Rich (Nooma)
1 Timothy 6:6-10; 17-19

1.      Intro: Are You Rich?

Ø    Dad’s retirement counseling.  Weighing the pros & cons of retiring early.  Did he have enough?  Would the freedom to serve outweigh the loss of income & risks?  Clarification came when I asked how much his retirement income would be and what income class that would leave him in.

Ø    How many of you are rich, poor, or middle?  Now if you say “middle” do you mean that at least 25% of the nations households earn less than you (-24k) and 25% earn more than you(+100k)?

Ø    Two people who start working minimum wage jobs at the beginning of the year and get a small raise during the year make more than 25% of the families in the USA.

Ø    40-45% earn less than me depending on whether my benefits count.  My family take home is less than 50k

Ø    Rich = 2 of 3 basic needs (finished floor, toilet, running water) and at least one expensive asset (fridge, motorcycle, car) International Food Policy Research Institute

Ø    My dad realized that his retirement earnings would be well more than what half of working Americans earn.  His issue was spiritual.

2.      Scripture, 1 Timothy 6: 17-19, 6-10

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

3.      Don’t Arrogantly Trust in Your Wealth

Ø    How is trusting in wealth arrogant?  When it is seen as something I can do for myself.  I trust my wealth b4 God.

Ø    Do I?  Do I give tithes and offerings always?  Would I consider some choices outside the realm of serious consideration if they meant living below the poverty line?

Ø    Would I ever say “someday I will follow God in this area, when I can afford to do so?”

4.      Trust in Christ’s Gracious Provision

Ø    God says every good gift comes from the Father above.  James 1:17

Ø    Matthew 6

5.      Be Rich in Giving (Time, Love, Money)

Ø    God repays in multiples to those who give in this life.  “I tell you the truth… no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a 100x as much in this present age… and in the age to come, eternal life. Mk 10:29-30

Ø    Contentment.  You can have more at times without Christ, but instead of finding real peace & contentment we’ll find grief and find that it’s spiritually deadly; 6:9-10.

6.      Living for Eternity Is Truly Living

Ø    How many of us are rich by world’s standards, and not even poor by USA standards and yet are not content?

Ø    Godliness with contentment is great gain.

Ø    Content with food and clothing, and not even chasing these, but seeking first the kingdom.

7.      Nooma Video

8.      Invite: Will you give?

Ø    Where would God have you invest money?  Time?  Love?