Faithful Stewardship: Finding Security Beyond Wealth

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound teachings from the book of James, focusing on the theme of financial insecurity and the spiritual implications of hoarding versus saving. The global pandemic has exacerbated financial challenges, leaving many in dire straits while others remain relatively unaffected. This disparity highlights the importance of understanding our relationship with wealth and possessions.

James addresses the early Christians, many of whom faced persecution and economic hardship, urging them to avoid hoarding wealth when others are in need. This message is incredibly relevant today, as we witness increasing income inequality and the erosion of the middle class. James's words remind us that God does not oppose wealth itself but opposes greed and the misuse of wealth. Wealth should be a tool for good, not a means of self-indulgence or a source of security.

The Bible teaches us that money is a tool to be used wisely, not hoarded. Hoarding stems from fear and pride, whereas saving is a disciplined act of stewardship. Saving allows us to practice self-control, make our money work for us, and be generous to others. It's crucial to differentiate between saving for future needs and hoarding out of fear or pride.

Ultimately, our security should not be in our possessions but in our relationship with God. Everything on this earth is temporary, but our relationship with Jesus Christ is eternal. By trusting in God's promises and being generous with what we have, we align ourselves with His will and experience true security and peace.

Key Takeaways:

- God's View on Wealth: God does not oppose wealth but opposes greed. Wealth should be used as a tool for good, not as a means of self-indulgence or a source of security. Our focus should be on using wealth to help others and fulfill God's purposes. [10:05]

- Hoarding vs. Saving: Hoarding is driven by fear and pride, while saving is a disciplined act of stewardship. Saving allows us to practice self-control, make our money work for us, and be generous to others. It's important to differentiate between saving for future needs and hoarding out of fear or pride. [15:23]

- Security in God, Not Possessions: Our security should not be in our possessions but in our relationship with God. Everything on this earth is temporary, but our relationship with Jesus Christ is eternal. Trusting in God's promises provides true security and peace. [22:12]

- Generosity as a Reflection of Faith: Generosity reflects our faith in God's provision. When we give generously, we demonstrate trust in God's promises and align ourselves with His will. Generosity is an antidote to the scarcity mentality and a testament to our faith. [19:44]

- The Eternal Perspective: Real security comes from building a rich relationship with God, not accumulating wealth. Our hope should be in something that cannot be taken away, like our relationship with Jesus Christ. This eternal perspective guides us through uncertain times. [34:33]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction to the Book of James
- [00:22] - Five Factors of Stress
- [00:58] - Financial Insecurity During the Pandemic
- [02:17] - A Faith That Doesn't Need to Hoard
- [03:27] - Definition of Hoarding
- [04:55] - James Confronts Wealthy Christians
- [06:18] - Economic Inequality in the First Century
- [07:03] - Sins of Commission and Omission
- [09:20] - Wealth and Righteous Indignation
- [10:05] - God Opposes Greed, Not Wealth
- [12:46] - Money as a Tool, Not to Be Hoarded
- [15:23] - Difference Between Saving and Hoarding
- [19:44] - Generosity and God's Promises
- [22:12] - Trusting God for Financial Security
- [34:33] - Eternal Security in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. James 4:17-5:8
2. 1 Timothy 6:10
3. Hebrews 13:5

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Observation Questions:

1. According to James 4:17, what does James identify as a sin, and how does this relate to the context of hoarding wealth? [07:03]

2. In the sermon, what are the two primary motivations for hoarding wealth mentioned by the pastor? [16:21]

3. How does the pastor describe the difference between saving and hoarding, and what biblical principle supports saving? [15:23]

4. What does Hebrews 13:5 say about the relationship between money and God's promise of presence? [21:23]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does James's message to the wealthy Christians in his time reflect the economic disparities we see today? What lessons can be drawn from this comparison? [06:33]

2. The pastor mentions that hoarding is often driven by fear or pride. How might these motivations manifest in a person's life, and what are the spiritual implications? [16:21]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that generosity is a reflection of faith, and how does this align with biblical teachings on stewardship? [19:44]

4. How does the pastor's interpretation of Hebrews 13:5 challenge common perceptions about financial security and trust in God? [22:12]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current financial habits. Are there areas where you might be hoarding rather than saving? How can you shift your mindset to align with biblical principles of stewardship? [15:23]

2. Consider a time when fear or pride influenced your financial decisions. How can you address these motivations and cultivate a more faith-driven approach to your resources? [16:21]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's promises rather than material possessions. What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in God for your financial security? [22:12]

4. Generosity is highlighted as a key aspect of faith. Identify a specific way you can be more generous with your time, talents, or resources this week. How will this act of generosity reflect your trust in God's provision? [19:44]

5. The pastor mentions the scarcity mentality versus the stewardship mentality. How can you cultivate a stewardship mentality in your daily life, and what changes might this require in your financial planning? [19:01]

6. Reflect on the eternal perspective discussed in the sermon. How can focusing on your relationship with God provide peace and security in uncertain times? What steps can you take to prioritize this relationship? [34:33]

7. Think about someone in your community who may be struggling financially. How can you offer support or encouragement to them, and what role does your faith play in this action? [36:55]

Devotional

Day 1: Wealth as a Tool for Good
Wealth is not inherently opposed by God, but the misuse of it is. The book of James reminds us that wealth should be used as a tool for good, not as a means of self-indulgence or a source of security. In a world where income inequality is rising, it is crucial to understand that God calls us to use our resources to help others and fulfill His purposes. This perspective shifts our focus from accumulating wealth for personal gain to using it to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us. [10:05]

"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. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." (1 Timothy 6:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you use your current resources to make a positive impact in someone else's life today?


Day 2: The Difference Between Hoarding and Saving
Hoarding and saving are two different approaches to handling wealth. Hoarding is driven by fear and pride, while saving is a disciplined act of stewardship. Saving allows us to practice self-control, make our money work for us, and be generous to others. It is important to differentiate between saving for future needs and hoarding out of fear or pride. By understanding this distinction, we can align our financial practices with God's will and ensure that our actions reflect trust in His provision. [15:23]

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are hoarding out of fear? How can you shift towards a mindset of stewardship and generosity?


Day 3: Security in God, Not Possessions
Our security should not be in our possessions but in our relationship with God. Everything on this earth is temporary, but our relationship with Jesus Christ is eternal. Trusting in God's promises provides true security and peace, even in uncertain times. By focusing on our eternal relationship with God, we can find peace and assurance that transcends material wealth and possessions. [22:12]

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What possessions or aspects of your life are you relying on for security? How can you shift your trust to God instead?


Day 4: Generosity as a Reflection of Faith
Generosity reflects our faith in God's provision. When we give generously, we demonstrate trust in God's promises and align ourselves with His will. Generosity is an antidote to the scarcity mentality and a testament to our faith. By being generous, we not only bless others but also strengthen our own faith and reliance on God's provision. [19:44]

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you practice generosity today, trusting that God will provide for your needs?


Day 5: The Eternal Perspective
Real security comes from building a rich relationship with God, not accumulating wealth. Our hope should be in something that cannot be taken away, like our relationship with Jesus Christ. This eternal perspective guides us through uncertain times and helps us focus on what truly matters. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and peace. [34:33]

"For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 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." (1 Timothy 6:7-9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God today, focusing on eternal values rather than temporary wealth?

Quotes

"Now, you remember that I said at the start of this pandemic, that we're all in the same storm, but we're not all in the same boat. Some people are sailing through this storm in a yacht, and they don't really see what the big deal is with this pandemic. They have the kind of job where they can work from home, and in many ways they're doing just fine, and they may have saved enough money to support themselves for a long time." [00:79:03]

"James actually confronts and he calls out the wealthy Christians in the church for hoarding their wealth in a time when fellow brothers and sisters in the family of God desperately needed help. You know, as I've studied this book now for many months, in many ways, the first century AD, after Jesus rose from the grave, the first century is what's like happening in the 21st century AD." [00:295:53]

"God doesn't oppose wealth. He opposes greed. Write that down. God doesn't oppose wealth. He opposes greed. Now, if you were to turn on your television to one of those religious channels and you were to watch several different TV preachers, you would likely be confused by conflicting messages about money, because there are some teachers out there who teach that God wants everybody to be rich and everybody to be wealthy and everybody to be perfectly healthy." [00:599:8]

"Money is a tool to be used, not a thing to be hoarded. All right? That's what the Bible teaches. Money is a tool to be used, not a thing to be hoarded. God says that money is not to be stockpiled where it doesn't do any good or just stored up just for the sake of storing it up and having it and counting it. God says, 'I want all that money in circulation.' It's a tool to be used." [00:817:01]

"People usually hoard their money for one of two reasons. One, out of fear for their security. Out of fear for their security is one reason people hoard money, because they're afraid, or number two, out of pride, out of pride for their status. Out of fear for security or out of pride for status. And let me just talk to you about these for a second." [00:967:8]

"See, hoarding is based on a scarcity mentality, okay? I won't have enough. Hoarding is based on a scarcity mentality. Savings is based on a stewardship mentality. I'm saving, but I'm not looking to my savings for my security. Scarcity mentality. I'm scared to death I won't have enough, so I'm gonna hoard, hoard, and I don't want to give it away." [00:1124:47]

"God has promised almost a hundred times in scripture that if I give generously, it will be given back to me even more generously. You cannot out-give God. I've tried that for 40 years and I have failed for 40 years. Now, you probably know that one of the most popular and one of the most comforting verses in the Bible, I mean, you're gonna know this verse as soon as I say it, that gives us encouragement all over and over and over is Hebrews 13:5." [00:1180:47]

"Biblical savings is not primarily for security. Why? Because God's your security, and it certainly isn't storing up for status so you can show off how much wealth you've got. No, no, no. Then why should I save? Not hoard, but save. There are three other reasons, three other motivations for saving money. These are all biblical. You might write these down." [00:1548:23]

"Number one, you save to practice self-control. It's a spiritual discipline. I save to practice self-control. Whenever you discipline yourself to live on less than you make, okay, you don't spend everything you make, but you live on less than you make in order to tithe and in order to save, you're practicing self-control. You're strengthening your character. You're building wisdom." [00:1568:7]

"Jesus said this, Luke chapter 12. 'Watch out. Always be on your guard against all kinds of greed. Real life is never defined by or measured by how much you own.' Then Jesus told them a story. He said a rich man owned a very productive and profitable farm, and he thought to himself, 'What should I do with all this surplus? I have no room to store it all.'" [00:1955:97]

"So what is God trying to say to us in this passage? Well, he's saying don't put your hope in your possessions, because you can lose all those. You have to put your hope in something that can never be taken away from you. If you put your hope in your job, it can be taken away from you. If you put your security in your back account, there's a lot of ways to lose that." [00:2047:7]

"If you put yourself your hope in your health, you can lose your health. If you put your hope in a relationship, you could lose that. If you're gonna have solid security in your life, you have to base your security on something that can never be taken from you, and everything on this planet can be taken from you, except one thing, your relationship to God, your relationship to Jesus Christ." [00:2064:77]

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Transcript
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