1. Beware the Pomp Psalm 49 and Psalm 73

3. The Distressing Illusion of Human Pomp This person is living in a world that is distressing to his soul v. 5—He has wrestled with his feelings He is seeking direction in how to cope and move forward

4. The Distressing Illusion of Human Pomp People live and make a living as though God does not exist They trust in their wealth (v.6) They act like they are going to live forever on earth (v.9); they have much pomp (v. 12)

5. “Never give your hearts to this world or to any of the things in it. A man cannot love the Father and love the world at the same time. For the whole world-system, based as it is on men’s desires, their greedy ambitions and the glamour of all that they think splendid, is not derived from the Father at all, but from the world itself.” 1 John 2:15-17 Phillips trans.

7. The Distressing Illusion of Human Pomp Christians must consider deeply how we walk in this world and make a living We will live in tension if we are being faithful to the Lord We cannot be like the world

8. The Distressing Illusion of Human Pomp We must consider our work in light of God’s will We cannot do life in conflict with God’s Word James 4:13-15

10. The Distressing Illusion of Human Pomp We must give our best (Titus 2:9) We must treat fairly and justly those who work for us We must obey the laws and be honest about our income

11. The Distressing Illusion of Human Pomp We are to be content with what we have Our goal should not be to “get rich” 1 Tim. 6:9-10 We are called to share and not rely on wealth (1 Tim. 6:17-19)

12. The Distressing Illusion of Human Pomp We discipline ourselves by being stewards We pay the price to do what is right Hobby Lobby (Green Family)

13. The Steadying View of the End We maintain perspective by keeping in mind that the end is near The rich cannot stave off death 49:7-8;12, 14, 17,20 They will face God (73:17-20;27)