Stewardship, Gratitude, and the True Nature of Wealth

In the exploration of the relationship between wealth, humility, and thankfulness, it is emphasized that the use of money in a way that honors God is not synonymous with the prosperity gospel. The prosperity gospel suggests that material wealth is a sign of God's favor, which is not the case. Instead, the focus is on responsible stewardship of resources, which involves saving, multiplying, and using money in a manner that reflects gratitude and honor towards God.

The discussion delves into the concepts of pride, poverty, and gratitude, using biblical narratives to illustrate these themes. The story of Mary and Martha from the Gospel of John is recounted, where Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, an act that Judas Iscariot criticizes, suggesting the perfume should have been sold to aid the poor. This criticism is identified as a manifestation of the 'spirit of poverty,' which misconstrues wealth as inherently evil and promotes guilt over possessing it. However, the narrative demonstrates that wealth is not evil in itself; it is the love of money, rather than money itself, that is problematic.

The 'spirit of pride' is represented by Martha, who is preoccupied with her hard work and seeks recognition for it. This attitude overlooks the fact that all abilities and opportunities are ultimately gifts from God. The importance of recognizing God's role in one's success is highlighted, acknowledging that talents, skills, and even daily protection are provided by God.

In contrast, the 'spirit of gratitude' is exemplified by Mary's act of anointing Jesus, which is seen as an expression of worship and thankfulness. The narrative emphasizes that the value of the gift is not in its monetary worth but in the heart of the giver. Personal anecdotes are shared to illustrate the power of gratitude, such as the practice of writing thank you cards to donors of a seminary endowment fund, which resulted in the fund's growth and the provision of unexpected financial gifts during times of need.

The discussion also addresses the Gnostic belief that all material things are evil, which is rejected as heretical. Instead, it is asserted that possessions are not inherently bad, and Christians should not feel guilty for having nice things, as long as they do not idolize them above God.

The concept of envy is explored, distinguishing it from jealousy. Envy is described as the desire not only to possess what others have but also the belief that if one cannot have it, others should not either. This is contrasted with a healthy perspective that rejoices in others' blessings and enjoys God's creation without resentment.

Finally, the conversation turns to the global context of wealth, pointing out that an income of $34,000 a year places one in the top 1% of earners worldwide, challenging listeners to recognize their own wealth in comparison to global standards. The aim is to foster an understanding of personal wealth and to encourage a spirit of gratitude for what one has been given by God.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Reading

Luke 10:38-42 (NIV) — > As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

2. John 12:1-8 (NIV)
> Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

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Observation Questions

1. What were the different reactions of Mary and Martha when Jesus visited their home in Luke 10:38-42?
2. In John 12:1-8, what was Judas Iscariot’s reaction to Mary’s act of anointing Jesus, and what does the text say about his motives?
3. How does Jesus respond to Martha’s complaint about Mary in Luke 10:41-42? [06:24]
4. What does Jesus say about the poor in John 12:8, and how does this relate to Mary’s act of anointing him?

Interpretation Questions

1. How does the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 illustrate the concept of pride versus gratitude? [06:24]
2. What does Mary’s act of anointing Jesus in John 12:1-8 teach us about the value of sacrificial giving and gratitude? [14:02]
3. How does the sermon distinguish between the 'spirit of poverty' and the 'spirit of gratitude'? [10:07]
4. In what ways does the sermon challenge the idea that material wealth is inherently evil? [10:36]

Application Questions

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be exhibiting a 'spirit of pride' like Martha? How can you shift your focus to gratitude? [06:24]
2. Mary gave a very costly gift to Jesus out of gratitude. What is something valuable to you that you can offer to God as an act of worship and thankfulness? [14:02]
3. The sermon mentioned that making $34,000 a year places one in the top 1% of earners worldwide. How does this perspective change your view of your own wealth and responsibility? [04:15]
4. How can you practice responsible stewardship of your resources in a way that honors God, as discussed in the sermon? [02:38]
5. The sermon rejects the Gnostic belief that material possessions are evil. How can you enjoy your material blessings without feeling guilty, while ensuring they do not become idols? [11:38]
6. Envy was described as wanting others not to have what you cannot have. How can you cultivate a heart that rejoices in others' blessings instead of feeling envious? [12:25]
7. The sermon shared a story about the power of gratitude through writing thank you cards. What is one practical way you can express gratitude to someone who has blessed you recently? [16:05]