(TRUTH MATTERS!) “The Risks of ‘Success’!” 1 Timothy 6:17-19

“Who Wants to be a Millionaire “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” Regis Philbin… the lights… corny music… the questions… the three lifelines…?

“Deal or No Deal” Howie Mandel hosted… 26 fabulously dressed… brief cases… the smart mouthed banker…

“Charles,” she said, “George Bush is the rich peoples’ President “Charles,” she said, “George Bush is the rich peoples’ President!” “Mom,” we ARE the rich people!”

to better realize the risks involved with worldly success Purpose: to better realize the risks involved with worldly success

Who doesn’t want “financial success” or do we Who doesn’t want “financial success” or do we? “Financial success” brings the temptation to be filled with pride. It is in this pride that you and I are at risk…

I The Sense of SUPERIORITY A. Success Affects Attitude

Luke 12:15 “…not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.”

James 2:1-7 “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my

James 2:1-7 dear brothers: Had not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of Him to Whom you belong?”

In his student days he was interested in the Bible In his student days he was interested in the Bible. In his studies, Christianity seemed to offer solutions to the caste system which was dividing his people in India… Mahatma Gandhi

I The Sense of SUPERIORITY A. Success Affects Attitude B. Success Affects Decisions

April 3, 1995 Fortune magazine had the following article: “The Trophy Wife is Back with Brains.” The author wrote: “Powerful men are beginning to demand trophy wives…

One Chicago Bull’s player was asked his greatest moment in his NBA career. “The night Michael Jordan and I combined for 70 points…”

II The Sense of SELF-SUFFICIENCY

“With money I can go wherever I want to go and do whatever I want to do!”

II The Sense of SELF-SUFFICIENCY A. Pride and Self-Sufficiency

Psalm 10:4 “In his pride the wicked does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.”

North Carolina standout, all star NBA player for LA Lakers… In November, 1990 was arrested for soliciting and jailed…

II The Sense of SELF-SUFFICIENCY A. Pride and Self-Sufficiency B. A Bible Example of Pride

The more money a person makes, the greater temptation to think you can do whatever… and get away with it.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

III The Sense of MORE

“How much money does it take to satisfy a man? Just a little more.”

III The Sense of MORE A. Money Can’t Satisfy

Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where you treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Ecclesiastes 5:10 “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity.”

III The Sense of MORE A. Money Can’t Satisfy B. Only Jesus Can Satisfy

John 6:35 “…I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.”

In humility… in total dependence upon Him… we must choose to live accordingly!

Summary and Conclusion: I pray you have viewed these three risks with me and recognize the potential danger we all have in falling prey to them…