A Mature Church Has a Godly Perspective on Money

How many of you here this morning would consider yourself to be poor?

How many of you would consider yourselves to be comfortable?

How about rich?

Actually, as Americans, you and I are considered very wealthy in comparison to the global population.

U.S. Wealth in a Global Context:

In 2022, the United States had the highest number of millionaires, accounting for 38% of the global total. - Investopedia

The average wealth per adult in the U.S. was significantly higher than the global average, reflecting the country's overall economic prosperity.

Poverty Comparisons:

The World Bank's International Poverty Line is set at $2.15 per person per day. - Our World in Data

In contrast, the U.S. poverty threshold for a single individual under 65 was approximately $30 per day in 2011 international dollars, indicating a higher standard of living even among those considered poor in the U.S. - Our World in Data

Income Distribution:

A study by the Pew Research Center found that only 2% of Americans were considered poor by global standards, while a significant portion of the global population lived on less than $10 per day. - Pew Research Center

So, it’s all about perspective, isn’t it?

Friends, we are a wealthy bunch and so this passage is very appropriate for most all of us this morning.

Certainly from Paul’s perspective Christians today in the USA he would consider fabulously wealthy.

I mean, how many of you have a indoor flush toilet? Just sayin’

We are Rich Christians! And as such, we have some things to learn from this passage.

Main Idea: Rich Christians Have Three Things to Learn

1. Hey Rich People - Put Your Trust in God (vs. 17)

1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV)

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Have you ever wondered what being rich was like in Paul’s day?

“In the Roman world, wealth was largely concentrated in the hands of a few aristocratic families, who controlled the vast majority of resources, leaving most people to depend on patrons for their basic needs. The early church’s teachings on wealth, therefore, reflect a countercultural perspective that calls for generosity and community over status and control” (Keener, IVP Bible Background Commentary, p. 591).

“The early Christian community did not necessarily condemn wealth but advocated for a responsible use of resources, where the wealthy were encouraged to support the church and its mission rather than pursue personal gain” (Witherington, Jesus and Money, p. 77).

Think about this. What does the church have in common with one another? Jesus Christ.

This is our main commonality. We are all here because of Jesus. So it was back then!

In the past, we talked about the leveling nature of the church when it came to slaves and masters.

No longer did they have that relationship with one another, now they were brothers and sisters in Christ.

So it is with the wealthy and the poor.

One’s social economic position should have no effect one’s our relationship with one another within the local church. All are equal at the foot of the cross.

If you have money it is because God blessed you with that money. God blessed you with the capability to have that money.

Paul specifically says to Timothy to charge them, “Don’t be haughty”

Why does Paul tell Timothy this?

Because, rich people can become haughty, snooty, and proud. They can begin to think of themselves as more important than they really are. The can think that they are responsible for their wealth and that they deserve it.

1 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)

For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

Can you walk? You received that ability from God.

Can you talk? You received that ability from God.

Can you breathe? You received that ability from God.

Everything you are, and everything you have comes from the gracious hand of God.

And as Job so starkly declared…

Job 1:21 (ESV)

And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Everything is from the Lord!

Look again at the challenge Paul gives the rich through Timothy…

1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV)

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Don’t be proud

Don’t put your hopes on money because money might just go away!

Let me remind you of this important proverb…

Proverbs 23:4–5 (CSB)

Don’t wear yourself out to get rich; because you know better, stop! As soon as your eyes fly to it, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.

Your money might fly away, but the Lord will not!

Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Do you see the contrast here between money and the presence of God?

Sometimes we have money and sometimes we don’t, but if we are Christ’s we always have Him!

Friends, where do you place your hope?

It is easy to place our hope and trust in our wealth because it is tangible.

We can see it and use it right away!

Amazon - just push the button and your desires are shipped right to your door.

But that is so foolish because of the uncertainty of riches. It is far more wise to instead place your hope in God.

James 1:17 (ESV)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Have you ever done a priority check?

Because remember what Jesus said?

Matthew 6:21 (ESV)

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Do you treasure Christ? Or do you treasure riches?

Is your security in Christ? Or is your security in money?

Is your foundation Christ? Or is it your finances?

Where does most of my money go each month?

Does it primarily go toward maintaining comfort and security, or do I joyfully give to support God’s work, even sacrificially?

Am I quick to give when I see needs around me, or do I hesitate, concerned it might affect my security?

Do I experience panic or peace during financial uncertainty?

If financial anxiety is high, it might signal an over-reliance on money for stability.

Am I willing to trust God’s provision even if I don't see a clear path ahead?

Imagine being asked to give generously to a cause or someone in need, knowing it might stretch you financially. What’s your initial reaction?

If you lost your job or a significant income source tomorrow, where would your mind go first?

To anxiety over finances, or to prayer and trust that God will provide?

Do you believe money can protect you from life’s challenges, or do you see God as the only true source of security?

If financial resources are removed, do you still feel secure in God’s hands, or is fear taking over?

At the end, pray about where you may be holding too tightly to finances.

Ask God to help you shift your trust from material security to Him and to take any step He prompts you to take—whether it’s increasing your giving, supporting a mission, or seeking contentment with what you have.

If you're feeling anxious about financial instability at home, take time this week to list your worries about money on one side of a page.

On the other side, write down specific instances in the past where God has provided for your needs.

Revisit these when anxiety strikes.

Trusting in God rather than solely relying on your finances can lead to peace.

Schedule a time with your family to pray over your budget together, asking for God's wisdom and providing support to one another.

This practice can strengthen your faith as a household.

Review - Rich Christians Have Three Things to Learn

Put Your Trust In God

2. Hey Rich People - Give Up Your Gold (vs. 18)

1 Timothy 6:18 (ESV)

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

If there is somethings we christians should be rich in, it is two-fold according to Paul

Rich in good works

and

Generous and ready to share

Of course we know that salvation is not by works.

We can never do enough “good deeds” to earn a spot in Heaven.

God is not interested in that program.

He doesn’t want Heaven full of a bunch of people who brag and boast about the things they did to achieve their spot in the Heavenly realms.

Imagine that!

How did you get to heaven? Well, I got to heaven by giving $350,000 over the course of my life.

Ha! That’s it? I gave 1.7 million!

Big deal, I saved a little boy from drowning.

Really? That’s impressive - too bad it doesn’t compare to how I saved an entire town from a cholera epidemic…

On an on it would go.

Heaven would be Hell if it were an eternity of one upping one another.

If Heaven were achievable by good works or by being good, how good is good enough?

Remember what Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-10?

Ephesians 2:8–10 (ESV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Although salvation is by grace through faith, there are good works that we are to perform as followers of Christ. Believers are to walk in these works. Our lives are to be characterized by them.

In 1 Timothy 6:18 Paul thinks that these works are SO important that we are to be RICH in them.

Christians are to be millionaires in good works.

As Christians we are to be open handed with the finances that God has entrusted to us. We must be always ready to share.

Here are some ideas…

Serve the Poor and Needy

Proverbs 19:17 (ESV)

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

Volunteering at a food bank or helping a struggling family with financial support.

Show Hospitality to Strangers

Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Inviting neighbors or newcomers to church into your home for a meal or fellowship.

Encourage and Build Up Others

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Sending notes of encouragement, praying with others, or offering practical help.

Visit and Care for the Sick

James 5:14 (ESV)

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Visiting those who are ill, bringing meals, or praying with those in the hospital.

Support Orphans and Widows

James 1:27 (ESV)

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Providing practical support to foster families or checking in regularly with widows in the church.

Share Resources with Those in Need

Hebrews 13:16 (ESV)

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Donating money, clothing, or food items to those experiencing hardship. Make a pledge to our “Giving by Faith” missions focus.

Make Disciples by Teaching and Mentoring Others

Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV)

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Leading a small group, discipling a new believer, or mentoring a young person.

Pray for Others Consistently

Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Committing to pray regularly for church members, leaders, missionaries, and others in need.

Why does God have us walk in these good works? It is simple, really. When we are rich in good works and generous with what He has entrusted to us, we make Him look good.

We reflect His glory. People see Jesus when they see you doing good on His behalf.

What good are you doing throughout your average week?

Are you a millionaire in good works?

Are you making Jesus look good?

If not, why not make a commitment today?

In Matthew 19:16-24, Jesus speaks to a rich young ruler who asks, 'What must I do to inherit eternal life?' When told to sell his possessions and follow Him, the young man turned away sad. This story illustrates how wealth can become a barrier to trust in God. Many hold onto their riches, believing that money will secure happiness and security. Yet, true fulfillment comes from surrendering our trust to God rather than clinging to our possessions

Review - Rich Christians Have Three Things to Learn

Put Your Trust In God

Give up your gold (for something far greater) Which leads into the last point…

3. Hey Rich People - Know True Treasure (vs. 19)

1 Timothy 6:19 (ESV)

thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Why do you think church used to have graveyards (not cemetery) right next to the church building back in the day?

Because it reminded the church, children and adults, that this life is finite. It will come to an end.

Things on real tombstones…

Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs Bunny

"That's All Folks!"

Merv Griffin, TV host and creator

"I will not be right back after this message."

B.P. Roberts in Key West, Florida

"I told you I was sick."

John Yeast

"Here lies John Yeast. Pardon me for not rising."

William H. Hahn Jr.

"I knew this would happen."

Margaret Daniels in Richmond, Virginia

"She always said her feet were killing her, but nobody believed her."

Ezekiel Aikle in East Dalhousie Cemetery, Nova Scotia

"Here lies Ezekiel Aikle, Age 102. The Good Die Young."

Anna Wallace in Ribbesford, England

"The children of Israel wanted bread, And the Lord sent them manna. Old clerk Wallace wanted a wife, And the Devil sent him Anna."

We laugh, but in all seriousness, you will die.

None of us in this room will make it out of this life alive unless the Lord returns to take you home.

It’s good for us to recognize this. We should be not be shielded from this reality.

Death is a profound reality. It is a devastating truth that we all must come to terms with.

We all will die.

We all will be lowered into the ground.

One of you may die this week, this month, this year.

There is no discrimination with death.

We must all prepare to meet our maker.

But for the true believer in Christ, death is a formality.

Death is a portal to life.

1 Corinthians 15:55–57 (ESV)

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Death no longer holds power over those of us that have victory through Jesus Christ.

Explain the gospel…

Look at the benefit of “death” for the believer…

1 Timothy 6:18–19 (ESV)

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

As you walk as a follower of Christ, there is a future benefit for you.

That is what Paul is saying here.

Thus Timothy was to charge the well-off to do good, to be rich, not ultimately in money, but in good deeds. The wealthy should make every effort to be generous and willing to share what they have. If they do this they will lay up treasure for themselves in heaven. - The Bible Knowledge Commentary (6:18–19)

Matthew 6:19–21 (ESV)

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Storing up treasure in Heaven is taking hold of that which is TRULY LIFE!

This is so counter intuitive. It doesn’t make sense from our limited perspective.

The world’s mantra is, “He who dies with the most toys wins.”

Or “They that have the most experiences wins.”

Stuff and experiences are not bad.

But, if they become what we live for, then we are revealing our hearts!

Hear the Words of Jesus again - “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Do you want to take hold of true life?

Then you need to change the way you view yourself, your life, and the will of God.

If you are a Christian, then you are no longer in charge of your life. Christ is your King.

Your life is bought by the blood of Christ. You are now a slave to righteousness.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (ESV)

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

We now, as Christians live for Him! This is God’s will for you!

Some of you might be thinking, “I don’t want to be a slave to anyone!” “I’m my own boss.”

I can understand that feeling.

However, you must understand two things…

You are already a slave to sin. And this will lead to death.

John 8:34 (ESV)

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.

Being a slave to Christ is the best thing you could ever imagine. This leads to life!

1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV)

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—

So, do you know what true treasure is?

Do you understand that stuff and experiences, as wonderful as they may be will not last?

Do you realize that investing in eternity is the wisest and most fruitful investment you will ever make?

How can you invest in True Treasure?

Matthew 22:37–40 (ESV)

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Now listen to me.

Don’t allow your familiarity with these verses draw you away from the profound nature of them.

These verses sum up the Bible.

If you want to invest in eternities true treasure, then you must invest in knowing and obeying what the book of eternity teaches.

I want nothing more for you than for you to build up for yourself a foundation in the next life.

I want you to truly grab onto eternal life.

I had the privilege of working for Prince Corporation in Holland, MI as a design engineer.

It was a wonderful job and there were a lot of believers that worked there.

Ed Prince, the founder and owner was a believer, and the culture of organization reflected it well.

Except in one area. The employees worked too much in my opinion.

The project engineers, the designers, the electrical engineers were always pushing, pushing, pushing, to complete the next project, to reach the next benchmark, to achieve the next goal.

I remember having a conversation with one engineer who was working 70+ hours per week.

Not surprisingly his home life was deteriorating.

I said to him at one point when he was so stressed about the project he was working on, I said, brother (he was a believer) don’t forget what we are doing here.

We are making plastic car parts that one day will burn up!

Don’t lose your life for stuff that will burn up!

Focus on those things that will last.

What are things that will last?

What can you bring to Heaven with you? Nothing but your disciples.

Husbands, are you discipling your wives? Wives are you helping your husbands to grow in Christ?

Parents, your first and your best disciples should be your children.

How well are you doing showing them Christ, teaching them Christ, being Christ to them?

What are you doing with your money?

Are you lavishing it on yourself or are you investing it in the church and God’s Kingdom?

One investment will burn, the other will last forever.

Review - Rich Christians Have Three Things to Learn

Put Your Trust In God

Give up your gold (for something far greater)

Know True Treasure

Conclusion

Alright, here’s the deal: everything we own, everything we save—it’s all temporary.

We can work ourselves to the bone to gain more, but at the end of the day, none of it comes with us.

So the question we each need to answer is this: where’s our heart?

Are we invested in what’s going to last?

God calls us to be rich, not in stuff that rusts, but in things that will stand the test of eternity.

To be the kind of people who pour out, give, and live so that others see Him.

Imagine a life where our money isn’t our security, but just another tool in God’s hands—used to bless, build up, and reach out.

Hold what you have loosely, give generously, and live with the kind of wealth that pleases the Lord.