Slaying the god of Success Pastor Dave Jansen October 20, 2019 Series: Slaying gods

Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” --Luke 18:18 (NLT)

The god of success invites you to save yourself, instead of depending on Jesus to do it

“I just don’t get it. The thought of someone else cleansing me of my sins is ridiculous. I don’t need anyone to cleanse me. I can cleanse myself.” --Bill Maher--

“There is more than one way to get to heaven, but this is a great way --Warren Buffet--

In God’s economy, success only comes as we declare our spiritual bankruptcy

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (cont’d) --Matthew 5:3-10 (NIV)

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. --Matthew 5:3-10 (NIV)

“Why do you call me good. ” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.’” The man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” --Luke 18:20-21 (NLT)

When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” --Luke 18:22 (NLT)

But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich. When Jesus saw this, he said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” --Luke 18:23-25 (NLT)

How do we slay the god of money?

We look to money as a source of security

We look to money as a source of security We look to money as a source of satisfaction

Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. --Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NIV)

We look to money as a source of security We look to money as a source of satisfaction

We look to money as a source of security We look to money as a source of satisfaction We look to money as a source of significance

How do we slay the god of money? Give it away!

Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. --Luke 18:22 (NLT)

The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. --1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV)

‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. --Haggai 2:8 (NLT)

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be… (cont’d) --Matthew 6:19-21, 24 (NLT)

No one can serve two masters No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. --Matthew 6:19-21, 24 (NLT)

How do we slay the god of achievement?

Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (cont’d) --Luke 10:40-42 (NIV)

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” --Luke 10:40-42 (NIV)

Choose to be still and worship God How do we slay the god of achievement? Choose to be still and worship God

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be honored by every nation Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. --Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

Write in on a 3x5 card and offer it to God. As you pray, worship God and listen to what God calling you to do in response to his Word this morning. Write in on a 3x5 card and offer it to God.

Slaying the god of Success Pastor Dave Jansen October 20, 2019 Series: Slaying gods