Money Matters

Money Matters (Luke 12:16-21, 27-28, 31-34, 42-44, 48b) In our culture: Money is a means of keeping score. Ownership is highly valued objective The illusion of human “ownership” (Luke 12:20; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; Prov. 23:4,5) Material wealth is temporal and does not last beyond our last breathe. God owns everything! (Ps. 24:1-2, Col. 1:16) What is wealth? A gift from God A tool for glorifying God (Matt. 25:14-30, Parable of the talents) A snare (Matt. 19:16-30, Luke 12:13-34, 1 Tim. 6:9-10; James 5:1-3) (Desire for or attachment to) "Mammon" is "the Greek form of a Syrian or Aramaic word for worldly wealth. It is called "unrighteous," because it is often obtained and/or used unrighteously. The Greek word aphron {af'-rone}, in Luke 12:20, translated “fool” literally means “one who is unwise or without reason”. We need to remember that no amount of wealth can purchase salvation (Ps. 49:6-8) What is your first thought when you receive a “windfall” like the man in the parables? Is it, like his, a concern for how to “preserve” your wealth for later personal enjoyment? (Luke 12: 16-20; see also Deut. 8:12-14) Is there anything wrong with saving for retirement? How does God want us to view and handle money? (Stewardship) (Ps. 24:1) A steward is a person entrusted with the management of the possessions of another. We are all stewards in the sense that all that we have, our money, our time, our strength, our talents, etc. ultimately comes from God (Ps. 24:1, Deut. 8:17-18) and has been given into our hands to use for his glory (1 Pe. 4:10-11). We do not own anything, but we are given custody of certain resources by God for a time (Job 1:21, Ps. 49:16-20).

Stewardship involves: Putting the Master’s best interests first. Careful use of our time, talents, energy and material resources. Learning to be content with what God’s gives us (Heb. 13:5, 1 Tim. 6:7-8) Each of us will be called to “give and account” of our stewardship (Matt. 25:21 & 23; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 4:2) Where is your treasure? For where your treasure is, there your heart will be (Luke 12:34) Our priorities should be focused on those things which impact our eternal destiny, and that of others. (Matt. 6:19-20) Are you seeking first the Kingdom of God? (Luke 12:31) How? Generosity is one way. Why should we give? It will awaken gratitude in those to whom we give and others who see what we are doing (2 Cor. 9:1-5, 11 & 12) Zeal for charity/kindness is contagious. Haven’t you ever gotten caught-up in it? I personally find the generous spirit of this Sunday School class to be a great inspiration. It stimulates others to pray for you (2 Cor. 9:14) It demonstrates you real faith in God It demonstrates our obedience to God It glorifies God. To, as the hands of Christ, give others a “hand up” (Mark 12:30; 1 Pe. 4:10) Use your money in such a way that you are winning others, not only to Christ, but to yourself, for you never win anyone to Christ without winning him, in some degree, to yourself. By means of

hospitality, or in giving to some missionary venture, or by investing a sum to help in a time of need, money may be used for eternal good. It is not enough to pray for the lost; we must pay for them too. Invest in the souls of others! God gives to us in the same manner as we ourselves give (Prov. 22:9; 2 Cor. 9:6) What should we give? Our best (Gen. 4: 3-5, Cain vs. Abel, Giving first fruits, choice portions) Our all Tithing does not mean 10% for God and 90% for ourselves? How should we give? Honestly and from the Heart (2 Cor. 8:12: 9:7, Acts 5:1-11, Ananias & Sapphira, Giving for the sake of appearance, Luke 18:9-14, Pharisee & Tax Collector) Cheerfully (2 Cor. 9: 7) Freely (Matt. 10: 8-9) . Liberally (James 1:5) Without Reproaching (James 1:5) Sacrificially (Mark 12:42-44, Luke 21:2-4 (Widow’s Mite) Jesus put forth the principle of Reversed Blessing: “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me for the Gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35). He daily he practiced it: “For the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). Contrary to the cultural hype, we are not fulfilled by promoting and pampering ourselves.

God wants us to “overflow” in love How should we not give? Grudgingly (2 Cor. 9:5) Reluctantly (2 Cor. 9:7) Under Compulsion (2 Cor. 9:7)

To whom should we give? To the one asking (Matt. 5:42) To the undeserving Godly grace = undeserved kindness (Prov. 25:21) The only resources we will keep throughout eternity are those we give away during our lifetime. As someone has said, "We can't take it with us, but we can send it on ahead." Remember that we are a part of God’s Kingdom NOW, not just later. Is God truly Lord of your life, including Lord of all the financial resources under your control? Are your financial dealings self-centered, family-centered, or God-centered? Are you anxious over money? If so, why? Our unbelief leaves us anxious (Mark 4:36-40) Do you really trust God to meet your needs? Our unbelief causes to God withhold miracles (Matt. 13:58, James 1:6-8, Deut. 32:20) Conversely, acting on our faith can unlock miraculous things (Matt. 8:2-3, 9:20-22, 2830, 15:21-28, 20:30-34, Isa. 50:2, Acts 6:8) Everything is possible for him who believes (Mark 9:23, 11:23, Matt. 17:2021, 21:21, Luke 17:6, Jer. 32:17, Eph. 3:20) Why is money an uncomfortable topic to discuss in Sunday School or Church? Perhaps because we all know in our hearts that we have been less than perfect stewards of God’s generous gifts to us Our failures should serve to remind us of our need to rely on the power of God (Deut. 8:18, 2 Chron. 14:11) How would your life be different if you really lived it as though you trusted in God’s promises? (John 14:12-14) Website for Crown Financial Ministries: http://www.crown.org/