Inflation and High Prices- God's Answer ( Revelation 6:5-6) October 16, 2022 Inbox
DANIEL A OLIVA/10/16/2022
" ...And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, ' A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!' " ( Revelation 6:5-6)
INTRODUCTION
A. Worldwide concerns NOW are " inflation and high prices!"
1. Is there a way out of this global financial and economic problem?
2. Does the Bible say about this? Let us find out for Jesus said, " You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free," John 8:32
B. Our approach in this discussion shall be as follows:
1. Meanings and Implications of Inflation
2. Causes of Inflation and High Prices
3. God's Answer to Inflation and High Prices
DISCUSSION
A. Meanings and Implications of Inflation
1.Merriam- Webster " continuing rise in the general price level usually attributed to an increase in the volume of money and credit relative to available goods and services."
- rise in price levels
- increase in volume of money and credit
- relative to goods and services
2. Inflation is an " increase in overall prices and a corresponding decrease in the purchasing power of the money in circulation."
- increase in prices
- decrease in purchasing power of money in circulation
3. During times of inflation, money is worth less than it was before inflation
4. " An artificial increase in the money supply which is actually a type of oppression because it harms the poor and the elderly who live on fixed incomes."
B. Causes of Inflation and High Prices
1. War caused inflation during the reign of King Jehoram
a. He blamed God for the situation rather than on his own wickedness.
b. " This disaster is from the Lord," 2 Kings 6:33
c. Elisha, the prophet, assured him of God's help, despite his unbelief
d. 2 Kings 7:1 " ..Tomorrow, in Samarian markets, 6 quarts of choice flour will cost only 1 piece of silver, and 12 quarts of barley grain will cost only 1 piece of silver."
e. God's promise was that prices would drop dramatically, indicating an end to the siege.
f. Thus, we see that inflation is " exacerbated by war, disruption of supply chains and lockdowns" ( in the form of sieges)
2. Another factor contributing to inflation is GREED!
a. It takes the form of price gouging
b. Dishonest weights and measures
c. The Bible repeatedly condemns dishonest gain
" Do not have 2 differing weights in your bag- one heavy, one light. Do not have 2 differing measures in your house- one large, one small. You must have accurate weights and measures," Deuteronomy 25:13-15.
3. Inflation can occur when prices go up due to
a. Increases in production costs
b.such as raw materials & wages
4. A surge in demand for products and services can cause inflation as consumers are willing to pay more for the products
5. Inflation happens in nearly any product or service
a. basic neeeds ( housing, food, medical care and utilities)
b. want expenses ( cosmetics, cars and jewelry)
6. The bigger issue is the fact that governments have been PRINTING more MONEY in CIRCULATION.
a. Governments are spending more than the revenues earned/collected.
b. National debts/borrowing are ever increasing.
c. Lack of fiscal discipline in government spending
C. God's Answer to Inflation and High Prices
1. God calls His people not to fear but to trust in His provision
" Therefore, do not be anxious,saying, ' What shall we eat (drink,and wear)? ..for your Father knows that you need them all.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these thing will be added to you." Matthew 6:31-33
2. He calls us to be good stewards of the resources, especially during times of inflation and uncertainty
3. Times like these ( inflation and high prices) are an OPPORTUNITY for the church to step up and be a blessing to the communities.
a. Needs of orphans and widows are urgent during inflation
b. James 1:27 is the mandate to help the needy in the church
CONCLUSION
A. Principles in Facing Inflation and other Financial Problems
1. Save- " Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise," Proverbs 21:20
2. Invest- " Cast your bread upon the waters, after a long time you may find it again. Make 7 or 8 portions, you know not what miafortune may come upon the earth," Ecclesiastes 11:1-2
3.Be free from DEBT- " Owe no man anything, except to love one another..
Romans 13:8
B. To be guided spiritually, first be a child of God
1. Believe and be baptized to be saved, Mark 16:16
2. Repent and be baptized to be forgiven of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:38
3. Christ is inviting all to come to Him for rest, Matrhew 11:28-30
4. Now is the time, today is the day of salvation, 2 Corinthians 6:2