentment, focusing on spiritual peace rather than material wealth or lack.
18. Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Paul instructs Christians to direct their thoughts and affections towards heaven, not being overly concerned with earthly, material possessions.
19. Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”
Paul urges believers to rid themselves of sinful desires, particularly greed, which often stems from the pursuit of material things.
20. 1 Timothy 6:6-10
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
Paul reminds Timothy and the church that material possessions are fleeting, and godliness coupled with contentment is of far greater value.
21. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
Paul gives instructions to the wealthy, encouraging them to focus on God rather than their riches, reminding them that wealth is uncertain and fleeting.
22. Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
Believers are urged to resist the love of money and find contentment in God’s presence and provision.
23. James 1:9-10
“Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.”
James contrasts the temporary nature of wealth with the enduring value of humility before God.
24. James 4:3
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
James warns against selfish desires, particularly those motivated by materialism and greed.
25. James 5:1-3
“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded.”
James condemns the hoarding of wealth and material goods, emphasizing their eventual decay and the futility of placing hope in them.
26. 1 Peter 1:24-25
“For, ‘All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.’”
Peter reminds believers of the temporary nature of earthly things, contrasting them with the enduring word of God.
27. 1 John 2:15-17
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
John warns against loving worldly things, urging believers to focus on the eternal rather than the passing pleasures of this life.
28. Revelation 3:17-18
“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich.”
Jesus rebukes the Laodicean church for their complacency in wealth and encourages them to seek spiritual riches that cannot be bought with material wealth.
29. Revelation 18:11-13
“The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore—cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet; every sort of citron wood and every article made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble.”
This passage describes the fall of Babylon and the destruction of its wealth, emphasizing the temporary nature of material things.
30. Matthew 10:9-10
“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts; no bag for the journey, or extra shirt or sandals or a staff.”
Jesus teaches His disciples to rely on God for their provision rather than accumulating material goods.
31. Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”
Jesus warns against divided loyalties, where the pursuit of material things competes with devotion to God.
32. Luke 14:33
“In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”
Jesus calls for complete surrender, placing spiritual commitment above material possessions.
33. Luke 16:19-31
This passage tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus, illustrating the futility of earthly wealth when not used for godly purposes.
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus contrasts the temporary nature of material wealth with the eternal consequences of how we use our earthly resources.
Conclusion
Throughout the New Testament, material things are addressed with great care and wisdom. Jesus and the apostles frequently warn against the dangers of overattachment to earthly possessions and the idolatry of wealth. Instead, they call believers to focus on eternal treasures, seek first God’s kingdom, and use their resources in ways that honor God and bless others.
The Bible encourages Christians to find contentment in what God provides, recognizing that material wealth is fleeting and often a poor foundation for true joy. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the true source of our fulfillment, we can navigate the complexities of material life with an eternal perspective.
Ultimately, the New Testament teaches that the things of this world are temporary, but our relationship with God and our pursuit of His will are what truly endure.
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