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The Christian and Money. In This Study . Matt. 6:24 – You CANNOT serve God and mammon. 1196 verses dealing with money (Provident Planning) It is a subject we need to think about, from a Biblical standpoint!. The Christian and Money The Danger of Materialism (2). In our last lesson:.
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In This Study • Matt. 6:24 – You CANNOT serve God and mammon. • 1196 verses dealing with money(Provident Planning) • It is a subject we need to think about, from a Biblical standpoint!
In our last lesson: • 2 Tim. 3:1-5 • Materialism is found everywhere around us, including in churches • Examples of materialism:Balaam, Achan, David & Bathsheeba, Gehazi, Solomon, Ananias & Saphira, Judas Iscariot
Materialism & the Bible • Luke 12:15 – Beware of covetousness • Luke 8:7, 14 – The “thorny soil” • 1 John 2:15-16 • 1 Tim. 6:10 – love of money • Matthew 6:24
Dangers of Materialism • It distorts our spiritual perspective • Prosperity often draws one’s reasoning away from God • Matt. 19:16-22 – Rich, young ruler • Rev. 3:17-18 – Laodicea • Jer. 2:11-13 – Judah - broken cisterns that hold no water
Dangers of Materialism • It blinds us to curses of wealth • Wealth is NOT sinful of itself, but neither is it virtuous! • Eccl. 5:10-15 • Ezek. 28:4-5 – heart lifted up • Hosea 13:6 – they forgot God • Matt. 19:23-26 – it is HARD for a rich man to enter heaven!
Dangers of Materialism • It can cause unhappiness & anxiety • Wealth and worry! • No happiness because it is never enough! • Prov. 30:15 • Ecclesiastes - All things bring vanity • Phil. 4:6, Matt. 6:25-34
Dangers of Materialism • It obscures the best things • When we “have it all” it is difficult to see the next life as better • The best things cannot be purchased with things – God’s grace, love, brethren, salvation, faith, etc. • Acts 8:20 – Simon rebuked
Dangers of Materialism • Spawns independence • Affluence often turns us from God • They see no need for Him! • Prov. 30:8 – give me neither poverty, nor riches • Deut. 32:15 – Jeshurun grew fat and kicked
Dangers of Materialism • Leads to pride & elitism • Arrogance a product of wealth! • Jas. 2:1-10 – with the church • Rev. 3:17 – Laodicea • 1 Tim. 6:17 – the rich not to be haughty • Do we ever find ourselves “showing off” our possessions?
Dangers of Materialism • Promotes injustice & exploitation • Isaiah 10:1-3 – Israel • Jeremiah 5:27-28 – Judah • Acts 16:16 – a slave girl exploited • Matt. 23:14 – devouring widow’s houses • The “sin industries” an example
Dangers of Materialism • It fosters immorality • I.e. Las Vegas! Pornography, Hollywood, drinking, etc. • Wealth enables such conduct • 1 Tim. 6:10 Love of money is “the root of all kinds of evil” • There are some not caught up in sins because they can’t afford it!
Dangers of Materialism • Causes deterioration of the family • Homes in America are in trouble • Often the product of our possessions
Dangers of Materialism • Distracts from our main purpose • Why are we here? • Eccl. 12:13-14 - the conclusion of the whole matter • Phil. 1:21-23 – Paul wanted to depart and be with the Lord. He gave up all things (Phil. 3:7-11) • Do we want to leave this world?
Dealing with materialism • Honestly examine what you have – 2 Cor. 13:5 • Seek first the kingdom of God - Matt. 6:33 • Realize things are temporary - 2 Pet. 3:10 • Who do you belong to? 1 Cor. 6:19-20
Dealing with materialism • Learn contentment – Heb. 13:5, 1 Tim. 6:6, Phil. 4:11 • Use your prosperity for the cause of God. Give generously, help others, etc. Gal. 6:10, Jas. 1:27
“What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”Matt. 16:26