5856 extravagance

Exaggerated, excessive or immoderate behaviour often linked with wastefulness which may result in personal harm. God’s people are called to be wise stewards of what has been entrusted to them. However, Scripture also points to a right kind of open-handedness and generosity of spirit which reflects love and worship towards God and concern for others.

Examples of sinful extravagance

Wastefulness Lk 15:13 See also Pr 21:20; Pr 29:3

Drunkenness and gluttony Pr 23:20 See also Dt 21:20; Eph 5:18; Php 3:19

The results of sinful extravagance

Wastefulness leads to poverty Lk 15:14-17 See also Pr 13:18; Pr 22:16; Pr 23:21

Extravagant living leads to spiritual complacency Lk 12:19-20 See also Isa 5:11-12; Isa 22:12-13; Isa 56:11-12; Am 6:1-6; Zep 1:12-13

The alternative to sinful extravagance

Thankful enjoyment of God’s gifts 1Ti 4:3-4 See also Ac 10:13-15; 1Co 10:30-31

Stewardship of God’s blessings Eze 34:18-19 See also Ge 2:15; Ex 23:10-12; Dt 15:14-15; Pr 22:9

Discipline and self-control 1Co 9:25-27 See also Ge 2:16-17; Mt 6:16-18 fasting; Ro 14:6 abstinence from certain foods; 1Co 7:5 temporary abstinence from sexual relationships

Examples of commendable extravagance in worship

Mk 14:3-5 pp Mt 26:6-9 pp Jn 12:3-5 See also Ex 36:3-7 gifts for the tabernacle; 2Sa 6:14-15 David dancing before the ark Gifts for the temple: 1Ch 29:3-4; 2Ch 24:10 Extravagance in praise and thanksgiving: Ps 119:171; 2Co 4:15; Col 2:7 The widow’s offering: Mk 12:41-44 pp Lk 21:1-4

Examples of extravagance not commended in worship

Mic 6:7-8 Extravagant offerings are no substitute for doing what God requires. See also 1Sa 15:20-22

Other examples of commendable extravagance

Extravagance in caring for others 2Co 8:2-4 See also Mt 5:39-42 pp Lk 6:29-30; 2Co 9:12-13; 1Th 3:12

Extravagance in forgiveness Mt 18:21-22 See also Lk 17:3-4; Mt 18:26 the king’s generosity in forgiving his servant’s debt; Lk 15:22-23 celebrations at the return of the prodigal son

Warnings against failing to be extravagant towards God and others

The extravagance of God’s grace

The gift of his Son Jn 3:16; 2Co 9:15

The blessings of God’s salvation Ro 8:32 See also Ro 5:5,15; Eph 1:8; Tit 3:5-6; 1Jn 3:1

The abundance of God’s provision Ps 23:5; Ps 65:11; Isa 66:11; Joel 2:24; Zec 1:17

God’s blessings promised to the generous Mal 3:10 See also Pr 19:17; Pr 22:9; Lk 6:38; 2Co 9:6-11

See also