Materialism Ecclesiastes 2:7-8
Vanity – emptiness, vapor Vanity of laughter and mirth (2:1-2) All is vanity Vanity – emptiness, vapor Vanity of laughter and mirth (2:1-2) Vanity of Wine and substances (2:3) Vanity of luxury and recreation (2:4-6) Vanity of dominion – ruling over others
Solomon’s Wealth and Possessions Previously, we addressed his luxury – gardens and great houses – 1 Kings 7:1-13, 2 Chronicles 8:1-6, etc. Our text – more herds and flocks than all before him in Jerusalem Silver, gold and special treasures
Solomon’s Wealth and Possessions His wealth demonstrated his power 1 Kings 4:20-30 – provisions for a day (note: A kor is about 5-10 bushels) 1 Kings 10:14-29 – the amount of wealth accumulated yearly (note: A talent of gold was about 75 pounds) (So about 50,000 lbs) Vs. 27 – silver as common as stones Cedar as abundant as sycamores
Solomon’s Wealth and Possessions Continually Solomon mentions his wealth and possessions Why? Perhaps because such is the main pursuit of so many Ecclesiastes 5:10 BUT, as with all other things – this too was vanity! His wealth a factor in his downfall
1) The pursuit of material possession Materialism 1) The pursuit of material possession 2) A philosophy that all there is, is the material universe (e.g. naturalism)
Could it be a blessing we have not been given more? Folly of materialism Be reminded – wealth is not wrong. Money is morally neutral BUT, with it comes responsibility – 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – does not say to get rid of all wealth, but to manage it Acts 4:24-27 – Barnabas Could it be a blessing we have not been given more?
They do not give true satisfaction - Luke 12:18-21 Folly of materialism Possessions are temporary – 1 John 2:15-17 Matthew 6:19 – moth, rust, thieves, etc. They do not give true satisfaction - Luke 12:18-21
Dangers of materialism It can cause us to forget God – Proverbs 30:8-9, Deuteronomy 8:10-17 – Israel warned False sense of security – 1 Timothy 6:17 – uncertain
Dangers of materialism Hinder obedience – Matthew 13:22, 19:21-22 Exploiting the poor – Psalm 10:2, Proverbs 22:16, cf. Isaiah 3:14-15 James 2:5-6, 5:4 Criminal activities
Dealing with materialism ALWAYS be grateful – 1 Timothy 4:4-5, Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Colossians 3:17 Be content – Philippians 4:11 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Hebrews 13:5 Debt is often a sign of a lack of contentment!
Dealing with materialism Be humble – Titus 3:2 1 Peter 5:5 – clothed with humility Be a faithful steward – 1 Corinthians 4:2, Luke 12:42-44 cf. Matthew 25:14-30 (esp. 20-23)
Dealing with materialism Use your wealth for good – 1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Peter 4:11 Where is your treasure? Matthew 6:19-21, 24
How am I managing what I have in this life?