Faithful Stewardship: Worship, Wealth, and Eternal Investment
Summary
In today's message, we delved into the profound wisdom found in Ecclesiastes Chapter 5, exploring the themes of worship, wealth, and the pursuit of meaning. We began by discussing the importance of approaching worship with a sincere heart. Ecclesiastes warns us to guard our steps when we come to the house of God, emphasizing that our worship should not be half-hearted. This is a call to bring our best to God, not just in terms of material offerings but in our attitude and commitment. We reflected on how easy it is to become complacent in our worship, bringing less than our best, and how this can turn our worship into a "sacrifice of fools."
We then transitioned to the topic of wealth and its limitations. The author of Ecclesiastes, often referred to as "the preacher," highlights the futility of pursuing wealth for its own sake. He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, and this pursuit is ultimately vanity. We discussed how the drive for more—whether it's a bigger house, a nicer car, or more possessions—never truly satisfies. Instead, it often leads to more complications and stress. The preacher uses the analogy of owning a boat to illustrate this point: the more possessions we have, the more problems we encounter.
We also examined the biblical principle of stewardship. Everything we have is on loan from God, and we are called to manage these resources wisely. This includes our finances. We are encouraged to give first, save second, and live on the rest. This order of priorities helps us to honor God with our finances and ensures that we are not enslaved by our material possessions. We reflected on the New Testament teachings that emphasize the importance of being faithful stewards. Jesus taught that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. This means that our financial decisions are a reflection of our spiritual priorities.
In the latter part of the message, we discussed practical steps for financial stewardship. We were encouraged to take small steps towards better financial management, such as starting with giving 1% if we are currently giving nothing. The goal is to gradually increase our giving and savings, aligning our financial practices with biblical principles. We also touched on the importance of teaching financial stewardship to the next generation, sharing personal anecdotes about how this has been implemented in our own families.
Finally, we concluded with a call to action. We were reminded that our ultimate goal is to invest in eternity. The choices we make with our finances today have eternal implications. We were encouraged to trust God with our finances, recognizing that He is the ultimate provider. This trust is not just about financial security but about aligning our hearts with God's purposes.
### Key Takeaways
1. Approach Worship with Sincerity: When we come to worship, we must guard our steps and bring our best to God. Half-hearted worship is a "sacrifice of fools." Our worship should be sincere, reflecting our true commitment to God. This means preparing our hearts and minds before we enter into worship, ensuring that we are fully present and engaged. [04:09]
2. The Futility of Wealth: The pursuit of wealth for its own sake is ultimately futile. He who loves money will not be satisfied with money. This drive for more—whether it's possessions or status—never truly satisfies and often leads to more complications and stress. True contentment comes from a relationship with God, not from material wealth. [12:21]
3. Biblical Stewardship: Everything we have is on loan from God, and we are called to manage these resources wisely. This includes our finances. We are encouraged to give first, save second, and live on the rest. This order of priorities helps us to honor God with our finances and ensures that we are not enslaved by our material possessions. [20:53]
4. Practical Financial Management: Taking small steps towards better financial management can have a significant impact. Starting with giving 1% if we are currently giving nothing and gradually increasing our giving and savings aligns our financial practices with biblical principles. Teaching financial stewardship to the next generation is also crucial. [28:53]
5. Investing in Eternity: Our ultimate goal is to invest in eternity. The choices we make with our finances today have eternal implications. Trusting God with our finances means recognizing that He is the ultimate provider. This trust is not just about financial security but about aligning our hearts with God's purposes. [32:21]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:05] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes
[04:09] - Sincere Worship
[12:21] - The Futility of Wealth
[20:53] - Biblical Stewardship
[28:53] - Practical Financial Management
[32:21] - Investing in Eternity
[37:34] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 (ESV)
> "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few."
2. Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
> "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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
3. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
> "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 warn us about when approaching worship? ([02:25])
2. According to Matthew 6:19-21, where should we lay up our treasures and why? ([21:48])
3. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, what instructions are given to the rich regarding their wealth? ([20:53])
4. How does the preacher in Ecclesiastes describe the pursuit of wealth and its consequences? ([12:21])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Ecclesiastes emphasize guarding our steps when we come to worship? How does this relate to our attitude and preparation for worship? ([02:25])
2. What does Jesus mean when He says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"? How does this statement challenge our current financial priorities? ([21:48])
3. How does the principle of stewardship in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 align with the sermon’s message about managing our resources wisely? ([20:53])
4. The sermon mentioned that wealth can lead to more complications and stress. How does this align with the analogy of owning a boat? ([14:05])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current approach to worship. Are there ways you might be coming half-heartedly? What steps can you take to prepare your heart and mind before worship? ([04:09])
2. Consider your financial priorities. Are you more focused on accumulating wealth or investing in your relationship with God? What changes can you make to align your financial decisions with biblical principles? ([21:48])
3. The sermon encourages giving first, saving second, and living on the rest. How can you start implementing this order in your financial management? If you are currently giving nothing, what would it look like to start with 1%? ([28:53])
4. How can you teach the principles of financial stewardship to the next generation? Share a personal anecdote or plan on how you might do this in your family. ([33:42])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of investing in eternity. What are some practical ways you can trust God with your finances and align your heart with His purposes? ([32:21])
6. Reflect on a time when you pursued material possessions thinking they would bring satisfaction. What was the outcome, and how did it affect your stress and contentment levels? ([14:42])
7. How can you ensure that your financial decisions reflect your spiritual priorities? What specific steps can you take this week to honor God with your finances? ([20:53])
Devotional
Day 1: Sincere Worship
When approaching worship, it is crucial to do so with a sincere heart. Ecclesiastes Chapter 5 emphasizes the importance of guarding our steps when we come to the house of God. This means that our worship should not be half-hearted or merely a routine. Instead, it should reflect our true commitment to God. We are called to bring our best to God, not just in terms of material offerings but in our attitude and dedication. It is easy to become complacent in our worship, offering less than our best, which can turn our worship into a "sacrifice of fools." Therefore, we must prepare our hearts and minds before entering into worship, ensuring that we are fully present and engaged. [04:09]
Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 (ESV): "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few."
Reflection: How can you prepare your heart and mind before worship to ensure that you are fully present and engaged?
Day 2: The Futility of Wealth
The pursuit of wealth for its own sake is ultimately futile. Ecclesiastes teaches that he who loves money will not be satisfied with money. This drive for more—whether it's possessions or status—never truly satisfies and often leads to more complications and stress. True contentment comes from a relationship with God, not from material wealth. The preacher uses the analogy of owning a boat to illustrate this point: the more possessions we have, the more problems we encounter. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the limitations of wealth and focus on what truly matters. [12:21]
Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 (ESV): "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes?"
Reflection: What is one material possession or status symbol you have been pursuing? How can you shift your focus to find true contentment in your relationship with God?
Day 3: Biblical Stewardship
Everything we have is on loan from God, and we are called to manage these resources wisely. This includes our finances. We are encouraged to give first, save second, and live on the rest. This order of priorities helps us to honor God with our finances and ensures that we are not enslaved by our material possessions. The New Testament teachings emphasize the importance of being faithful stewards. Jesus taught that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. This means that our financial decisions are a reflection of our spiritual priorities. [20:53]
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: How can you rearrange your financial priorities to reflect a heart that honors God? What steps can you take to give, save, and live on the rest?
Day 4: Practical Financial Management
Taking small steps towards better financial management can have a significant impact. If you are currently giving nothing, start with giving 1% and gradually increase your giving and savings. This aligns your financial practices with biblical principles. Teaching financial stewardship to the next generation is also crucial. Sharing personal anecdotes about how this has been implemented in your own family can be a powerful way to pass on these values. By taking these small steps, you can make a big difference in your financial health and spiritual well-being. [28:53]
Proverbs 21:20 (ESV): "Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it."
Reflection: What is one small step you can take today to improve your financial management? How can you teach these principles to the next generation in your family?
Day 5: Investing in Eternity
Our ultimate goal is to invest in eternity. The choices we make with our finances today have eternal implications. Trusting God with our finances means recognizing that He is the ultimate provider. This trust is not just about financial security but about aligning our hearts with God's purposes. By investing in eternity, we are making decisions that reflect our commitment to God's kingdom and His eternal plan. This perspective helps us to prioritize our resources in a way that honors God and impacts eternity. [32:21]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What is one financial decision you can make today that will have eternal implications? How can you align your financial practices with God's purposes?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus gives your life meaning. Meaning and purpose. Jesus, Jesus turns everything that is vanity under the sun and gives us meaning and purpose that will impact, listen, for eternity. For eternity. The choices that you, that you make this week will matter for eternity. You make those decisions in light of your relationship with Christ." [11:31]
2. "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income. This also is vanity. We can all testify and tell stories of pursuing the almighty dollar. And this term here, money in Ecclesiastes 5, mammon. Jesus picks up this phrase. It's more than just the currency he's talking about. He's talking about the greed. Pursuing wealth, this drive within us that we all have. We want more. We we don't have enough. We want we want a raise. We want more. We want a bigger house. We want a bigger car. We want a nicer car. We want a newer car. We want he's talking about not just the currency." [12:21]
3. "What Solomon saying the author, the preacher saying, listen, if you own a boat, your problems of life will increase. You now need a trailer to pull the boat. You now need gas, not just for the truck to pull the trailer, but for the boat as well. You now need a permit for that boat. You now need to drive somewhere where there's water to use the boat. You now have to take time off to use the boat. The boat's going to break down. You now need a repair shop to fix your boat. He's saying thousands of years ago, the more stuff you have, the more problems you're going to have." [14:05]
4. "All of us entered the world naked without a penny to our name. All of us will leave this world without a penny to our name. You will not take a penny with you. You take your last breath. You're not taking it with you, right? There's no U-Haul on the back of a Hertz. And that day is approaching some of us faster than we even know. And yet we're investing in stuff of this world that will not satisfy." [16:08]
5. "When we come to the house of God for worship, the opportunity we have is to be all in. At Boulder Mountain, we make disciples. And I get sometimes the question, well, what's really a disciple? Here's our definition. A disciple of Jesus at Boulder Mountain is an all-in follower of Jesus. All in. And we're all on that journey. We're all making steps to be all in. My prayer is that next week, I'm going to be a little farther along than I am this week." [07:50]
### Quotes for Members
1. "God has never done anything for you half-hearted. If you're here today, I want you to know that you receive 100% of the love that God has for you. He hasn't done anything in your life throughout this course of your life half-hearted for you. He has been all in for you. In every area of your life. God has been all in for you. Jesus even going to the cross. We just remembered this moment. This significant moment. We remember the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross. Jesus didn't say to Kyle, Kyle, I'm going to cover half your sins. I'm going to cover all your past. But as far as today and tomorrow, you're on your own. Jesus said, I'm covering all of them. One sacrifice once for all, Hebrews says. From now. From now, for the rest of my life, all my sins are covered. And all your sins, you receive it today by grace and mercy. All your sins are forgiven because of the work of Jesus. My friends, Jesus went all in for you." [07:06]
2. "Money is one of those things that are still, there's still some respect. I mean, just about everything else in our culture is up for grabs, right? I mean, everybody's talking about everything. Even our health is no longer a secret anymore. But money, there's still some respect where we don't ask each other, hey, what do you make? We don't share it. There's some privacy there still. But there's still some respect. There's not privacy between you and God. And so here's an opportunity this morning for us to take a few moments and talk about guard your steps when you come to the house of the Lord. This whole chapter is about worship. Worship in the sacrifice that we bring. Worship in our words. Worship in how we treat people. Worship in the things that we own. Money. Mammon. Jesus says very clearly, you cannot. You can't serve Mammon and the Lord. You can't. You can't be half-hearted in these two areas. And so you must choose and I must choose where I'm going to invest." [18:52]
3. "When we come to the house of God for worship, the opportunity we have is to be all in. At Boulder Mountain, we make disciples. And I get sometimes the question, well, what's really a disciple? Here's our definition. A disciple of Jesus at Boulder Mountain is an all-in follower of Jesus. All in. And we're all on that journey. We're all making steps to be all in. My prayer is that next week, I'm going to be a little farther along than I am this week. There's plenty of grace for this whole room, no matter where you're at, that we would take a step closer to being a fully devoted disciple of Jesus, an all-in follower of Jesus. What does that look like in our worship? It means worship begins before worship begins. Before the worship service begins, we've already begun preparing for worship. It means let your yes be yes, your no be no. You agree to something, you commit to something. That's a part of your worship all throughout the week. That's worship. The Bible tells us everything that you do can be worship. Because we do not work for man, but ultimately everything we do, we work for God. Whether you eat or drink. sip that coffee in your hand right now. You can sip that coffee. Amen. For the glory of God today. Whatever you do, the Bible says, whether you eat or drink, do it all for the glory of God. Your entire life is worship. It is more than just singing a song. It includes singing a song. Make no mistake. What happens here is something special. It's something mysterious. We trust God that what he is doing in this place, as we sing, there is encouragement being given. God is hearing our worship. He's hearing it rise to heaven. Worship is an important part. Let us not forsake. Let's not forget. Let's not ignore gathering together for worship. I encourage you to do that. Summer, there's going to be a lot of things going on this summer. And if you're out of town, you can watch online. But if you're here in the area, join us. Be here. Come early. Stay late. Because worship also includes all the conversations that happen before service and after service. Amen. Take a moment to pray for one another in the room, outside the room, on the patio. Go to lunch with each other. That's all worship. Guard your steps when you come to the house of God. Let's not show up flippantly." [07:50]
4. "Money is a big deal in marriage. Money is a big deal for singles. How you handle and steward money says a lot about you. God says, show me your wallet or show me your online bank account. Show me your Venmo, Zelle record, and I'll show you your heart. That's what Jesus says. Money is one of those things that are still, there's still some respect. I mean, just about everything else in our culture is up for grabs, right? I mean, everybody's talking about everything. Even our health is no longer a secret anymore. But money, there's still some respect where we don't ask each other, hey, what do you make? We don't share it. There's some privacy there still. But there's still some respect. There's not privacy between you and God. And so here's an opportunity this morning for us to take a few moments and talk about guard your steps when you come to the house of the Lord. This whole chapter is about worship. Worship in the sacrifice that we bring. Worship in our words. Worship in how we treat people. Worship in the things that we own. Money. Mammon. Jesus says very clearly, you cannot. You can't serve Mammon and the Lord. You can't. You can't be half-hearted in these two areas. And so you must choose and I must choose where I'm going to invest." [18:52]
5. "Money, money is not the means. Money does not give you meaning. There's no significant value. There's no difference in value. There's no difference in the value of worth of a person based on their income. There's no. God does not view you in terms of how much money you make. We view each other differently based on that, right? And we all think, if I only earned more, if I got that job that paid this amount, then I'll be happy. If I got that bonus, if I got that tax rebate, then we'd be set for life. And many of us in the room, if we're honest, we're living paycheck to paycheck to paycheck, just barely getting by. Waiting and hoping for something more. God says, through Jesus, most important verse in that passage, I believe it's all important. Matthew 6, 33. What does it look like to trust God first in your finances? But seek ye first. It's King James. But seek ye first. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. What things? Everything else. Put him first. Everything else will fall into place. Trust God first financially. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. So just you do business with God today. Who's going to be the master and the Lord of your life? What does it look like for you to trust and honor God with your finances?" [23:36]
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