Lesson 17

What does God teach us about his gift of possessions?

Where do our possessions come from? James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Where do our possessions come from? Ecclesiastes 5:19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.

Key Point #1 Our possessions are God’s gifts to us.

How does God give these gifts to us? Deuteronomy 8:17-18 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. job earnings

How does God give these gifts to us? Genesis 24:52-53 When Abraham’s servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the LORD. Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother. gifts from others

How does God give these gifts to us? 1 Kings 21:2-3 Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth.” But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” inheritance

Key Point #2 God gives us possessions through work, gifts, and inheritance.

What does God want us to remember about all the possessions we have? Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

What does God want us to remember about all the possessions we have? 1 Corinthians 4:2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. We are to be responsible caretakers.

Key Point #3 God wants us to remember that he still owns these things and that we are responsible to him for how we use them as his caretakers.

How does God want us to use the possessions he gives us? 1 Timothy 5:8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. family

How does God want us to use the possessions he gives us? 1 John 3:17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

How does God want us to use the possessions he gives us? Matthew 5:42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. needy

How does God want us to use the possessions he gives us? Romans 13:6-7 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. taxes

How does God want us to use the possessions he gives us? 1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

How does God want us to use the possessions he gives us? 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

How does God want us to use the possessions he gives us? Mark 12:41-44 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” church work

How does God want us to use the possessions he gives us? 1 Timothy 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. entertainment

Key Point #4 God wants us to use our possessions to help others and for our own enjoyment.

Agree or Disagree? It’s wrong to put money aside for yourself in a savings account.

Evaluate… Johnny said, “We tip the waitress at the restaurant 15 percent to thank her. It seems to me that any decent Christian would give at least that much of his or her income in offerings to thank God.”

George said, “I don’t have to help out the needy because I already help them by paying for welfare with my taxes.” How do you answer him?

Agree or Disagree? Giving a needy person a handout is actually harmful because it teaches that person to be lazy.

Lesson 17 God teaches me that my possessions are his gifts to me, to use in ways that please him.

Vocabulary… “Stewardship” The use of our God-given possessions