A Renewal of Our Use of Money

Intro

Who knows our mission statement?

*Wait for the right answer and give $20*

What?! You didn’t know money was involved?

I’m pretty sure that made some of you uncomfortable… money has a way of doing that

Good thing we are talking about money today!

The Bible speaks a ton about finances

*Read Ozirney, p. 7*

If the Bible talks about it, we do it. Money is important, and it is part of our spiritual renewal

Read Matthew 19:16 - 29 and pray

Avoid Temptation

It is so tempting to fall in love with money

Tempting whether you have it or not!

If you have it: Enjoyable, tangible, opens many doors to happiness

If you don’t have it: See others enjoy it, and it becomes a longing in your heart

How do you view money? What does it bring you?

Satisfaction (Money will give me what I need to be happy)

Significance (Money will afford me prestige)

Security (Money will take away my anxiety)

The way you view money will be the way you are tempted by it

Each of these things is a gift God wants to fill in your life (go over list again with God as fulfillment)

Which is why the love of money is so spiritually dangerous

Cf. 1 Timothy 6:9-10.

The love of money (not money itself) is the root of evil

It leads to evil because money begins to replace our need for God

Jesus declares that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle then for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven (v. 23 - 24)

The disciples were astounded because it was readily believed that affluence was a sign of God’s blessing

Therefore, the rich were closer to God; had His favour

Christ teaches the opposite, and the reason is because wealth gives us the deception that we have what we need

Affluence can be one of the biggest obstacles to the Gospel

It can also take our eyes off of what is most important as believers

*Share about Tim admitting he is too preoccupied with the things of this world*

Focus Devotion

The teaching of Christ is about much more than money, it is about focusing our devotion

What are you devoted to? Money often vies to claim the allegiance of our hearts

Cf. Matthew 6:24.

This was the case for the rich young man of our story. He believed in God; kept the commandments, but stopped short of devotion

“What good thing must I do” (v. 16)

Response = only God is good; you cannot be good enough to earn your way into heaven

Instead, keep the commandments

Not about earning salvation, but about being in right relationship with God and others (role of the Law)

Everything changed with Jesus’ death & resurrection

Jesus lists commandments 5 - 9, excluding the tenth (do not covet)

He knows the weak spot already

“What do I still lack?” (v. 20)

“Perfect” = “telos” = mature, fully developed, complete

Not without blemish or mistake

Sell what you posses and give it to the poor… and follow me

Couldn’t do it! He was more devoted to his wealth than to God

Where is your devotion?

The answer is to focus our devotion on Jesus Christ, and everything else will slide in place underneath

This is a huge part of our mission at SBF, to encourage one another to “live devoted to Jesus Christ”

Harder to do on your own; let your spiritual family help you along the path of discipleship

Fellowship Groups, Discipleship Groups, spiritual friendships, etc.

Devotion means giving EVERYTHING in your life to Jesus

We have talked about some personal and sensitive topics recently (division, church discipline, divorce, now money)

I have the sneaking suspicion Jesus is interested in ALL areas of our life

What area do you find hardest to give over to Him?

Your money, sexuality, kids, career?

*Describe the extending disarming scene by Mando in the Book of Boba Fett*

Make an Eternal Investment

Use your wealth to make an eternal investment in the kingdom of God

Jesus commanded the young man to not only sell all that he owned, but to give it to the poor

He couldn’t; but Zacchaeus could (paraphrase Luke 19:1 - 10)

“Today salvation has come to this house;” Zaccheaus was now using his wealth for the sake of the kingdom of God in response to following Jesus

Not earning salvation; not keeping commandments; out of His devotion for Christ

Likewise, our devotion to Christ should be evident in our generosity to building His kingdom

One main way to do this is by faithfully giving to your local church: (disclaimer to visitors and those who are checking SBF out)

Prayerfully make a plan (10% not a rule!)

Prioritize your plan (giving as firstfruits)

Our commitment is to steward the funds you have given and use them for God’s kingdom work!

*Mention increased spending for missions and ministries, thanks to SBF generosity*

Don’t limit your generosity to the church

Support missionaries, students, food banks, gifts to friends and family members… all can be given with a generous spirit

*Share personal strategy and experience as supported missionaries*

Your return on investment will be invaluable

There is a tremendous promise attached to the commandment: Give up earthly treasure and you will receive heavenly treasure (v. 21)

Jesus requires you to give everything to Him, and then He turns around and gives you MORE.

Peter was worried about what he had given up (v. 27), but Jesus puts his heart and mind at ease:

Re-read verses 29 - 30

Store up your treasure in heaven, because it is much more valuable

“A hundredfold” according to Jesus

Cf. Luke 12:33-34.

Invest in the kingdom (sell and give)

Focus devotion (where treasure is, heart also)

Return on investment is incredible (does not fail; can’t be taken away)

This takes faith! We can see our earthly treasure, and enjoy our possessions. Dare we give this up for what we cannot see?

The math adds up; “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose” (Jim Elliot)

Conclusion

We renew our use of money by:

Avoiding its temptation

Looking to God for satisfaction, significance and security

Focusing our devotion

By giving every area of our life (including finances) to Jesus

Making an eternal investment

Giving generously for God’s kingdom, and placing our hope in heavenly treasure that will never fade

Pray

Take it Home

How do you view money (satisfaction, significance, security)? Pray to ask God to provide this for you instead.

What area of your life are you holding back from devoting to Jesus? Tell someone you trust that you are giving it over to Him.

Make a plan to invest in the kingdom of God.