Transforming Our Relationship with Money and Legacy

Devotional

Day 1: Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be

The way you relate to money reveals the true priorities and affections of your heart. Jesus teaches that our investments—whether in earthly possessions or in heavenly treasures—are a direct reflection of what we truly value and worship. Money itself is not evil, but it is a powerful indicator of where our trust and devotion lie. When you examine your spending, saving, and giving, you are given a window into your soul, showing whether your heart is set on temporary things or on the eternal purposes of God. [35:07]

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: What does your recent spending or saving reveal about what you treasure most, and how might you begin to shift your heart toward investing in what matters to God?

Day 2: Money Is a Matter of Trust and Faithfulness

How you handle money is not just a practical issue but a deeply spiritual one, revealing whether you truly trust God. Jesus makes it clear that faithfulness with finances is a prerequisite for being entrusted with greater spiritual riches. The way you steward your resources—no matter how much or how little you have—teaches those around you about your trust in Jesus and shapes the legacy you leave. Money is a test of trust, and God desires that you use it as a tool for building a legacy of faith, not as a source of anxiety or control. [45:02]

Luke 16:11 (ESV)
“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?”

Reflection: In what specific area of your finances do you sense God inviting you to take a step of greater trust or faithfulness this week?

Day 3: Jesus Invites You to Freedom from Money’s Grip

Jesus sees you, loves you, and invites you to follow Him into a life where money no longer controls you. The story of the rich young ruler shows that even those who seem to have it all can be enslaved by their possessions, missing out on the life Jesus offers. Jesus’ invitation is not about punishment or loss, but about love and the freedom to build a legacy that lasts. He calls you to let go of whatever holds your heart captive, so you can experience the joy and security that comes from trusting Him above all else. [54:55]

Mark 10:21 (ESV)
“And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’”

Reflection: What is one thing—possession, habit, or mindset—that you sense Jesus asking you to release so you can follow Him more freely?

Day 4: With God, All Things Are Possible

No matter how impossible your financial situation or fears may seem, God is able to do what you cannot. Jesus assures His disciples that what is impossible for people is possible with God, whether it’s breaking free from anxiety, finding peace, or building a legacy that outlasts you. This truth invites you to dream bigger, trust deeper, and take steps of faith, knowing that God’s power is not limited by your circumstances. The breakthrough, peace, and legacy you long for are possible—not by your own strength, but with God. [58:33]

Mark 10:27 (ESV)
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.’”

Reflection: What is one area of your financial life that feels impossible right now, and how can you invite God into that situation today?

Day 5: Building a Legacy Starts with Trusting Jesus Daily

Your life, your money, and your legacy are all connected, and the journey to building something that lasts begins with daily trust in Jesus. Whether you have much or little, God wants to meet you right where you are and walk with you step by step. Start by having honest conversations with God and with others about your finances, and take one tangible action that demonstrates your trust in Him. As you do, you’ll find wisdom, peace, and freedom, and you’ll begin to build a legacy that impacts not just your family, but the kingdom of God for generations to come. [01:07:47]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to trust Jesus with your finances, and who can you invite into that journey with you?

Sermon Summary

Money is one of the most powerful forces shaping our lives, our families, and the legacy we leave behind. Jesus cares deeply about our relationship with money—not because He wants something from us, but because He wants something for us. Our approach to money is not just a practical matter; it’s a spiritual one, revealing where our trust truly lies. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 remind us that where our treasure is, our heart will be also. The way we handle money is a direct reflection of what we value and worship, and it’s one of the most significant ways we either build or destroy the legacy we leave for future generations.

We all have different relationships with money—some of us are struggling, some are doing well, and some are just getting by. But no matter where we are, Jesus wants to meet us there. He doesn’t want money to control our lives or to be the source of our security. Instead, He invites us to trust Him with our finances, to see money as a tool for building a legacy that honors God and blesses others. The story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10 is a powerful example: Jesus looked at him, loved him, and invited him to a life of freedom and purpose. But the man walked away, unable to let go of his possessions.

The challenge for us is not to break the gaze with Jesus. Instead of turning away in fear or shame, we are invited to look to Him, to trust Him, and to take practical steps of faith with our money. This means starting honest conversations with God and with others, taking tangible steps of generosity or stewardship, and asking ourselves what our lives would look like if we truly trusted God with everything. Jesus offers us an alternative to the world’s anxiety and scarcity: a life of freedom, peace, and legacy that lasts. When we trust Him with our finances, we’re not just changing our bank accounts—we’re building a faith legacy that can impact generations.

Key Takeaways

1. Money is fundamentally a spiritual issue, not just a practical one. The way we handle our finances reveals what we truly value and where our trust lies. Jesus wants to transform our relationship with money so that it becomes a tool for building a lasting legacy, not a source of anxiety or control. [33:03]
2. Jesus never said that money is evil, but He warned that it becomes dangerous when it owns our hearts. The story of the rich young ruler shows that even good, moral people can be enslaved by their possessions. True freedom comes when we allow Jesus to lovingly confront our attachments and invite us into a life of trust and generosity. [54:55]
3. Trusting God with our money is not about having enough, but about being willing to surrender what we have. Whether we have much or little, Jesus meets us where we are and invites us to take steps of faith. The amount is not what matters to God—our trust and willingness to follow Him are what count. [48:33]
4. Building a legacy is not just about financial wealth, but about faithfulness and trust. The way we handle money teaches our children, friends, and community about what it means to trust Jesus. Our legacy is shaped by the daily choices we make with our resources, and God can multiply even the smallest acts of faith for His kingdom. [45:02]
5. Don’t break the gaze with Jesus. When we’re tempted to turn away in fear, shame, or self-sufficiency, Jesus looks at us with love and invites us to follow Him. Staying close to Him, having honest conversations, and taking practical steps of faith will lead to breakthrough, peace, and a legacy that truly lasts. [65:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[15:17] - Worship and Opening
[25:05] - Community Connection and Announcements
[30:04] - Embracing the Fall Season
[31:20] - Introducing Life, Money, and Legacy
[33:03] - Jesus’ Desire for Our Relationship with Money
[34:14] - The Sermon on the Mount and Treasures
[36:23] - What We Value Reveals Our Worship
[37:42] - The Wallet Exercise: Trust and Money
[40:10] - Money as a Spiritual Issue
[42:15] - The Reality of Financial Pressures
[45:02] - Money, Trust, and Legacy
[49:33] - The Rich Young Ruler: A Story of Attachment
[54:55] - Jesus’ Loving Invitation
[58:33] - With God, All Things Are Possible
[65:27] - Don’t Break the Gaze: Practical Legacy Steps
[72:58] - Spiritual Formation and Financial Freedom
[75:09] - Life, Money, and Legacy Connected
[76:49] - Closing Prayer and Response

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

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.”

Mark 10:17-27 (ESV) — > And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” ... Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

Observation Questions

According to Jesus in Matthew 6, what is the connection between our treasure and our heart? What does He warn us about when it comes to storing up treasures? ([34:14])
In the story of the rich young ruler (Mark 10), what did Jesus ask the man to do, and how did the man respond? ([53:37])
What does Jesus say is possible with God, even when it seems impossible for people? ([58:33])
The sermon mentioned that money is not evil, but it can become dangerous. What makes money dangerous according to the message? ([36:23])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus links our treasure and our heart so closely? What does this reveal about what we truly value or trust? ([35:07])
The rich young ruler was described as moral and successful, but still walked away from Jesus’ invitation. What does this teach us about the power of our attachments and the challenge of surrender? ([54:55])
The sermon said that Jesus wants to meet us wherever we are financially. How does this challenge the idea that only people with “enough” can honor God with their money? ([48:33])
The message emphasized not “breaking the gaze” with Jesus, even when we feel fear or shame about money. What does it look like to keep our focus on Jesus in practical terms? ([01:05:27])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to start honest conversations with Jesus about money. What would it look like for you to pray daily, “Jesus, I want to trust you with my money today”? Is there something specific you need to talk to God about regarding your finances? ([01:07:14])
Have you ever felt embarrassed, anxious, or even proud about your financial situation? How does your current relationship with money reflect what you value or trust most? ([39:45])
The story of the rich young ruler shows someone who couldn’t let go of his possessions. Is there something in your life—money, possessions, or even security—that you find hard to surrender to God? What would it look like to take a step of trust this week? ([53:37])
The message encouraged us to have an honest money conversation with another person. Who could you talk to this week about your financial fears, struggles, or even successes? What’s holding you back from having that conversation? ([01:08:45])
The sermon suggested taking one concrete step of faith with your money—like giving, saving, or helping someone in need. What is one practical thing you could do this week to show that you trust God with your finances, even if it feels risky? ([01:10:46])
Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If someone looked at your bank statement or spending habits, what would they say you value most? Is there anything you want to change about that? ([35:07])
The message ended with the idea that building a legacy is about faithfulness, not just wealth. What kind of legacy do you want to leave for your family, friends, or community when it comes to money and faith? What’s one small step you can take toward that this week? ([45:02])

Sermon Clips

Friends, what I want to say clearly is what we do with our money is one of the most powerful ways that we either build or destroy the legacy that we're leaving behind for future generations. And that's our goal, is to continue something here that lives long after we're gone, that we're able to join with the church from the beginning, and it just continues to grow and to grow and to grow long after we're gone. [00:32:29]

Jesus wants to transform your relationship with money, making it a tool for building your legacy. That's his desire for the thing we call money, for the paper we have in our pocket or whatever it shows digitally when we check at home. That's his desire for us, and so it should be ours. [00:33:03]

From the outset, from the very, very beginning, Jesus is telling us that the relationship that we have with money reveals something very profound with our hearts. What is he not saying? And therefore, what are we not saying throughout this entire series? He's not saying that money is evil, nor are we. He's not saying that at all. He's saying that what we value shows what we worship and then what kind of legacy that we're actually creating and leaving. [00:35:55]

Let me just level the playing field so that we all feel uncomfortable. All of us value and worship something, some event, some experience more than we do God. All of us. And God wants to gently and lovingly confront that and then send us in a different direction. [00:36:50]

Why do we get so weird about money? Because fundamentally, money is about trust. Fundamentally, money is about trust. And here's what that means for what you're building. Money is actually a spiritual issue, not just a practical one. In fact, it's more of a spiritual issue than it is a practical one. [00:40:05]

I want you to know that the way you handle money is actively teaching your kids, your friends, your neighbor, your strangers everything they need to know about whether or not you believe you can trust Jesus. [00:40:41]

According to Jesus, money is a matter of trust and legacy. Look at what he says in Luke chapter 16, verse 11. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth that is little, who will entrust you to true riches? Money is fundamentally about trust and faithfulness, both of which are essential for building a legacy that lasts. [00:45:05]

All of these are spiritual issues. Every single one of them. And if I didn't quite describe the predicament that you're in, your situation is a spiritual one as well. And here's the incredible news. Jesus was wants to meet you right where you are financially. He wants to meet you exactly where you are right now in terms of your finances. He really does. [00:47:40]

This entire series is far more about what God. What God wants for you and your legacy than what he wants from you. You see, sometimes we can think, my gosh, all God does is want whatever I make. No, he doesn't. It's worse. He wants all of it. But he's not super interested in nickel and diming you. It's not the point. [00:48:05]

Jesus doesn't want money controlling your life. He doesn't want money to control your every day, every week, every month, every day, year. He wants to set you free so that you can actually build something that lasts, a legacy. [00:48:37]

So here's the question for all of us. If we're not trusting Jesus with our money, are we really trusting Jesus? I want you to think about that. [00:48:57]

Jesus isn't saying that money is evil. He he's saying it's dangerous if it owns your heart. But the hopeful promise is that God can do what seems impossible. Free us from the grip of money and give us eternal treasure that never fades. [00:50:06]

Jesus looked at him, loved him, and invited him. This wasn't and isn't today about punishment. This was and is today about love and compassion and understanding. Jesus sees what's really going on. This man's money has become his entire security. It's become his entire hope. It's become his peace. It's become his God. And Jesus loves him way too much to let him stay enslaved to it. [00:54:30]

With God, all things are possible. Not on your own. Not by hoarding. Not by being stingy. Not by being wise. Certainly not by working harder. But with God. That financial breakthrough that you've Been looking for and wanting and praying for. Possible with God. The peace you're looking for. Possible with God. The fear that you want lifted so you don't have to walk and live with fear on a regular basis. Possible with God. Being that mom or dad that you know you need to be, especially on the heels of our Family Matters series. You're like, man, I need to be that kind of dad. I need to be that kind of mom. Possible with God. The legacy you want to leave not just with your family, but your place on this earth. Possible with God. [01:02:30]

But I need to tell you, I'm scared to death. What if he didn't break the gaze? What if you and I said today, instead of breaking the gaze, we looked at Jesus and said, hey, look, I'm broke as a joke, and I got myself into a pickle financially and things aren't great. I've made some bad decisions. But I need you to help me trust you with my finances. What if we didn't break the gaze? [01:05:18]

Regardless of where you are, start a conversation with Jesus. No matter where you're at financially, like, hey, we're on target, we're going to be able to buy an island, great. Or if you're here today and you're like, I hope top ramen's on sale, great. No matter which area you're at financially, I want you to do these things. Number one, start a conversation with Jesus about money every day for the next seven days. Pray this very simple prayer every morning. Jesus, I want to trust you with my money today. And if you have no money, then substitute today with someday. Show me one way I can honor you with my finances. [01:07:09]

Have one honest money conversation with another human being. Find someone you trust that shares your faith and your attention to detail regarding money and tell them one thing about your financial situation that you've kept private. This one's not a joke. I'm actually asking you to do this. Have a conversation with someone about your financial situation that you've kept close to the chest. Remember, privacy is different than secrecy, but it's just been private for a while. [01:08:47]

Take one concrete step this week. Do one tangible thing with your money that shows that you completely trust God with it. Do something absurd with your money for God's kingdom. Perhaps it's setting up automatic tithing to the church. Maybe it's setting aside $20 for your savings account. Maybe it's paying extra towards your debt. Maybe it's buying groceries for your neighbor that you don't know all that well. Or maybe for a perfectly good stranger and not because you go, yep, we can afford it. Yep, go ahead and do that. All the budget works out, all the numbers work out. I carried the one. Everything's great. Let's go buy some groceries for a stranger. No, no. Go do it when comes to it, work out. Go do it when it doesn't make sense. Go do it when you don't have it because that shows your trust. It also shows what God can do with your money. The amount doesn't matter. The amount. God could care less about the amount. Trust does. [01:10:30]

The MO of Jesus is always giving an alternative to what the world offers. It's what he does. And when you do that, as we go through this series, my hope and my prayer is that you're going to find some wisdom that you never knew existed. You're going to experience peace in your life that for some of you, it's just been nothing but stress and anxiety and chaos and you hate money. Oh, I want you to experience freedom. And most importantly, you're going to start building a legacy that actually lasts, not just for your family, but for the kingdom of God. [01:12:46]

Because I believe with everything in me. Jesus doesn't want money running your life. He really doesn't. And so much of our lives is run by money. He wants to set you so completely free that you can build something that actually matters, something that lasts, something that helps others take their next step with him. [01:14:07]

Your life, your money, your legacy are all connected. Your life, your money, and your legacy is all connected. When you trust Jesus with your finances, you're not just changing your bank account. You're building a faith legacy that can impact Boulder county for generations to come. [01:15:09]

The question is whether or not you have enough money to leave a legacy. The question is whether or not you're willing to trust Jesus with what you have so that he can multiply it in ways you never dreamed of for his kingdom and for the praise and the honor of Jesus. That's why we're talking about money. [01:16:22]

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