Stewarding Wealth: A Biblical Perspective on Riches

Devotional

Day 1: The Corrosive Nature of Misused Wealth

Wealth, when misused, corrodes both physically and spiritually, testifying against those who prioritize it over righteousness. This serves as a reminder that material possessions are temporary and should not be the foundation of our lives. Instead, we should focus on eternal values and the impact of our actions on our spiritual well-being. The Bible warns that the love of money can lead to spiritual decay, as it shifts our focus away from God and towards temporary gains. This corrosion is not just a physical deterioration but a spiritual one, where our hearts become hardened and our priorities misaligned. [01:11]

James 5:1-3 (ESV): "Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days."

Reflection: In what ways have you allowed material possessions to take precedence over your spiritual growth? How can you begin to realign your priorities today to focus on eternal values?

Day 2: Contentment in Godliness

The Bible teaches that godliness with contentment is great gain, urging us to find satisfaction in God's provision rather than in material possessions. This perspective challenges us to evaluate our desires and to cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from our relationship with God. Contentment is not about having everything we want but about finding peace in what God has provided. It is a call to trust in His sufficiency and to be grateful for His blessings, no matter how big or small. [17:05]

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (ESV): "But godliness with contentment is great gain, 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."

Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you struggle with discontentment? How can you practice gratitude and find satisfaction in God's provision today?

Day 3: Wealth as a Tool for God's Glory

While wealth can be an expression of God's kindness, it is not the ultimate goal. We are called to use our resources to serve God and others, understanding that our true treasure lies in heaven. This eternal perspective shifts our focus from accumulating wealth to using it for God's glory and the benefit of others. Wealth is a tool, not an end in itself, and it should be used to further God's kingdom and to bless those around us. [18:50]

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: How can you use your resources to serve God and others this week? What practical steps can you take to invest in eternal treasures rather than earthly ones?

Day 4: The Responsibility of Wealth

The rich have a peculiar responsibility to be generous and to share, thereby laying a firm foundation for the coming age. This responsibility calls us to steward our resources wisely, recognizing that our actions have eternal significance and that we are accountable to God for how we use what He has given us. Generosity is not just about giving money but about sharing our time, talents, and resources to make a positive impact in the lives of others. [21:04]

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."

Reflection: In what ways can you be more generous with your time, talents, and resources? How can you ensure that your actions today have a positive impact on the future?

Day 5: Trusting in God's Provision

Our trust should not be in wealth but in God, who provides for us richly. As we navigate the complexities of wealth and poverty, let us remember that our true security and joy are found in Him alone. This trust in God frees us from the anxieties of materialism and allows us to live with peace and purpose. When we place our trust in God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and His ability to provide for our needs, which brings a sense of peace and contentment that wealth cannot offer. [20:30]

Proverbs 11:28 (ESV): "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf."

Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you are relying on wealth for security? How can you shift your trust to God and experience His peace and provision today?

Sermon Summary

In our exploration of James 5:1-6, we delve into the profound warnings against the misuse of wealth and the spiritual implications of materialism. The passage begins with a stark admonition to the rich, urging them to weep and wail for the misery that awaits them due to their hoarded wealth and unjust actions. This prophetic lament serves as a reminder that wealth, when misused, corrodes not just physically but spiritually, testifying against those who prioritize it over righteousness.

The Bible does not inherently condemn wealth; rather, it warns against the vices and temptations that accompany it. Wealth can be an expression of God's kindness, as seen in the story of Job, who was blessed abundantly after his trials. However, the Bible consistently emphasizes that godliness with contentment is great gain, urging believers to find satisfaction in God's provision rather than in material possessions.

Our perspective on wealth should be shaped by a biblical worldview, recognizing that riches are not the ultimate goal but a tool for serving God and others. The rich are called to be generous, to share, and to lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. This eternal perspective shifts our focus from accumulating wealth to using it for God's glory and the benefit of others.

In light of these truths, we are reminded of the peculiar responsibility that comes with wealth. It is not merely about enjoying God's blessings but about stewarding them wisely. The rich are encouraged to be rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share, thereby laying a firm foundation for the coming age.

Ultimately, our trust should not be in wealth but in God, who provides for us richly. As we navigate the complexities of wealth and poverty, let us remember that our true security and joy are found in Him alone.

Key Takeaways

1. being. [01:11]
2. Godliness with Contentment: The Bible teaches that godliness with contentment is great gain, urging us to find satisfaction in God's provision rather than in material possessions. This perspective challenges us to evaluate our desires and to cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from our relationship with God.

3. Riches as God's Kindness: While wealth can be an expression of God's kindness, it is not the ultimate goal. We are called to use our resources to serve God and others, understanding that our true treasure lies in heaven. This eternal perspective shifts our focus from accumulating wealth to using it for God's glory and the benefit of others.

4. The Responsibility of Wealth: The rich have a peculiar responsibility to be generous and to share, thereby laying a firm foundation for the coming age. This responsibility calls us to steward our resources wisely, recognizing that our actions have eternal significance and that we are accountable to God for how we use what He has given us.

5. Trust in God, Not Wealth: Our trust should not be in wealth but in God, who provides for us richly. As we navigate the complexities of wealth and poverty, let us remember that our true security and joy are found in Him alone. This trust in God frees us from the anxieties of materialism and allows us to live with peace and purpose.

** [01:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:11] - The Misery of Misused Wealth
[02:18] - Prayer for Understanding
[03:20] - Thinking Christianly
[04:46] - Wealth and Riches in James
[05:40] - Prophetic Lament in Scripture
[06:50] - Jesus' Prophetic Warnings
[07:43] - Calvin's Insight on Wealth
[08:34] - The Folly of Envying the Rich
[09:40] - Distinguishing the Audience
[10:28] - Warning Against Covetousness
[11:12] - Personal Reflection on Wealth
[12:22] - Righteous Indignation
[13:20] - Introduction to Wealth and Poverty
[14:05] - Riches and God's Kindness

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- James 5:1-6
- 1 Timothy 6:6-10
- Job 42:10

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Observation Questions:

What specific actions and attitudes of the rich does James condemn in James 5:1-6? How do these actions testify against them? [01:11]
According to the sermon, how does the Bible view wealth in itself? Is it inherently negative, or is there a different perspective presented? [14:05]
What example from the Old Testament is used in the sermon to illustrate God's kindness through wealth, and what was the outcome for that individual? [14:49]
How does the sermon describe the responsibility of the rich according to 1 Timothy 6:17-19? What are they encouraged to do with their wealth? [21:04]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the misuse of wealth lead to spiritual corrosion, as mentioned in the sermon? What are the spiritual implications of prioritizing wealth over righteousness? [01:11]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that godliness with contentment is a form of great gain? How does this perspective challenge common societal views on wealth and success? [17:05]
How does the sermon explain the concept of laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth? What does this mean for how believers should view and use their resources? [21:19]
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between trusting in God and the anxieties of materialism? How does this trust impact a believer's sense of security and joy? [20:30]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own attitude towards wealth. Are there areas where you might be prioritizing material possessions over spiritual values? How can you shift your focus to eternal values? [01:11]
Consider the concept of godliness with contentment. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment in your daily life? [17:05]
How can you use your resources to serve God and others this week? Identify one specific action you can take to be generous and share with those in need. [21:04]
Think about a time when you felt anxious about financial matters. How can trusting in God's provision help alleviate those anxieties? What specific prayer or scripture can you meditate on to reinforce this trust? [20:30]
Evaluate your current financial practices. Are there changes you can make to ensure you are stewarding your resources wisely and laying a firm foundation for the coming age? [21:19]
Identify one person or organization you can support with your resources this month. How can this act of generosity help you lay up treasures in heaven? [21:19]
Reflect on the story of Job and how God blessed him after his trials. How does this story encourage you to trust in God's compassion and mercy, even in difficult times? [14:49]

Sermon Clips

now listen you rich people weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you your wealth has rotted and moths have eaten your clothes your gold and silver are corroded their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire you have hoarded wealth in the last days [00:01:04]

we call upon you now our gracious God and loving father beseeching you because in you all of the fullness of wisdom and light is found and asking that in your mercy you will Enlighten Us by the Holy Spirit so that we might have a true understanding of the Bible we pray that you will teach us by Your Word to place all of our trust in you [00:02:22]

to think christianly or to think biblically is not simply to think Christian thoughts or to think biblical thoughts but is to think all of our thoughts from a Christian and biblical perspective it is if you like to take a leap from C.S Lewis when he says I believe in Christianity as I believe in the rising of the Sun not simply because I can see it but because by it I can see everything else [00:03:33]

James is showing his readers the absolute folly of setting a high value on wealth of envying those who are these rich oppressors and of feverishly trying to obtain what others have and what he is doing here is he is making it clear that despite the fight that to all intents and purposes the the rich appear to have it made in the shade [00:08:14]

the Bible doesn't cast any aspersion or suspicion upon riches in and of themselves the Bible does not cast any aspersion or suspicion upon riches per se if it did it would be surprising that in a context in which he lambasts these rich oppressors that he would use job and God's goodness to job as an illustration because as you know job was a really rich man [00:13:56]

the Bible consistently warns against and condemns The Vices which are the snares of the rich First Timothy at the end of first Timothy Paul is giving to Young Timothy all these instructions and he gives instructions concerning those who are actually rich people in his Fellowship and he exercises a warning for them and it reads as follows command those who are rich in this present world [00:15:59]

the Bible teaches us that godliness with contentment is great gain we're still in first Timothy six in fact we're quoting the sixth verse of First Timothy 6 contentment is the opposite if you like of covetousness covetousness is a form of idolatry idolatry is sin and in verse 8 if your Bible is open you will see that Paul says and I can tell you what you need in order to be contented [00:16:59]

the Bible teaches us that riches are an expression of God's kindness they're an Express they're not the only expression of God's kindness not even will we say they're the Supreme expression of his kindness but nevertheless they are we saw that in the reference to job there in James 5 and also we picked it up didn't we hear as he makes it clear that God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment [00:18:39]

The God Who sovereignly bestows things for us to enjoy may sovereignly take them away so as to teach us to enjoy him and not to enjoy them he gives us them in order that we might love him he doesn't give us them in order that we might love them and if we start to love them rather than love him he may have to take them away so as to show us that ultimately our only joy is in him [00:20:03]

command them to be good to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share and interestingly verse 19 in this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life it's not our purpose to expound this but it is interesting isn't it what James is saying what Paul is saying [00:21:04]

when we go into our Earthly treasure and we take from our Earthly treasure in order to benefit those who live with Earthly impoverishment while we are removing from the bank of Earth we are actually depositing in the Bank of heaven isn't that what he's saying we take it out of here and give it there and people say are you crazy giving all that away you say no you don't understand [00:21:26]

there's a test at the end of this life there's a Terminus to which we're coming there is a Payday that will come none of this will come with me in my coffin none of it will come with me in my coffin therefore I'm taking it now and I'm giving it here and in actual fact I'm making a deposit there there's nothing other than Jesus lay up for yourselves Treasures on Earth and you'll have them eaten up for you [00:21:54]

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Stewarding Wealth: A Biblical Perspective on Riches

Devotional

Day 1: The Corrosive Nature of Misused Wealth

Day 2: Contentment in Godliness

Day 3: Wealth as a Tool for God's Glory

Day 4: The Responsibility of Wealth

Day 5: Trusting in God's Provision

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Stewarding Wealth: A Biblical Perspective on Riches

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