Faithful Stewardship: Breaking Free from Mammon's Grip
Summary
Over the past four weeks, we have journeyed through a sermon series titled "The Blessed Life," exploring the intersection of faith and finances. We began by addressing the heart, recognizing that placing God first in any area of life, including our finances, requires confronting and aligning our hearts with His will. We then delved into the concept of tithing as a test—a test from God for us to pass and a test we can use to hold God to His promise of blessings.
In the third week, we examined the principle of the first, understanding that the act of tithing—the giving of the first 10%—redeems the rest of our resources. Today, we conclude this series by confronting the spirit of Mammon, a pervasive influence that competes for our devotion to God.
The spirit of Mammon, more than just money or wealth, is an attitude that prioritizes financial gain above all else. It is the false belief that happiness and security can be found in riches. This spirit can establish a foothold in our lives, offering Satan a seat at our table, influencing our decisions, and distorting our perspective on what truly matters.
We discussed how tithing and observing the Sabbath are practices that help break the bondage of believing that our worth and security are found in relentless work and accumulation. These practices remind us that we are human beings, not human doers, created for fellowship with God and not for the sole purpose of labor.
As we navigate our financial decisions, we must remember that money itself is not evil; it is the love of money that leads to all kinds of evil. Money should be viewed as a tool, not a goal or a god. It is meant to be stewarded wisely, used to benefit others, and not to become a master over our lives.
In closing, we were reminded of the importance of discipleship, intentional growth in Christ, and the power of prayer. We were encouraged to be vigilant in our spiritual walk, to be intentional about reaching out to others with the message of Christ, and to participate in the expansion of God's kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- Placing God first in every aspect of life requires a heart aligned with His will. This alignment is not a one-time event but a continuous process of surrender and humility, allowing God to shape us into the people He desires us to be. [38:02
- Tithing is a tangible expression of trust in God's provision and faithfulness. It is a spiritual discipline that not only honors God but also liberates us from the grip of materialism, reminding us that our security is not in our possessions but in our Heavenly Father. [38:31
- The spirit of Mammon seeks to enslave us to the pursuit of wealth, but true freedom is found in serving God alone. Breaking free from Mammon's influence requires us to recognize its deception and choose to serve God with undivided loyalty. [43:24
- Money is a neutral tool that can be used for good or ill. Our attitude towards money reveals the object of our worship. When we steward our resources with wisdom and generosity, we reflect God's character and advance His kingdom. [44:03
- Prayer is a powerful weapon in the spiritual battle for the hearts of those around us. By committing to intercessory prayer, we partner with God in His redemptive work, trusting Him to open doors for the gospel and change lives. [01:12:14
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:21-27 - "Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And 'don’t sin by letting anger control you.' Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil."
2. Matthew 6:24 - "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."
3. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 - "Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 4:21-27 say about the old and new nature of a believer? How does this relate to the concept of footholds for Satan? [40:13]
2. According to Matthew 6:24, why is it impossible to serve both God and money? What does this imply about our priorities? [43:24]
3. In 1 Timothy 6:6-10, what are the consequences mentioned for those who crave money? How does this passage define true wealth? [01:03:14]
4. How does the sermon describe the spirit of Mammon, and what are its effects on our lives? [43:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "footholds" in Ephesians 4:27 apply to our daily lives? What are some common footholds that believers might struggle with? [40:13]
2. What does it mean to serve God with undivided loyalty, as mentioned in Matthew 6:24? How can we identify if we are serving money instead of God? [43:24]
3. Reflecting on 1 Timothy 6:6-10, why is contentment considered great wealth? How can this perspective change our approach to finances and possessions? [01:03:14]
4. The sermon mentions that tithing and observing the Sabbath help break the bondage of relentless work and accumulation. How do these practices realign our focus on God? [01:09:46]
#### Application Questions
1. In what areas of your life do you need to align your heart with God's will? What steps can you take this week to begin this process of surrender and humility? [38:02]
2. How can you practice tithing as a tangible expression of trust in God's provision? What changes might you need to make in your financial habits to honor God? [38:31]
3. Identify a specific way the spirit of Mammon might be influencing your decisions. What actions can you take to break free from this influence and serve God with undivided loyalty? [43:24]
4. Reflect on your attitude towards money. How can you start viewing money as a tool rather than a goal or a god? What practical steps can you take to steward your resources wisely and generously? [44:03]
5. How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to combat the spiritual battle for your heart? What specific prayer focus can you commit to this week to support the expansion of God's kingdom? [01:12:14]
6. Think of a person in your life who might be struggling with the spirit of Mammon. How can you support and encourage them to find true freedom in serving God alone? [43:24]
7. How can you intentionally grow in your discipleship and reach out to others with the message of Christ? What specific actions can you take this week to participate in the expansion of God's kingdom? [01:14:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Heart Alignment with Divine Will
True transformation begins with a heart fully surrendered to God's will. This process is not a singular event but a lifelong journey of humility and submission. As believers, the call to align our hearts with God's will is a daily exercise in trust and obedience. It requires us to examine our motives, desires, and priorities, ensuring they reflect the character and teachings of Jesus. This alignment is particularly crucial when it comes to our resources. By acknowledging that everything we have is a gift from God, we can hold our possessions with open hands, ready to use them according to His purposes. This perspective frees us from the grip of materialism and allows us to experience the joy of generosity. As we align our hearts with God's will, we become conduits of His blessings, not only in our lives but also in the lives of others. [38:02]
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33
Reflection: What is one area of your financial life where you struggle to trust God, and how can you begin to surrender that area to Him today?
Day 2: Trust Expressed Through Tithing
Tithing is a tangible act of worship that demonstrates trust in God's provision. It is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual discipline that acknowledges God as the source of all blessings. By setting aside the first 10% of our income, we are reminded that our security does not lie in our wealth but in the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. Tithing challenges the modern narrative of self-reliance and invites us into a story of divine reliance. It is an opportunity to participate in God's work on earth, supporting the church, helping those in need, and spreading the gospel. As we tithe, we are liberated from the grip of materialism and reminded that we are stewards, not owners, of the resources entrusted to us. [38:31]
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." - Proverbs 3:9-10
Reflection: How does your current practice of tithing reflect your trust in God's provision, and what steps can you take to grow in this area of faithfulness?
Day 3: Breaking Free from Mammon's Grip
The spirit of Mammon represents a pervasive and deceptive influence that seeks to bind our hearts to the pursuit of wealth. It is a force that promises happiness and security in riches, yet ultimately leads to enslavement. To break free from Mammon's grip, one must recognize the lie that financial gain is the ultimate goal. Instead, we are called to serve God with undivided loyalty, finding our true freedom and purpose in Him. This requires a conscious decision to reject the idolatry of money and to embrace a life of simplicity, contentment, and generosity. As we do so, we affirm that our worth is not measured by our bank accounts but by our identity as children of God. [43:24]
"No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." - Luke 16:13
Reflection: In what ways have you felt the influence of the spirit of Mammon in your life, and what practical steps can you take to reaffirm your commitment to serving God alone?
Day 4: Stewardship of Monetary Resources
Money, when viewed correctly, is a tool that can be used to further God's kingdom and bless others. It is neither inherently good nor evil, but our attitude towards it reveals the true object of our worship. As stewards of God's resources, we are called to manage our finances with wisdom, intentionality, and a spirit of generosity. This approach allows us to use money as a means to support the work of the church, aid those in need, and invest in eternal treasures. By doing so, we reflect God's character and demonstrate that our trust is not in wealth but in the One who richly provides. [44:03]
"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." - 1 Timothy 6:10
Reflection: Consider your current financial priorities. How can you adjust them to better reflect a heart of stewardship and generosity?
Day 5: The Power of Intercessory Prayer
Prayer is a vital practice in the life of a believer, particularly when it comes to intercession. Through prayer, we join in partnership with God, seeking His will for our lives and the lives of others. Intercessory prayer is an act of love and compassion, where we stand in the gap for those around us, trusting God to work in their hearts and circumstances. It is a powerful weapon in the spiritual battle, one that can open doors for the gospel and bring about transformation. As we commit to praying for others, we align ourselves with God's redemptive mission and become active participants in the expansion of His kingdom. [01:12:14]
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—" - Colossians 4:2-3
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the love and truth of Christ? Commit to praying for them this week, asking God to open opportunities for you to share the gospel.
Quotes
"Most of us tend to view life through our own experiences... there are people in our community that do not have any of the light of Jesus shining around them... Jesus has a mission to use us to reach them for the good news of Jesus Christ so that they can experience the same kind of blessings we get to experience." [50:25
"Money doesn't fix problems... when Jesus healed the deaf person, did he tell Simon Peter to give him some money?... You know what fixes it? Jesus fixes it." [51:07
"If you are going to become the people that he intended that you become, you have to let go of some stuff... Have you been talking to anybody about Jesus?... Lord, who do you want to reach through me?... Be praying for opportunities to reach them because you're going to have to be intentional." [35:27
"Tithing is for your benefit... tithing saves you from trouble in life... Do you know what the number one cause of divorce is? Money... Why would you invite a foothold for Satan to grab a hold of in your life? Put money in its proper place." [01:05:42
"What is Mammon?... You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money... The spirit of Mammon seeks to enslave us to the pursuit of wealth, but true freedom is found in serving God alone." [43:24
"Money is a neutral tool that can be used for good or ill... When we steward our resources with wisdom and generosity, we reflect God's character and advance His kingdom." [44:03
"Money isn't evil... If God blessed Job with wealth, who are we to ever think that anybody who has that kind of wealth in their life shouldn't have that kind of wealth?... Don't make snap judgments about people in life." [59:27
"Steward money well... It's a tool to be used, not a God to be worshiped, not a goal to be strived after... True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth." [01:01:24
"Don't let Satan have a foothold... Don't let him have a seat at your table... God gives us tests in our life so that you will be free of those kinds of footholds in your life." [42:46
"God didn't lead me to teach on tithing for four weeks because the church is hurt for money... He doesn't want his people to be enslaved to the idea that your life is going to fall apart if you're not doing everything... Are you going to trust God or do you have to be in control?" [01:10:22
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