Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:3-10
Money Perspectives
Intro.
1. The relationship we have with material possessions can either define and strengthen our faith or destroy our faith, Mark 12:41-44.
2. Both poor and rich can be captured and destroyed by the love of money. Therefore, Prov. 30:7-9.
3. Money is a tool, a medium of exchange for goods and services.
4. We must allow God’s word to define our relationship to our possessions (in every form they take), 1 Tim. 6:6-10 (Luke 16:13).
(1) Realize money can't make you happy.
a. Gives the illusion of strength (safety), but deludes, Prov. 18:10-11; 11:28 (Luke 16:24); 1 John 2:15-17.
b. Riches give no joy in the day of wrath, Prov. 11:4.
c. Trust in the Lord, 1 Tim. 6:17.
(2) Live for the
enduring riches,
Matt. 6:19-21.
a. Eternal things, 2 Cor. 4:18-5:1.
b. Needful things that will not be taken from you, Luke 10:40-42.
c. Live for Christ (reproaches),
greater riches, Heb.
11:26;
Matt. 5:11-12.
(3) Know that money will pass
away, James
5:1-3.
a. Temporary (can’t take it with you),
1 Tim. 6:7;
Ps. 49:16-17;
Eccl. 5:15-16.
b. Misuse of wealth judged and condemned, James 5:4-6.
(4) Be content with what you have, cf. Luke 12:13-19 (Eccl. 5:10).
a. Contentment (not anxious) toward material things is a matter of faith in the Lord to provide, Matt. 6:25-34.
b. Contentment is learned through experience and applying God’s truth toward our possessions, Phil. 4:11-13.
(5) Put people above money, 1 Tim. 6:18-19; 1 John 3:17-18.
a. Be generous, Prov. 11:24-26.
b. Without thought of return,
Eccl. 11:1-2;
Enemies, Luke 6:30-35.
(6) Devote money to right causes, John 12:1-8.
a. Give to the Lord, 1 Cor. 16:1-2 (Acts 4:34-37).
b. Helping others, Luke 10:33-35.
(7) Maintain character above acquiring, Prov. 13:7.
a. Accumulate troubles when riches is our goal, Eccl. 5:11-14:
1) Fair-weather friends, 5:11.
2) Limitations, 5:11.
3) Anxiety, lack of rest, 5:12 (time is consumed).
4) Hurt and misfortune, 5:13-14.
b. Rich young man trusted his riches and lacked faith to sacrifice possessions to follow Jesus, Mark 10:17-22 (cf. jobs, etc.).
c. Greed, covetousness, Luke 12:15-21 (16:14); 1 Tim. 6:9-10. (Once acquired, still an emptiness without God.)
d. Humility, 1 Tim. 6:17; James 1:9-10.
Conclusion
1. What will a man be profited if he gains the world and loses his soul? Matt. 16:26
2. Trusting in wealth is futile because all the money in the world cannot redeem one soul from sin and eternal death, Ps. 49:5-12.
3. Trust and follow Jesus; His blood will
redeem you, Col.
1:12-14.
Adapted from:
Growthtrac Marriage Minute - Thursday, November 5 2009
Keeping Finances in Proper Perspective
• Realize that money can't make you happy
• Live for what really matters
• Know that riches will pass away
• Be content with what you have
• Put people above money
• Invest in the right places
• Keep character above acquiring
Excerpt taken from: Blueprints for a Solid Marriage
Copyright © 2006 by Dr. Steve Stevens, Published by Tyndale.
Used by Permission.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted March 23, 2022