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In our culture:
The illusion of human “ownership” (Luke 12:20; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; Prov. 23:4,5)
Material wealth is temporal and does not last beyond our last breathe.
What is wealth?
A snare (Matt. 19:16-30, Luke 12:13-34, 1 Tim. 6:9-10; James 5:1-3) (Desire for or attachment
to)
"Mammon" is "the Greek form of a Syrian or Aramaic word for worldly wealth. It is
called "unrighteous," because it is often obtained and/or used unrighteously.
The Greek word aphron {af'-rone}, in Luke 12:20, translated “fool” literally means
“one who is unwise or without reason”.
We need to remember that no amount of wealth can purchase salvation (Ps. 49:6-8)
What is your first thought when you receive a “windfall” like the man in the parables?
Is it, like his, a concern for how to “preserve” your wealth for later personal enjoyment?
(Luke 12: 16-20; see also Deut. 8:12-14)
How does God want us to view and handle money? (Stewardship) (Ps. 24:1)
We are all stewards in the sense that all that we have, our money, our time, our strength, our
talents, etc. ultimately comes from God (Ps. 24:1, Deut. 8:17-18) and has been given into our
hands to use for his glory (1 Pe. 4:10-11). We do not own anything, but we are given
custody of certain resources by God for a time (Job 1:21, Ps. 49:16-20).
Stewardship involves:
Learning to be content with what God’s gives us (Heb. 13:5, 1 Tim. 6:7-8)
Each of us will be called to “give and account” of our stewardship (Matt. 25:21 & 23; 2 Cor.
5:10; 1 Cor. 4:2)
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be (Luke 12:34)
Our priorities should be focused on those things which impact our eternal destiny, and that of
others. (Matt. 6:19-20)
Are you seeking first the Kingdom of God? (Luke 12:31) How?
It glorifies God.
To, as the hands of Christ, give others a “hand up” (Mark 12:30; 1 Pe.
4:10)
Use your money in such a way that you are winning others, not
only to Christ, but to yourself, for you never win anyone to Christ
without winning him, in some degree, to yourself. By means of
hospitality, or in giving to some missionary venture, or by
investing a sum to help in a time of need, money may be used for
eternal good. It is not enough to pray for the lost; we must pay
for them too. Invest in the souls of others!
Our best (Gen. 4: 3-5, Cain vs. Abel, Giving first fruits,
choice portions)
Our all
Tithing does not mean 10% for God and 90% for ourselves?
Honestly and from the Heart (2 Cor. 8:12: 9:7, Acts 5:1-11, Ananias &
Sapphira, Giving for the sake of appearance, Luke 18:9-14, Pharisee &
Tax Collector)
Cheerfully (2 Cor. 9: 7)
To the undeserving
As someone has said, "We can't take it with us, but we can send it on
ahead."
Remember that we are a part of God’s Kingdom NOW, not just later.
Is God truly Lord of your life, including Lord of all the financial resources under your
control?
Our unbelief causes to God withhold miracles (Matt. 13:58, James 1:6-8, Deut.
32:20)
Conversely, acting on our faith can unlock miraculous things (Matt. 8:2-3, 9:20-22, 28-
30, 15:21-28, 20:30-34, Isa. 50:2, Acts 6:8)
Everything is possible for him who believes (Mark 9:23, 11:23, Matt. 17:20-
21, 21:21, Luke 17:6, Jer. 32:17, Eph. 3:20)
Perhaps because we all know in our hearts that we have been less than perfect
stewards of God’s generous gifts to us
Our failures should serve to remind us of our need to rely on the power of God
(Deut. 8:18, 2 Chron. 14:11)
How would your life be different if you really lived it as though you trusted in
God’s promises? (John 14:12-14)