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The
Christians’ View of Money
Introduction:
The times
we live are some of the most prosperous in human history.
There are very few truly poor people in America today,
compared to the rest of the world. We have more material
possessions than any generation that has ever walked the
earth. How are Christians to view their money and
possessions? How are we to keep our priorities straight? How
are we to control what we have in a society that does not?
God's word is always relevant, and our text addresses these
important questions very directly.
Sermon
text:
1
Timothy 6:6-10, “Now godliness
with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing
into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be
content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into
temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful
lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For
the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which
some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and
pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
1
Timothy 6:17-19, “Command those
who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to
trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives
us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that
they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time
to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
Body:
1.
being content without riches
(verses 6- 8)
·
(Verse 6)- Paul had
previously emphasized the value of godliness (1 Timothy 4:
8). Godliness produces rewards in this life and the one to
come. Here the apostle says when godliness is combined with
contentment, the result is great gain. This is of far
greater worth than earthly riches! Contentment- sufficiency,
adequacy, all that's needed, peace in one's heart. Paul knew
firsthand (Philippians 4: 11) that this contentment is
profitable because it seeks security, not in worldly
possessions, but in God.
·
(1st 7)-shows the folly
of pursuing material wealth. Many cultures buried their dead
with great amounts of material goods. They believed they
would possess them in the next life. Recall the words of the
psalmist in Psalms 49: 16, 17. Someone said that everything
you possess will immediately belong to others on the day of
your death, but who you are will be yours throughout
eternity.
·
(Verse 8)-teaches great
truth. All believers must be satisfied with just the
necessities of life, keeping the physical body nourished and
protected. A benefit of Christian living (Matthew 6: 33).
The Bible warns of the dangers of having either too much or
too little (proverbs 30: 8, 9). A happy, contented life is
neither poverty nor riches.
2.
The danger of desiring riches
(verses 9, 10)
·
(Verse 9)- riches are
not evil in and of themselves. Several rich men in the bible
were pleasing to god. The rich young ruler was displeasing
to Christ, not because he was rich, but because he loved and
trusted in them (Mark 10: 24, 25). In our text, Paul
describes those who desire and set their heart and minds on
obtaining wealth. This is extremely dangerous! (Proverbs 23:
4, 5) notice this dangerous progression. This desire plunges
one into a special temptation, which in turn leads one into
Satan's snare (Joe 18: 8- 10). Once caught in that trap, it
is inevitable and foolish, irrational, and harmful passions
that cause him to sink into ruin and destruction. Lost in
eternity, this one will ask why I did it? Why did I want to
be rich more than anything? Look at me now!
·
(Verse 10)-the love of
money lies at the root of all kinds of evil. This attitude
and disposition (greediness closed parentheses causes one to
leave the faith (gospel- Christianity) and thus forfeit the
only means to heaven. Pair stem cells is a reference To meet
prepared for barbecuing on a spit. The one who covets money
has stuck a spit through his soul and positioned it over the
fire (James 5:1- 5).
3.
The proper use of riches
(verses 17- 19)
·
(Verse 17)-these are
divine guidelines for the rich. Nothing generally produces
pride as much as wealth. The view of the wealthy can remain
humble. The parable of the rich fool shows this in Luke 12:
16-21.
Also, do not place confidence in wealth and
possessions. They are not a good foundation for hope
(Matthew 16: 19- 21). One should rather fix one's hope on
God, the great giver (1 Chronicles 29: 12-14).
·
(Verse 18)—A Christian
should view money as an opportunity to do good. One must
remember that we cannot take our positions with us. We
should share and be generous with what God has blessed us
with (Hebrews 13: 16). But do not forget to do good and to
share, for with such sacrifices, God is well pleased.
·
(Verse 19)- by being
generous, the rich are not losing their wealth but laying it
away in heaven. This establishes a good foundation on which
they can build for the future.
Conclusion:
A sailor
shipwrecked on a South Sea Island was seized by the natives,
carried shoulder-high to a rude throne, and proclaimed king.
He learned that according to custom a king ruled for a year.
This idea appealed to the sailor until he wondered what had
befallen previous kings. He learned that when a king's reign
ended, he was banished to a lonely island where he starved.
Knowing he had the power of kingship for a year, the sailor
began issuing orders. Carpenters were to make boats. Farmers
were to go ahead to the island and plant crops. Builders
were to erect a sturdy home. When his rain finished, he was
exiled, not on a barren aisle, but to a paradise of plenty.
This wise sailor knew his priorities and knew to be
prepared.
Eternal
paradise awaits those who keep their priorities straight,
and prepare by putting Christ first.
June 7,
2020
Prepared by
Bobby Stafford
The church
of Christ at Granby, MO
Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109
For more
lessons and Sermons, please visit
granbychurchofchrist.org/
granbychurchofchrist.com/ |
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