W4 - "STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURES"

SERMON 4:

"STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURES"

November 23 | The Way English Ministry

MOMENT OF TITHING AND OFFERINGS

"Before we move into our giving time, I want to connect this to what we've been talking about today. Listen to this verse:

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT) — "Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good deeds and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so they can experience true life."

Here's the thing: money isn't evil. Money is a tool. And how we use it reveals what we really believe about God. When we give generously, we're saying, 'God, I trust you. I believe you'll take care of me. I'm not holding onto this out of fear.'

That's stewardship. That's recognizing that our treasures belong to God."

WELCOME TO NEW VISITORS

"I want to take a moment to welcome our new friends and visitors who are here with us today. We are so glad you're here! You didn't wake up this morning by accident—God brought you to The Way, and we believe that's significant.

Here's what I want you to know: church isn't just about Sunday mornings. We're a family that connects throughout the week, and we'd love for you to be part of that!

Here's how you can connect with us:

Conversation Clubs & Small Groups — We have groups meeting all across the city during the week. These are spaces where we dig deeper, ask real questions, and build genuine friendships. No judgment, just real community.

Social Media — Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website for updates, encouragement, and ways to stay connected.

Talk to someone today — Our team members are wearing name tags. Don't be shy—grab one of us and ask questions!

We believe that real faith happens in community, and we want you to experience that. You're not just a visitor—you're family.

And I want to leave you with this verse:

Proverbs 11:24-25 (NLT) — "The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. People curse those who hoard their grain, but they bless the one who sells in time of need."

In other words, generosity isn't just good for others—it's good for you. So join us this week in one of our groups and experience the blessing of community."

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black friday at the dinner in our store

report on the legendary Rio Bonito do Iguaçu

LAST WEEK'S SUMMARY

"For those who were with us last week—or for those who are new and wondering where we're coming from—let me give you the big picture of what we're doing this month.

We're in a five-week journey called 'Gratitude and Stewardship.'

Three weeks ago, we explored 'The Heart of Gratitude'—understanding that gratitude is a choice that transforms how we see God.

Two weeks ago, we talked about 'Stewardship of Time'—recognizing that our time is a gift from God and learning to use it wisely.

Last week, we explored 'Stewardship of Talents'—discovering that God has given us abilities and gifts, and He expects us to use them.

This week, we're asking: 'What about our money and possessions? How do we steward those?'

Because God didn't just give us time and talents. He gave us resources. And He has a lot to say about how we handle them.

So if you're new, don't worry—you're jumping in at the perfect moment. Let's go!"

INTRODUCTION:

"How many of you think about money?

All of us. We think about it constantly.

How much we have.

How much we need.

How much we're spending.

How much we're saving.

Money is one of the most stressful topics in our lives.

It causes anxiety. It causes conflict in relationships. It causes us to make decisions we're not proud of.

But here's what I'm learning: the problem isn't money.

The problem is our relationship with money.

Jesus said something radical in

Matthew 6:21: 'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'

In other words, what you do with your money reveals what you really believe.

It shows what you really value.

It reveals where your heart really is.

And that's what we're exploring today.

Because the Bible has a lot to say about money and possessions. Not to make us feel guilty. But to help us understand that how we handle our treasures is how we're handling our relationship with God.

Today, we're going to discover what it means to be a good steward of your money and possessions—and why it matters more than you think."

MAIN VERSE

Matthew 6:21 (NLT) "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Context:

The Author: Matthew, writing to a Jewish audience The Audience: Early Christians living in a materialistic culture The Purpose: Matthew is recording Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about true wealth and spiritual priorities. This verse is part of Jesus' teaching about not worrying about money and possessions, but instead seeking God's kingdom first.

The context is crucial:

Jesus isn't saying money is evil. He's saying that where you put your treasure reveals where your heart is. And He's challenging His followers to make sure their hearts are in the right place.

POINT 1: MONEY IS A TOOL, NOT A MASTER

Matthew 6:24 (NLT) — "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

The Greek/Hebrew Word Study:

Greek: "Mamona" (μαμωνᾶ) — money, wealth, riches

This word is interesting because it's not just about money—it's about the power of money.

It's personified as a master, a force that can control you.

Jesus is saying: money wants to be your master.

But you can't serve both money and God.

Supporting Scripture & Biblical Characters:

1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT) — "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows."

Notice: it's not money that's the root of evil. It's the love of money. It's when money becomes your master instead of your tool.

Proverbs 13:11 (NLT) — "Wealth gained hastily dwindles away, but whoever gathers little by little makes it grow."

The proverb is saying: be wise with money. Don't chase quick riches. Build slowly and steadily.

Biblical Character:

The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-22)

A young man came to Jesus and asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus told him to follow the commandments. The young man said he'd done all that. Then Jesus said, "Go, sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

But the young man went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Here's the thing: Jesus wasn't saying money is evil. He was saying that this young man's money had become his master.

He loved his money more than he loved God.

And Jesus was inviting him to change that.

Quote:

Craig Groeschel said: "Money is a tool to accomplish God's purposes, not a goal to be pursued."

that money is meant to be a tool, not a master.

It's meant to help you accomplish God's purposes, not to become your purpose.

Illustration:

The Warmth Moment (Humor & Connection)

"You know what's funny? We treat money like it's a person. We say things like, 'Money is the root of all evil,' or 'Money can't buy happiness,' or 'Money talks.'

And in a way, we're right. Because money does have power. It does influence our decisions. It does shape our lives.

But here's the thing: money is just a tool.

It's like a hammer. A hammer can build a house or hurt someone. The hammer isn't good or evil—it depends on how you use it.

Same with money.

Money can be used to help people or hurt people.

Money can be used to glorify God or to glorify yourself.

Money can be used to build God's kingdom or to build your own empire.

The question isn't whether you have money. The question is:

Is money your tool, or are you money's tool?

I have a friend who makes a lot of money. And he's one of the most generous people I know. He uses his money to help people, to support the church, to make a difference. His money is his tool.

I have another friend who also make much money. But he's always stressed about it. He's always worried. He's always trying to get more. His money is his master.

Same amount of stress. Different relationship with money."

Reflective Questions:

Is money your tool, or are you money's tool?

How would your life change if you saw money as a tool to accomplish God's purposes instead of a goal to be pursued?

Practical Application:

This week, try this:

Examine your relationship with money. Are you stressed about it? Are you chasing it? Are you using it wisely?

Ask yourself: What is money to me? Is it security? Is it status? Is it freedom? Is it a tool?

Make one decision about how you're going to use money differently this week.

POINT 2: GENEROSITY IS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE THAT TRANSFORMS YOUR HEART

Proverbs 11:24-25 (NLT) — "The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. People curse those who hoard their grain, but they bless the one who sells in time of need."

The Greek/Hebrew Word Study:

Hebrew: "Natan" (נָתַן) — to give, to grant, to bestow

This word implies intentional giving. It's not just about money falling out of your pocket. It's about making a deliberate choice to give.

Supporting Scripture & Biblical Characters:

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NLT) — "Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. 'For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.'"

Paul is saying: Generosity is a choice. And when you give cheerfully, you're giving to God, not just to people.

Luke 6:38 (NLT) — "Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back."

Jesus is saying: generosity creates a cycle. When you give, you receive. It's not a transaction—it's a principle of God's kingdom.

Biblical Character:

The Widow's Offering (Mark 12:41-44)

Jesus watched people putting money into the temple treasury. Rich people were putting in large amounts. But then a poor widow came and put in two small coins.

Jesus said to His disciples: "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who have given to the temple. For they gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

Here's the thing: generosity isn't about the amount. It's about the sacrifice. The widow gave less money, but she gave more of herself.

Quote:

Billy Graham said: "God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with."

Graham understood that generosity is built into our design. We're made to give. And when we do, we experience joy.

Illustration:

The Competence Moment (Science & Data)

"Here's something fascinating from psychology: giving actually makes you happier than receiving.

A study from the University of British Columbia found that people who spent money on others reported higher levels of happiness than people who spent money on themselves.

But here's the kicker: it didn't matter how much money they spent.

People who gave $5 to someone else were happier than people who spent $20 on themselves.

In other words: generosity creates happiness. Not the amount of money. The act of giving.

Think about it: when was the last time you felt truly happy? Was it when you bought something for yourself? Or was it when you gave something to someone else?

Most of us would say it was when we gave. Because generosity taps into something deeper in us. It taps into our purpose. It taps into our connection to others. It taps into our connection to God."

Reflective Questions:

When was the last time you gave generously? How did it make you feel?

What would change in your life if you practiced generosity as a spiritual discipline?

Practical Application:

This week, try this:

Give something away. Money, time, possessions—give something to someone who needs it.

Give cheerfully. Don't give reluctantly or out of obligation. Give with joy.

Notice how it makes you feel. Pay attention to the joy and satisfaction that comes from giving.

POINT 3: DEBT IS BONDAGE; FREEDOM COMES THROUGH WISE FINANCIAL DECISIONS

Romans 13:8 (NLT) — "Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law."

The Greek/Hebrew Word Study:

Greek: "Opheiletes" (ὀφειλέτης) — debtor, one who owes

Paul is saying: Don't be a debtor. Don't owe people. The only thing you should "owe" is love.

Supporting Scripture & Biblical Characters:

Proverbs 22:7 (NLT) — "Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender."

The proverb is clear: debt creates a master-servant relationship. When you borrow, you're putting yourself under someone else's authority.

Proverbs 21:5 (NLT) — "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."

The proverb is saying: be intentional with your finances. Plan ahead. Make wise decisions.

Biblical Character:

Joseph

Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt. But he worked hard and became successful. He was wise with resources. And when famine came, he had saved enough to help not just Egypt, but his own family.

Joseph didn't go into debt. He didn't make hasty financial decisions. He planned ahead. And because he did, he was able to help others when they needed it.

Quote:

Dave Ramsey (financial expert) said: "A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went."

Ramsey understood that financial freedom comes through intentional planning. You have to take control of your money instead of letting your money control you.

Illustration:

The Awe Moment (Story & Testimony)

"I want to tell you about a couple who came to our church about five years ago. They were drowning in debt. Credit cards, car loans, student loans—they owed over $150,000.

They were stressed. Their marriage was suffering. They felt hopeless.

But then they heard a message about financial stewardship, and something shifted. They decided to make a change. They created a budget. They cut expenses. They started paying off debt.

It took them four years. Four years of sacrifice. Four years of saying no to things they wanted. Four years of being intentional with every dollar.

But last year, they paid off the last of their debt. And he told me,

'Pastor, I can't describe the freedom we feel. It's not just financial freedom. It's emotional freedom. It's relational freedom. Our marriage is stronger. Our stress is gone. We can actually breathe.'

And now they're using the money they were spending on debt payments to help others. They're giving to the church. They're helping people in need. They're living generously.

That's what happens when you make wise financial decisions. You don't just get out of debt. You get your life back."

Reflective Questions:

Are you in debt? How is it affecting your life?

What would it look like for you to make wise financial decisions starting today?

Practical Application:

This week, try this:

Create a budget. Write down your income and your expenses. See where your money is going.

Identify one area where you can cut expenses or save money.

Make a plan to pay off debt or build savings. Even a small plan is better than no plan.

POINT 4: YOUR TREASURE REVEALS YOUR HEART; INVEST IN WHAT LASTS

Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT) — "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."

The Greek/Hebrew Word Study:

Greek: "Thesauros" (θησαυρός) — treasure, storehouse, something precious

Jesus is contrasting two kinds of treasures: earthly treasures (which are temporary and can be lost) and heavenly treasures (which are eternal and secure).

Supporting Scripture & Biblical Characters:

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT) — "Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good deeds and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so they can experience true life."

Paul is saying: use your money to do good. That's how you store up treasure in heaven. That's how you invest in what lasts.

Proverbs 10:2 (NLT) — "Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life."

The proverb is clear: money gained dishonestly or used selfishly doesn't last. But money used for good, for helping others, for God's kingdom—that lasts forever.

Biblical Character:

Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

Zacchaeus was a tax collector—he'd gotten rich by cheating people. But when he met Jesus, something changed. He said, "I will give half my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."

Jesus said, "Today salvation has come to this house."

Here's the thing: Zacchaeus' heart changed, and his treasure followed. He went from hoarding money to giving it away. And in doing so, he found true wealth—salvation, freedom, purpose.

Quote from a Renowned Figure:

C.S. Lewis wrote: "If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world."

Lewis understood that we're made for eternity.

And when we invest our treasures in eternal things—in God, in people, in His kingdom—we're investing in what truly satisfies.

Illustration:

The Warmth Moment (Humor & Connection)

"You know what's funny?

We spend so much time and energy accumulating stuff.

We work hard to buy things.

We organize our stuff.

We protect our stuff.

We worry about our stuff.

And then we die, and someone else gets our stuff.

I'm not trying to be morbid. I'm just saying: stuff doesn't last.

Houses get old.

Cars break down.

Clothes go out of style.

Money gets spent.

But you know what does last? People. Relationships.

The impact you have on others. The legacy you leave.

I have a friend whose dad passed away a few years ago. And you know what he didn't talk about at the funeral?

His dad's stuff. His house. His car. His money.

He talked about his dad's character. His dad's kindness. His dad's faith. The way his dad made him feel loved. The lessons his dad taught him.

That's what lasts. That's what people remember. That's what matters.

So here's the question:

What are you investing in?

Are you investing in stuff that will rust and decay?

Or are you investing in people and purposes that will last forever?"

Reflective Questions:

What treasures are you storing up on earth? What treasures are you storing up in heaven?

If you died today, what would people remember about how you used your money?

Practical Application:

This week, try this:

Make one investment in something eternal. Give to someone in need. Invest in a relationship. Support a cause that matters to God.

Ask yourself: What am I really investing in? Are my financial decisions aligned with my values?

Shift your perspective. Instead of asking, "How much can I accumulate?" ask, "How much can I give?"

CONCLUSION:

THE POWERFUL TAKEAWAY

"Here's what I want you to remember as you leave here today:

Your money is not your own. It's a tool that God has entrusted to you. And how you use it reveals what you really believe.

We've talked about four things today:

Money is a tool, not a master. It's meant to help you accomplish God's purposes, not to become your purpose.

Generosity is a spiritual practice that transforms your heart. When you give, you experience joy. When you give, you connect to God's heart.

Debt is bondage; freedom comes through wise financial decisions. Plan ahead. Make intentional choices. Take control of your money instead of letting your money control you.

Your treasure reveals your heart; invest in what lasts. Don't just accumulate stuff. Invest in people. Invest in God's kingdom. Invest in eternity.

But here's the real question: What are you going to do with this?

Because knowing this stuff doesn't change anything. Doing this stuff changes everything.

This week, I'm challenging you:

Make one wise financial decision.

Maybe it's creating a budget.

Maybe it's giving generously.

Maybe it's paying off debt.

Maybe it's shifting your perspective on what wealth really means.

Whatever it is, make it count.

Because your money matters. Your financial decisions matter. The way you steward your treasures matters.

And when you do it right, you're not just changing your financial situation.

You're changing your life.

You're changing your relationships.

You're changing your connection to God."

ALTAR CALL / APPEAL

"I want to invite you into something today. Not just to think about money stewardship, but to practice it. To commit to it.

If you're here today and you've been stressed about money—

worried about debt, anxious about the future, controlled by your desire for more—

I want to invite you to surrender that to Jesus right now.

Here's what I mean: Jesus came to give us abundant life.

But we can't experience that abundance if we're enslaved to money.

We can't experience that abundance if we're stressed and anxious.

We can't experience that abundance if we're not generous.

So I'm going to pray, and I want you to pray with me. And if you want to make a commitment—a real commitment—to be a better steward of your money, to make wise financial decisions, to practice generosity, to invest in what lasts, I want you to stand up. Not because you have to. But because you want to. Because you're ready to let God transform your relationship with money.

Let's pray:

"Father, thank you for the resources You've given me. Thank you for providing for my needs.

I confess that I've been stressed about money. I've been controlled by my desire for more. I've been selfish with what I have. I've made unwise financial decisions.

Today, I'm choosing differently. I'm choosing to see money as a tool, not a master. I'm choosing to be generous. I'm choosing to make wise financial decisions. I'm choosing to invest in what lasts.

Help me this week to take one step toward better financial stewardship. Help me to trust You with my finances. Help me to use my money to glorify You and bless others.

Transform my relationship with money. Transform my life through wise stewardship.

In Jesus' name, Amen."

"If you stood up, or if you want to talk to someone about what that commitment looks like, our team is here. We're going to have some people available after service.

Don't leave without connecting with someone.

And everyone else—I want to challenge you too.

This week, make one wise financial decision. Create a budget. Give generously. Pay off debt. Shift your perspective.

Because your money matters. Your financial decisions matter. The way you steward your treasures matters.

Let's worship together."