Finding True Value: Money, Gratitude, and God

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound relationship between our spiritual lives and the material world, particularly focusing on money and its influence. We began by reflecting on the upcoming communion service, which will be a time of thanksgiving, inspired by Paul's exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5 to "rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks." This sets the stage for a heart of gratitude, recognizing God's work in our lives.

We then delved into Ecclesiastes 5, where Solomon offers wisdom on the nature of wealth. Through the lens of Renaissance art, specifically Quentin Massys' "The Money Lender and His Wife," we examined how easily money can distract us from our devotion to God. The painting illustrates a woman distracted by coins, symbolizing how material wealth can divert our attention from spiritual matters.

Solomon's insights remind us that money, while morally neutral, can wield significant power over our lives. It can influence our decisions, create anxiety, and even become an idol. Yet, it holds no eternal value. The Bible contains over 2,300 verses on money, wealth, and possessions, underscoring its importance in our spiritual journey. Jesus himself spoke frequently about money, highlighting its potential to become a heart issue.

We are challenged to consider what we truly value in life. Money can be a tool for good, advancing God's kingdom when used wisely. Paul, in 2 Corinthians, encourages cheerful giving as an act of worship. Solomon's counsel in Ecclesiastes urges us to view money as a gift from God, not a result of our efforts. We are reminded that everything we have is from His hand.

The sermon also addressed societal structures and the corruption that can arise from the love of money. Solomon observed the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice, highlighting the brokenness of human systems. Yet, we are called to place our hope in a greater King, Jesus, who promises a kingdom of justice and righteousness.

Ultimately, true satisfaction is found not in wealth but in our relationship with God. The painting's mirror, reflecting the cross, serves as a reminder to focus on Jesus, our source of hope. As we approach Thanksgiving, let us be grateful for the blessings we have in Christ, who meets all our needs and offers us eternal joy.

Key Takeaways:

- Gratitude is a powerful spiritual practice that aligns our hearts with God's will. As we prepare for communion, we are encouraged to reflect on 1 Thessalonians 5 and cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving, recognizing God's work in our lives. [17:50]

- Money, while morally neutral, can easily become a distraction from our spiritual focus. The Renaissance painting "The Money Lender and His Wife" illustrates how material wealth can divert our attention from God. We must guard our hearts against this distraction. [20:54]

- Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes reminds us that money holds no eternal value. It can influence our decisions and create anxiety, but it is ultimately a gift from God, not a result of our efforts. We are called to view it as a tool for advancing God's kingdom. [27:00]

- Societal structures can be corrupted by the love of money, leading to oppression and injustice. Solomon observed this brokenness, but we are reminded to place our hope in Jesus, the greater King, who promises a kingdom of justice and righteousness. [31:14]

- True satisfaction is found not in wealth but in our relationship with God. The painting's mirror, reflecting the cross, serves as a reminder to focus on Jesus, our source of hope. As we approach Thanksgiving, let us be grateful for the blessings we have in Christ. [01:00:50]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [17:50] - Thanksgiving and Communion
- [19:39] - Renaissance Art and Distraction
- [20:54] - The Power of Money
- [22:17] - Biblical Perspective on Wealth
- [23:36] - Money's Influence on Decisions
- [24:22] - Worship and Material Distractions
- [25:29] - Money as a Tool for Good
- [27:00] - Solomon's Wisdom on Wealth
- [31:14] - Societal Corruption and Hope
- [32:35] - Broken Systems and Justice
- [35:16] - The Love of Money
- [38:09] - Hope in a Greater King
- [39:05] - Individual Challenges with Money
- [01:00:50] - True Satisfaction in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
- 2 Corinthians 9:7

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Observation Questions:

1. In the sermon, how does the painting "The Money Lender and His Wife" illustrate the distraction of wealth from spiritual focus? [20:54]

2. According to Ecclesiastes 5, what are some of the consequences of loving money as described by Solomon? [47:42]

3. How does the sermon describe the societal structures and their corruption due to the love of money? [31:14]

4. What does the sermon suggest is the ultimate source of satisfaction, as symbolized by the mirror in the painting? [01:00:50]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourage believers to maintain a heart of gratitude, and why is this important in the context of the sermon? [17:50]

2. In what ways does Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes 5 challenge the common perception of wealth and its value? [27:00]

3. How does the sermon interpret Paul's encouragement in 2 Corinthians 9:7 about cheerful giving, and what does this imply about our relationship with money? [25:29]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of Jesus as a greater King in contrast to the broken societal systems? [38:09]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where money has become a distraction from your spiritual focus? How can you realign your priorities to focus more on Jesus? [20:54]

2. As we approach Thanksgiving, how can you cultivate a spirit of gratitude in your daily life, especially in relation to your possessions and wealth? [17:50]

3. Consider the societal structures you are part of. How can you contribute to justice and righteousness in your community, despite the corruption that may exist? [31:14]

4. How can you practice cheerful giving in your life, and what steps can you take to view your resources as tools for advancing God's kingdom? [25:29]

5. Identify a specific way you can focus on Jesus as your source of hope and satisfaction this week. What practical steps can you take to minimize distractions? [01:00:50]

6. Reflect on a time when you felt anxious about money. How can you apply Solomon's wisdom to find peace and contentment in God's provision? [47:42]

7. How can you actively place your hope in Jesus, the greater King, in the face of societal and personal challenges related to wealth and justice? [38:09]

Devotional

Day 1: Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude
Gratitude is a transformative spiritual practice that aligns our hearts with God's will. As we prepare for communion, we are encouraged to reflect on 1 Thessalonians 5 and cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving, recognizing God's work in our lives. This practice of gratitude is not just about saying "thank you" but about living in a way that acknowledges God's presence and provision in every aspect of our lives. It is about rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all circumstances, as Paul exhorts. By doing so, we open our hearts to the fullness of God's grace and love, allowing it to flow through us and impact those around us. [17:50]

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: Think of three specific things you are grateful for today. How can you express this gratitude to God and others in a tangible way?

Day 2: Guarding Against Material Distractions
Money, while morally neutral, can easily become a distraction from our spiritual focus. The Renaissance painting "The Money Lender and His Wife" illustrates how material wealth can divert our attention from God. We must guard our hearts against this distraction by being mindful of how we prioritize our time, energy, and resources. It is easy to become consumed by the pursuit of wealth and possessions, but we are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. By doing so, we ensure that our hearts remain aligned with God's purposes and that we are not led astray by the allure of material gain. [20:54]

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." (1 John 2:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where material distractions are pulling you away from your spiritual focus. What steps can you take today to realign your priorities with God's kingdom?

Day 3: Viewing Money as a Divine Gift
Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes reminds us that money holds no eternal value. It can influence our decisions and create anxiety, but it is ultimately a gift from God, not a result of our efforts. We are called to view it as a tool for advancing God's kingdom, using it wisely and generously to bless others and further His purposes. By recognizing that everything we have is from God's hand, we can approach our finances with humility and gratitude, seeking to honor Him in all that we do. This perspective frees us from the anxiety and pressure of accumulating wealth for its own sake and allows us to experience true contentment and joy. [27:00]

"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, ESV)

Reflection: How can you use your financial resources to advance God's kingdom today? Consider one specific way you can give generously or support a cause that aligns with God's heart.

Day 4: Placing Hope in a Just King
Societal structures can be corrupted by the love of money, leading to oppression and injustice. Solomon observed this brokenness, but we are reminded to place our hope in Jesus, the greater King, who promises a kingdom of justice and righteousness. In a world where human systems often fail, we can find assurance in the promise of God's perfect justice and His commitment to righting all wrongs. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of His justice and righteousness, working to bring about His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. This involves standing against injustice, advocating for the oppressed, and living out the values of God's kingdom in our daily lives. [31:14]

"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." (Amos 5:24, ESV)

Reflection: What is one injustice in your community that you feel called to address? How can you take a step today to be an agent of God's justice and righteousness in that situation?

Day 5: Finding True Satisfaction in Christ
True satisfaction is found not in wealth but in our relationship with God. The painting's mirror, reflecting the cross, serves as a reminder to focus on Jesus, our source of hope. As we approach Thanksgiving, let us be grateful for the blessings we have in Christ, who meets all our needs and offers us eternal joy. In a world that often equates success with material wealth, we are reminded that our true worth and fulfillment come from knowing and being known by God. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can experience the peace and contentment that come from living in alignment with His will and purposes. [01:00:50]

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:25-26, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your current pursuits and desires. Are there areas where you are seeking satisfaction apart from Christ? How can you refocus your heart on Him as your ultimate source of joy and fulfillment today?

Quotes

"We sent an email out this week to our church family that next Sunday we're having communion as a church family, and we're using this time in the season to turn our communion service into an opportunity for all of us to give thanks. And we want to listen to Paul's exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5 where he says, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks. For this is God's will for you." [00:17:50] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Money is morally neutral. It's powerless. Its value is what the government says it's worth. Its value is what we assign to it. But it can be powerful, and it can be seductive. The amount of money we have often influences major decisions that we make. Maybe where we're going to go. Maybe where we're going to live, where we're going to go on vacation, how we're preparing for the future, the needs that come up in our lives." [00:23:36] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Sadly, as long as we live on this earth, we will see people buying their way to power and using their position for their own gain. But thankfully for us, believer people, we live for the hope of a greater king. We live in anticipation of a better administration." [00:38:09] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. So this is really the purpose of everything else that he's going to say. The remaining verses will be, kind of like the points that hang under this purpose statement. The purpose statement is this. If you love money, it will never give you what you hope it promises. It's vanity." [00:39:05] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"The people will abandon their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for the pursuit of the promise of something that will never give them, something that the Lord Jesus can only give, to satisfy the heart and to give eternal purpose. Money cannot do that." [00:42:04] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Solomon is saying, you can't take it with you. If you're working really hard, work hard. But if you're working hard for the goal to amass a pile of something that you can just count and count and count, and you want more and more because you think your security is found in it, when you die, none of that comes with you." [00:51:08] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"The focus of these verses, is to remind us that our joy doesn't come from the amount of the finances that we have, but it comes from the Lord. So, remember this painting? In the story that Masses was telling, he provides some help to redirect our attention to a more excellent way, right? The money lender and his wife, and she's distracted from the spiritual things." [01:00:50] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"But true satisfaction is only found when we lean towards the cross and look to Jesus, who is the source of our greatest hope. Church, I pray that you can be a person that is not distracted by what you have or don't have, but you can be a person who can look towards the cross and say, God, thank you. I have everything that I need through your son." [01:01:27] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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