Money Matters: The Importance Of Restraint

Today, we gathered to honor our veterans, recognizing their sacrificial service and the example they set for us all. As we move into this week, we also turn our attention to a topic that touches every one of our lives: money. God cares deeply about how we handle our finances, not to restrict us, but to protect us and bless us. He wants us to experience peace, joy, and the ability to care for our families and bless others. Yet, in our culture, the temptation to overspend and live beyond our means is ever-present, and the consequences are real—stress, broken relationships, and missed opportunities for generosity.

We looked at the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16, which reminds us that our financial decisions have both immediate and eternal consequences. The rich man’s life was marked by luxury and self-indulgence, while Lazarus suffered at his gate. The parable isn’t about condemning wealth, but about misplaced priorities and the failure to use what we have for good. God’s Word calls us to a life of simplicity, contentment, and generosity. Simplicity doesn’t mean poverty, but rather living within our means and resisting the pressure to constantly acquire more. Contentment is found not in possessions, but in Christ, who alone fills the deepest longings of our hearts.

Generosity flows naturally when we are not enslaved by debt or driven by the need to impress others. When we live simply, we are freed to give, to help those in need, and to invest in things that matter for eternity. God loves a cheerful giver, and He desires that we experience the joy that comes from open-handed living. To help us make wise decisions, I shared ten practical questions to ask before making a purchase—questions that help us examine our motives, consider our witness, and keep our priorities in line with God’s heart.

Ultimately, we are called to live with an eternal perspective. The things of this world are temporary, but the way we use our resources can have lasting impact. When God is truly first in our lives, everything else falls into its proper place. Contentment, peace, and joy are found not in what we own, but in our relationship with Christ and in living out His priorities. May we be people who manage God’s blessings well, live generously, and keep our eyes fixed on what truly matters.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Simplicity leads to freedom and peace Choosing to live simply—within our means and without constant striving for more—frees us from the anxiety and pressure that come with debt and overspending. Simplicity is not about deprivation, but about making space for what matters most: relationships, generosity, and spiritual growth. When we resist the cultural push for bigger and better, we discover a deeper contentment and a life that honors God. [38:18]
• 2. Generosity is a mark of spiritual maturity True generosity is not measured by the size of our gifts, but by the willingness to give sacrificially and joyfully. When we are not burdened by financial overcommitment, we are able to respond to needs around us and participate in God’s work. Generosity reflects the heart of God and is a tangible expression of our trust in Him as our provider. [47:23]
• 3. Contentment is found in Christ, not possessions No amount of wealth or material goods can fill the void that only Christ can satisfy. Contentment is a spiritual secret learned through relationship with Jesus, who gives us strength to be at peace in every circumstance. Without Him, we will always be searching for the next thing to bring happiness, but with Him, we find lasting joy and sufficiency. [68:35]
• 4. Eternal perspective transforms financial decisions When we remember that this life is not all there is, our priorities shift. We become less attached to temporary things and more invested in what will last forever—loving God, serving others, and storing up treasures in heaven. An eternal perspective helps us hold our resources loosely and use them for purposes that outlast us. [65:19]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [23:24] - Honoring Veterans
• [24:48] - Introduction to Money Matters
• [25:55] - The Importance of Work
• [26:23] - Warning About Scams
• [27:58] - The Need for Restraint in Spending
• [31:09] - The Reality of Debt in America
• [34:49] - Three Principles for Financial Health
• [38:18] - Simplicity: Living Within Our Means
• [47:23] - Generosity: Using Wealth for Good
• [52:11] - Ten Questions Before You Buy
• [65:19] - Living with Eternal Perspective
• [68:35] - Contentment Through Christ
• [70:20] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
• [75:01] - Church Generosity in Action
• [77:10] - Prayers for Needs
• [78:15] - Communion and Announcements
• [83:11] - Giving and Dismissal

Bible Reading

Luke 16:19–31 (ESV) – The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus —
> 19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”

1 Timothy 6:6–10 (ESV) —
> 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 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. 10 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.

Philippians 4:12–13 (ESV) —
> 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Observation Questions

1. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, what differences do you notice between how the rich man and Lazarus lived during their lifetimes? (Luke 16:19–21)
2. According to 1 Timothy 6:6–10, what dangers are associated with the desire to get rich? What does Paul say is “great gain”?
3. In Philippians 4:12–13, what does Paul say he has learned, and what is the “secret” he refers to?
4. The sermon mentioned that the rich man “never made his life about eternity” and only thought about the here and now ([01:05:19]). What evidence do you see of this in the parable?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to contrast the lives of the rich man and Lazarus so sharply in this parable? What point is he making about priorities and the use of resources? ([35:23])
2. The sermon said, “Simplicity is not about deprivation, but about making space for what matters most: relationships, generosity, and spiritual growth” ([38:18]). How does this idea challenge the way our culture views success and happiness?
3. Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:10 that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” How can someone tell if their relationship with money is becoming unhealthy? ([43:04])
4. The sermon described contentment as a “spiritual secret learned through relationship with Jesus” ([01:08:35]). What does it look like to find contentment in Christ rather than in possessions?

Application Questions

1. The sermon listed ten practical questions to ask before making a purchase, including “Why am I buying this?” and “Will it limit my ability to be generous?” ([52:11]). Think of a recent purchase you made—how might your decision have changed if you had asked these questions first?
2. The pastor said, “When we live simply, we are freed to give, to help those in need, and to invest in things that matter for eternity” ([38:18]). Are there areas in your life where you could simplify in order to be more generous? What would be a first step?
3. The sermon pointed out that “generosity reflects the heart of God and is a tangible expression of our trust in Him as our provider” ([50:06]). What is one way you could practice generosity this week, even if it feels like you don’t have much to give?
4. The message warned about the pressure to “buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like” ([44:50]). Are there ways you feel pressured to spend or live beyond your means? How can you resist that pressure?
5. The pastor said, “If God is truly first in our lives, everything else falls into its proper place” ([01:02:39]). What does it look like for you to put God first in your financial decisions? Is there a specific area where you need to realign your priorities?
6. The parable shows that the rich man ignored the needs right at his gate ([47:23]). Who are the “Lazaruses” in your life or community that you might be overlooking? What is one practical way you could respond?
7. Paul says he learned to be content “in any and every circumstance” (Philippians 4:12). What is one area of your life where you struggle with contentment? How can you invite Christ into that struggle this week? ([01:08:35])