Approaching God and Riches

Intro

Growing up and getting ready for church

Dead cat in the car!

how do you approach God?

like a vending machine? or like a magic 8 ball?

Or do you act as if he is unapproachable?

Solomon teaches us today, how we approach God matters

it impacts all of our worship and view of Him as well as how we handle His blessings.

Approaching God (1-7)

Whether in worship or in prayer, the how and the prep matters

do yo prepare to go to worship

set your heart right

pray

spend time in the Word

Draw near to listen

God has something to tell you!

sacrifice of fools

use big words to impress, do crazy things to get His attention, only giving Him moments instead of time

Matthew 6:7-8 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

God is in heaven, you are on earth

he knows the truth

you wont get special attention because you use fancy words

We let our minds be filled with so much. So much distractions, we talk like blabbering fools, stop and listen

making promises

don’t back out, it is serious!

foolish vows to manipulate God

Jephthah's foolish vow

Don’t claim a mistake, God knows your heart

Don’t provoke his anger by your words

Approaching Corruption (8-9)

We see it, we know it, don’t be shocked by it

corruption in government is there

even still it is necessary and important

people in power seek more of it and the riches that comes with it

Approaching Riches (9-20)

Nothing wrong with working hard and enjoying the fruit of your labor

warnings to look for

1st warning

love of money

can never be satisfied

1 Tim, says “love of money is the root of all kinds of evil”

2nd warning

love of money lead to sleepless nights, worrying always about how to gain more and fears of loosing it all

working man satisfied with what God has blessed him with

3rd warning

don’t hoard it

hoarding for more, can lead to loosing it all

nothing left to support family

obligation to help those in need, to support missions

God blessed you this way for a reason

you will leave this world as you entered it

naked and with nothing

It is good

celebrate the work of your hands

eat, sleep, enjoy yourself

but remember your fellow man

remember it is God who blesses you

Conclusion

God has not appointed for everyone to have wealth

but there certainly are riches that we have

No matter what or how much God has blessed you

fear God, respect and reverence

approach him to listen and learn

God loves you

his plans for you are great and amazing

the awe-inspiring creator of the universe wants to have a relationship with you

offers you forgiveness, mercy, and grace

has great plans for you if only you would follow him.