Investing in Eternity: A Godly Perspective on Money
Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the profound teachings of Jesus regarding money, as found in Matthew chapter six. Jesus, the very embodiment of God's wisdom in human form, emphasized the importance of our financial philosophy, highlighting that our approach to money should be rooted in eternal values rather than temporal gains. He taught us that there are two categories where we can invest our resources: the perishable and the imperishable. Earthly treasures, susceptible to decay and theft, contrast sharply with the lasting investments we make in love, community, service, and opportunities for the marginalized—these are the slivers of heaven that echo into eternity.
Jesus' central message in Matthew 6:33, "Seek the kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need," serves as a clarion call to prioritize our relationship with God and the well-being of others over material possessions. This pursuit leads to true fulfillment, as it aligns our desires with God's heart, making us less susceptible to the hollow promises of consumerism and comparison.
Our culture often bombards us with a philosophy of money that is at odds with Jesus' teachings. It promotes materialism, comparison, and the relentless pursuit of the American dream, which only leads to greater misery. Jesus offers an alternative path, one that promises fulfillment not through the accumulation of wealth but through a life lived in harmony with God's values.
As we navigate our financial decisions, it is crucial to involve our children in the conversation, teaching them to view money through the lens of God's kingdom. By doing so, we help them resist the pressure to conform to the world's standards and instead transform into individuals who embody the values of Christ.
In conclusion, our financial philosophy must be anchored in the eternal, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. By doing so, we will find the fulfillment we long for and live lives that resonate with purpose and impact.
Key Takeaways:
1. Investing in the imperishable treasures of love, community, and service is akin to giving others a taste of heaven on earth. These investments are immune to loss and decay, and they carry the promise of eternal significance. As we pour into these eternal investments, we experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from aligning with God's heart for humanity. [56:23]
2. Fulfillment is not found in the accumulation of material possessions but in living a life that is in sync with God's values. When we seek the kingdom of God above all else, our needs are met, and our hearts are satisfied with the riches of His grace and provision. This fulfillment is the antidote to the emptiness that consumerism breeds. [01:02:48]
3. Our children's questions about money are opportunities to instill in them a godly perspective on finances. By engaging with their curiosity, we can impart values that will guide them throughout their lives, helping them to prioritize what truly matters over the fleeting allure of material wealth. [01:07:30]
4. Every conversation about money is ultimately a conversation about values. Reflecting on our spending habits can reveal whether we are living in alignment with our professed values or if we have conformed to the world's standards. This reflection is the first step toward making intentional changes that honor God and reflect our true priorities. [01:09:13]
5. The way we handle money is a direct reflection of what we serve—God or wealth. Jesus' teaching that no one can serve two masters challenges us to examine our loyalties and to choose to serve God wholeheartedly, trusting Him to provide for our needs and to lead us into a life of true contentment and purpose. [59:37]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV): "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
2. Matthew 6:24 (NIV): "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
3. Matthew 6:33 (NIV): "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 6:19-21, what are the two types of treasures Jesus mentions, and how do they differ?
2. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus states that no one can serve two masters. What are the two masters He refers to, and what does this imply about our relationship with money?
3. What promise does Jesus make in Matthew 6:33 about seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness?
4. How does the sermon describe the cultural philosophy of money, and how does it contrast with Jesus' teachings? [50:32]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth? What does this say about the nature of earthly possessions? [55:00]
2. How does the concept of serving two masters relate to our daily financial decisions and priorities? [59:07]
3. What does it mean to seek the kingdom of God above all else, and how does this pursuit impact our sense of fulfillment? [01:02:15]
4. How can involving children in conversations about money help them develop a godly perspective on finances? [47:03]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current financial philosophy. How does it align or conflict with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:19-21? What changes might you need to make? [50:01]
2. Consider the statement, "You cannot serve both God and money." How can you identify if money has become a master in your life, and what steps can you take to ensure God remains your primary focus? [59:07]
3. Jesus promises that if we seek the kingdom of God first, our needs will be met. How can you practically prioritize God's kingdom in your daily life and financial decisions? [01:02:15]
4. The sermon suggests that our spending habits reveal our true values. Take a moment to review your recent bank statement. What does it say about your priorities, and how can you adjust your spending to better reflect your values? [01:09:13]
5. How can you engage your children in discussions about money in a way that teaches them to value eternal treasures over material possessions? Share a specific strategy you plan to use. [47:03]
6. The sermon mentions that fulfillment comes from aligning our desires with God's heart. Identify one area in your life where you feel unfulfilled. How can you seek God's kingdom in that area to find true contentment? [01:02:15]
7. Reflect on a recent financial decision you made. Did it align with the values of God's kingdom? If not, what would you do differently next time to ensure your decision honors God? [01:09:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Eternal Investments Outshine Earthly Wealth
The true measure of wealth is not found in the accumulation of possessions but in the investments made in love, community, and service. These are the treasures that withstand the test of time, immune to the decay and theft that plague earthly riches. By focusing on these eternal investments, individuals not only provide a glimpse of heaven to those around them but also align themselves with the heart of God. This alignment brings a profound sense of joy and fulfillment, as it is in giving that one truly receives. The act of pouring into the lives of others, especially the marginalized, creates ripples that extend far beyond the here and now, echoing into eternity. [56:23]
"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
Reflection: How can you invest in someone's life this week in a way that reflects eternal values rather than seeking personal gain?
Day 2: Fulfillment Through Divine Alignment
True fulfillment is not found in the abundance of possessions but in a life lived in harmony with divine values. When one seeks the kingdom of God above all else, living righteously according to His precepts, all other needs are met. This pursuit satisfies the heart with the riches of God's grace and provision, countering the emptiness that often accompanies consumerism. The contentment that comes from this fulfillment is not fleeting like worldly pleasures but is a deep and lasting peace that transcends material wealth. [01:02:48]
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33
Reflection: What material possession could you give up to better seek God's kingdom, and how would its absence impact your daily life?
Day 3: Shaping a Godly Financial Perspective in Children
Children's inquiries about money are not mere questions; they are opportunities to instill a godly perspective on finances. Engaging with their curiosity allows parents and mentors to impart values that will guide them throughout their lives. By teaching children to prioritize eternal values over the fleeting allure of material wealth, they are equipped to resist the pressures of conformity to worldly standards. This education in financial stewardship is a critical component of raising individuals who embody the values of Christ and who understand the true purpose of resources. [01:07:30]
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6
Reflection: What conversation can you have with a child this week to help them understand the importance of using money in a way that honors God?
Day 4: Money as a Reflection of Values
Every financial decision is a reflection of one's values. Reflecting on spending habits can reveal whether one is living in alignment with their professed values or has conformed to the world's standards. This reflection is the first step toward making intentional changes that honor God and reflect true priorities. It is not just about being frugal or wise with money; it is about ensuring that every dollar spent is a testament to what one truly values and serves. [01:09:13]
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:21
Reflection: Review your last month's expenditures. What does your spending say about your values, and what changes do you feel called to make?
Day 5: Serving God Through Financial Stewardship
The way one handles money is a direct reflection of whom they serve—God or wealth. Jesus' teaching that no one can serve two masters is a challenge to examine loyalties and to choose to serve God wholeheartedly. Trusting in God to provide for needs leads to a life of contentment and purpose. This choice requires faith and a willingness to let go of the security that wealth appears to offer, embracing instead the security found in God's promises. [59:37]
"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: What financial decision can you make this week to demonstrate that you serve God rather than wealth?
Quotes
1) "The more you do what God is asking of you, the less interested you become in owning a bunch of stuff, impressing your neighbors, or having the newest version of something." [01:02:48] (Download)
2) "The promise that Jesus makes isn't that if you handle money his way, he's going to give you a lot more money. What Jesus promises is if you handle money God's way, you'll find fulfillment." [01:04:43] (Download)
3) "You can tell what's most significant to people by what they spend money on... You can direct your heart with the way that you spend your money, which is a powerful thought." [57:06] (Download)
4) "If you really truly follow Jesus as the center of your existence, it shapes the way you spend and save where you invest, the job you take, how you work at that job, the places that you shop at, the way you see other people." [58:44] (Download)
5) "No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money." [59:37] (Download)
6) "Fulfillment comes from aligning what we actually value with the way we live our everyday lives. Having there be a consistency with what you say you care about and how you make your decisions." [01:05:41] (Download)
7) "Every conversation about money is ultimately a conversation about values. And you and your kids need to be clear on what yours are." [01:08:10] (Download)
8) "There's nothing you can do about changing the life you're living until you become familiar and you become honest with yourself about the life you were actually living, the way you were actually spending and what it is actually saying." [01:09:13] (Download)
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