Faith Over Materialism: Embracing an Eternal Perspective
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gathered to worship and reflect on the tests of secularism and materialism that challenge our faith. We began by welcoming our guests and making important announcements about upcoming events, including a night of worship and prayer next Sunday and a missions conference on September 21st and 22nd. We also celebrated the presentation of Bibles to our first graders, emphasizing the importance of nurturing faith from a young age.
Our main focus today was on the story of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4, as referenced in Hebrews 11:4. This story illustrates the difference between a heart that seeks to honor God and one that does not. Abel's offering was accepted because it was given in faith and from the first of his flock, while Cain's offering was rejected because it lacked faith and was not from the first fruits. This distinction highlights the importance of our heart's condition when we approach God.
We explored how secularism and materialism can influence our worldview and actions. Secularism denies the existence of God, leading to a life devoid of spiritual values. Materialism, on the other hand, can manifest as either a philosophical belief that only the material world exists or as a preoccupation with material possessions over spiritual matters. Both of these perspectives can lead us away from a life of faith and stewardship.
A Christian worldview, shaped by faith, should guide our stewardship of everything God has given us. Jesus warned against greed and the pursuit of material wealth, emphasizing that our lives do not consist of our possessions. Instead, we are called to seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness, trusting that all our needs will be met.
In conclusion, the tests of secularism and materialism challenge us to examine our hearts and our faith. Are we living for the here and now, or are we living with an eternal perspective? Our faith should frame the way we live, think, and act, reflecting our love for God above all else. Let us commit to walking by faith, trusting in God's plan, and being good stewards of His blessings.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Faith in Our Offerings: Abel's offering was accepted because it was given in faith and from the first of his flock, while Cain's offering was rejected due to a lack of faith. This teaches us that the condition of our heart and our faith in God are crucial when we approach Him. Our offerings should reflect our trust and love for God, not just our actions. [01:06:22]
2. Secularism and Its Impact: Secularism is a worldview that denies the existence of God, leading to a life devoid of spiritual values. It challenges us to set aside our faith and live as if God does not exist. As Christians, we must resist this influence and ensure that our faith permeates every aspect of our lives, guiding our decisions and actions. [01:00:33]
3. Materialism and Its Dangers: Materialism can manifest as a belief that only the material world exists or as a preoccupation with material possessions. Both forms of materialism can lead us away from a life of faith and stewardship. We must guard against allowing material concerns to overshadow our spiritual values and our relationship with God. [01:03:19]
4. Stewardship and Generosity: A Christian worldview should shape our stewardship of everything God has given us. Jesus warned against greed and the pursuit of material wealth, emphasizing that our lives do not consist of our possessions. True stewardship involves recognizing that all we have comes from God and using it to honor Him and serve others. [01:08:46]
5. Living with an Eternal Perspective: The tests of secularism and materialism challenge us to examine whether we are living for the here and now or with an eternal perspective. Our faith should frame the way we live, think, and act, reflecting our love for God above all else. By seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness, we can trust that all our needs will be met. [01:15:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:46] - Announcements and Offering
[12:26] - Missions Conference Announcement
[29:36] - Presentation of Bibles to First Graders
[43:36] - Worship and Song
[46:07] - Introduction to the Sermon
[58:46] - The Test of Secularism
[59:47] - The Test of Materialism
[01:01:09] - The Story of Cain and Abel
[01:03:19] - Defining Materialism
[01:04:47] - Abel's Offering of Faith
[01:07:10] - Christian Worldview and Stewardship
[01:08:46] - Generosity and Stewardship
[01:10:31] - The Heart of the Matter
[01:12:09] - Living with an Eternal Perspective
[01:15:55] - Conclusion and Call to Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 4:1-7 - The story of Cain and Abel.
2. Hebrews 11:4 - Abel's offering by faith.
3. Matthew 6:19-21, 33 - Jesus' teaching on treasures and seeking God's kingdom.
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the differences between Cain's and Abel's offerings, and why was Abel's offering accepted by God? (Genesis 4:3-5)
2. According to Hebrews 11:4, what was the key factor that made Abel's offering better than Cain's? (Hebrews 11:4)
3. How does Jesus describe the relationship between our treasures and our hearts in Matthew 6:19-21? (Matthew 6:19-21)
4. What does Jesus promise will happen if we seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness? (Matthew 6:33)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Cain and Abel illustrate the importance of the heart's condition when approaching God? (Genesis 4:3-5, [01:06:22])
2. In what ways can secularism and materialism influence a person's faith and actions, according to the sermon? ([01:00:33])
3. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6 challenge the materialistic worldview? (Matthew 6:19-21, [01:15:55])
4. What does it mean to live with an eternal perspective, and how does this affect our daily decisions and actions? ([01:12:09])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own offerings to God. Are they given out of faith and love, or are they merely actions? How can you ensure your heart is in the right place when you give? ([01:06:22])
2. Have you noticed any secular or materialistic influences in your life that challenge your faith? How can you resist these influences and ensure your faith permeates every aspect of your life? ([01:00:33])
3. Jesus warned against storing up treasures on earth. What are some practical steps you can take to focus more on storing up treasures in heaven? ([01:15:55])
4. Consider your current lifestyle and priorities. Are there areas where material concerns overshadow your spiritual values? How can you realign your priorities to reflect a Christian worldview? ([01:08:46])
5. Think about a recent decision you made. Was it influenced more by a desire for material gain or by a desire to honor God? How can you make future decisions with an eternal perspective in mind? ([01:12:09])
6. How can you practice better stewardship of the resources God has given you? Identify one specific area where you can improve your stewardship this week. ([01:08:46])
7. Reflect on your generosity. Do you give in a way that challenges you spiritually? What changes can you make to ensure your giving reflects your faith and love for God? ([01:09:41])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Our Offerings
When we give to God, our offerings should reflect our trust and love for Him, not just our actions.
Abel's offering was accepted because it was given in faith and from the first of his flock, while Cain's offering was rejected due to a lack of faith. This teaches us that the condition of our heart and our faith in God are crucial when we approach Him. Our offerings should reflect our trust and love for God, not just our actions. Abel's faith was evident in his willingness to give the best of what he had, demonstrating his trust in God's provision and his desire to honor Him. In contrast, Cain's offering was given without faith, indicating a heart that was not fully committed to God.
As we reflect on our own lives, we must consider whether our actions and offerings are motivated by genuine faith and love for God. Are we giving our best to Him, or are we holding back? Our faith should be the driving force behind our generosity and our willingness to serve God with all that we have. Let us strive to be like Abel, offering our best to God in faith and trust, knowing that He is worthy of our devotion and our love. [01:06:22]
Hebrews 11:4 (ESV): "By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks."
Reflection: Think about your recent offerings to God, whether they are financial, time, or talents. Are they given with a heart full of faith and trust in Him? How can you ensure that your offerings truly reflect your love and commitment to God?
Day 2: Resisting Secularism
Secularism challenges us to set aside our faith and live as if God does not exist.
Secularism is a worldview that denies the existence of God, leading to a life devoid of spiritual values. It challenges us to set aside our faith and live as if God does not exist. As Christians, we must resist this influence and ensure that our faith permeates every aspect of our lives, guiding our decisions and actions. Secularism can subtly infiltrate our thoughts and behaviors, causing us to prioritize worldly values over spiritual truths. It can lead us to compartmentalize our faith, treating it as a private matter rather than allowing it to shape our entire lives.
To combat the influence of secularism, we must be intentional about integrating our faith into every area of our lives. This means making decisions based on biblical principles, seeking God's guidance in all things, and being bold in our witness to others. By doing so, we can ensure that our faith remains strong and vibrant, even in a world that often denies the existence of God. [01:00:33]
Colossians 2:8 (ESV): "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to integrate your faith? How can you be more intentional about allowing your faith to guide your decisions and actions in those areas?
Day 3: Guarding Against Materialism
Materialism can lead us away from a life of faith and stewardship.
Materialism can manifest as a belief that only the material world exists or as a preoccupation with material possessions. Both forms of materialism can lead us away from a life of faith and stewardship. When we become overly focused on acquiring and accumulating material wealth, we risk neglecting our spiritual growth and our relationship with God. Materialism can create a false sense of security, leading us to rely on our possessions rather than on God's provision and care.
As Christians, we must guard against allowing material concerns to overshadow our spiritual values and our relationship with God. This involves regularly examining our priorities and ensuring that our pursuit of material wealth does not come at the expense of our faith and our commitment to God's kingdom. By keeping our focus on God and His purposes, we can avoid the pitfalls of materialism and live lives that are marked by faith, generosity, and stewardship. [01:03:19]
1 Timothy 6:9-10 (ESV): "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
Reflection: Reflect on your attitude towards material possessions. Are there areas where you have allowed materialism to take precedence over your faith? How can you realign your priorities to ensure that your relationship with God remains your primary focus?
Day 4: Stewardship and Generosity
True stewardship involves recognizing that all we have comes from God and using it to honor Him and serve others.
A Christian worldview should shape our stewardship of everything God has given us. Jesus warned against greed and the pursuit of material wealth, emphasizing that our lives do not consist of our possessions. True stewardship involves recognizing that all we have comes from God and using it to honor Him and serve others. This means being generous with our resources, time, and talents, and seeking to use them in ways that advance God's kingdom and bless those around us.
Stewardship is not just about managing our finances wisely; it is about recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God and using it to fulfill His purposes. By adopting a mindset of stewardship, we can ensure that our lives are marked by generosity, gratitude, and a commitment to serving others. This not only honors God but also allows us to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life of purpose and meaning. [01:08:46]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Consider the resources, time, and talents that God has entrusted to you. How can you use them more effectively to honor Him and serve others? What steps can you take to cultivate a mindset of stewardship in your daily life?
Day 5: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Our faith should frame the way we live, think, and act, reflecting our love for God above all else.
The tests of secularism and materialism challenge us to examine whether we are living for the here and now or with an eternal perspective. Our faith should frame the way we live, think, and act, reflecting our love for God above all else. By seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness, we can trust that all our needs will be met. Living with an eternal perspective means prioritizing our relationship with God and His purposes over temporary, worldly concerns.
When we live with an eternal perspective, we are able to see beyond the immediate challenges and distractions of life and focus on what truly matters. This allows us to make decisions that align with God's will and to invest our time and resources in things that have lasting significance. By keeping our eyes fixed on eternity, we can navigate the tests of secularism and materialism with faith and confidence, knowing that our ultimate hope and security are found in God. [01:15:55]
2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily priorities and activities. Are they aligned with an eternal perspective? How can you shift your focus to ensure that your life reflects your love for God and your commitment to His kingdom?
Quotes
1. "To live a life pleasing to God requires a faith that is demonstrated in the practical ways that we live and worship." [59:47] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "A Christian worldview will shape and guide your stewardship of everything that God has given you. Listen. Luke 12 says, Beware and be on your guard against every form of greed. For not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions. In Luke 16, 13, Jesus said, No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve God and mammon." [01:07:10] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We can say that we believe that there is a God, but while we may believe there is a God and believe in spiritual things, we may not be a materialist in the philosophical sense, but we may be a materialist in the practical sense, because what we do is we live our lives like there is no God. And we live our lives like everything, everything in this life is the only thing that matters." [01:08:02] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Bible says, without faith, it's impossible to please the Lord. And faith begins with your worldview. And your worldview will, will end up in the result of your philosophy of life and how you live. Am I just simply living for the here and now, or am I living for the hereafter? I want to encourage you, when you face these two tests, the only way to overcome is by faith." [01:17:49] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The real issue was Cain's heart. Cain's heart was not right before God. It was by faith that Abel's sacrifice was offered, and that was why God accepted it. Cain tried to approach God on the basis of good works. Cain tried to create his own religion to get to God on his own terms. When you do the comparison, what you see is, that Abel, not only did he give from the first, but he gave from faith." [01:06:22] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "God looked upon Abel before God ever looked upon his offering. And the reason for that was because the real issue was the heart. That was the real issue. The conclusion of this is that the problem with Cain was a matter of the heart. And in Genesis chapter four, verse four, when the Bible says God had regard for Abel's offering, what the Bible says is Abel's offering was a reflection of his heart. That is, he loved God more than anything else." [01:11:23] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The foundation for a Christian worldview is faith. The test of secularism wants you to take your faith and set it aside and for it to not be applied in every single area of your life but the fact of the matter is If you know the Lord Jesus Christ and you say, I believe there's a God in Heaven who created everything that there is. And I believe Jesus Christ is his son who died on the cross for my sin and rose from the dead. It has daily implications for every single thing in your life." [58:46] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You may not realize it and you may not understand it, but the generations to come are in a battle for their soul. It not only is a matter of the heart, it is a matter of the hereafter. And whether or not someone really knows Christ. Jesus knew this in Matthew chapter 6. He said in verse 19, don't store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, where thieves do not break in or steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart, be also." [01:15:55] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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