GIVINGTwo equally incorrect beliefs about money Money is good Belief in Materialism Adam and Eve valued what they wanted over what God said was right. Materialism is a matter of the heart and Jesus warned against it. Luke 12: 15 Materialism surfaces in two ways. Possessiveness and Covetousness Possessiveness is what we have. Covetousness is what we want. Materialism is a serious offence against God. The greedy man is an idolater. Colossians 3: 5 Materialism is a violation of the 1st Commandment. Exodus 20: 2-3 Luke 12: 16-21 This rich fool failed to come to grips with 3 facts. 1) The mortality of his present life 2) The eternal nature of the future life 3) The future life is being forged by the present life 1 Timothy 6: 7 is a stark warning. Most materialism is not only wrong it’s incredibly stupid. Money is evil This is the view of Asceticism, which believes that everything must be denied except the very basics. Is this the view of Scripture? The entire fabric of Old Testament teaching argues against Asceticism. God was the Lord of the harvest, the Lord of life. Deuteronomy 16: 13-15 1 Kings 4: 25 In the New Testament we find Jesus being the guest at parties. Matthew 11: 19 1 Timothy 4: 4-5 Choosing a biblical lifestyle Hebrews 13: 5 Are we content? Discontent stems from an inability to distinguish wants from needs. God is not a spoilsport. He likes us to enjoy some material pleasures. The Word of God is quite clear. Proverbs 22: 7 Debt has no love, no sympathy, and it can crush you. It creates anxiety, undermines joy, erodes giving opportunities, and binds you up. As disciples of Christ we’re called to serve a different kingdom. Matthew 6: 33 Matthew 13: 44-46 The Hidden Treasure and the Costly Pearl The Kingdom of God is the buy of a lifetime! Christians are Kingdom people and therefore need to make Christ-honouring lifestyle choices.
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