1. The Christian and Money

2. 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!

3. The Christian and Money The Danger of Materialism (2)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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?

12. 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

13. 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!

14. Dangers of Materialism
Causes deterioration of the family
Homes in America are in trouble
Often the product of our possessions

15. Dangers of Materialism
Distracts from our main purpose
Why are we here?
Eccl. 12: 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?

16. 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

17. 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

18. “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

19. May we use all that He has loaned us, as wise stewards