Rags & Riches

Introduction:

· Coming to church & hearing a message on wealth = getting the oil changed on your car

· Looking at the ways wisdom shapes us, and WEALTH is a significant one – yet it comes with

THIS IS TRUE BECAUSE THERE ARE VERY DIFFERENT UNDERSTANDINGS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WEALTH AND FAITH.

I) Is Wealth A Sign of Blessing…Or Curse?

A. Is Wealth a Sign of God’s Favor?

i. Biblical Evidence suggests wealth is a “fortified city”: (Prov. 10:15)

Proverbs 10:15 ESV

A rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.

1. Wealth DOES offer protection, insulation

2. Secular culture: wealth = happiness

3. Religious Culture: Wealth is a sign of blessing

a. You work hard, follow the rules à success

b. OR you don’t àpoverty

ii. Yet, Biblical Evidence also warns about the dangers of wealth (Pr. 18:11)

Proverbs 18:11 ESV

A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.

1. Yet, for many, wealth is but an illusion: can’t protect, can’t fulfill!

2. Yet, we foolishly focus on wealth but it is fleeting (23:4-5)

B. Okay then; Is wealth a Sign of moral weakness? (Mt. 19:22-24)

i. Biblical Evidence suggests wealth is a moral liability

1. Wealth means that you have taken advantage of the poor (Prov. 13:23)

Proverbs 13:23 ESV

The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food, but it is swept away through injustice.

2. Wealthy people have privilege, are dishonest

ii. Biblical Evidence shows that God blesses us with wealth

1. Yet, many examples of righteous who ARE wealthy

2. Wealth is a reward for hard work (Prov. 12:27)

Proverbs 12:27 ESV

Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.

WHICH IS IT? WE PREFER SIMPLE CATEGORIES BUT IT’S NEVER THAT SIMPLE. INSTEAD, WISE PEOPLE LEARN TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR WEALTH.

II) A different (Better) Question: What Treasure do We Trust?

A. Wisdom will Shape How We Use our Wealth

i. Wise people ask: “How did I gain my wealth?” (Prov. 10:2)

1. God warns against gaining wealth dishonestly but commends diligence

2. EXAMPLES: Diligent, honest hard work are pleasing to God

ii. Wise people ask: “What am I doing with my wealth?”(Prov. 22:9)

Proverbs 22:9 ESV

Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

1. We are not owners, but stewards of all we have

2. EXAMPLE:

B. Wisdom Will Shape The Treasure that We Trust

i. The Ultimate Unhappiness of even the righteous wealthy

1. Even in a wealthy society – we are less happy now than ever

2. EXAMPLE: “God’s practical joke.”

3. Why wealth destroys: “It’s not just money, but an “unscalable wall”

ii. The [wicked] trust in riches and will fall

1. The contrast in our text: “righteous” and “those trusting in riches.”

2. Meaning: Wickedness isn’t HAVING wealth, but TRUSTING it.

3. Unlike a green leaf, those who trust in wealth “Shrivel” and die.

iii. The righteous [trust in_____] and will flourish (Proverbs 10:2)

Proverbs 10:2 ESV

Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.

1. The righteous trust in __________? Something that won’t let them down

2. Wealth can’t deliver us from wrath, judgment…but righteousness

iv. The true treasure

1. But not OUR righteousness; Jesus IS our righteousness

2. This is why Paul can say he’s content

3. As we know we are loved in Christ, we’re generousàjust money!

Transition:

Conclusion

Coming to Communion reminds us of Jesus, our treasure!