True Wealth: A Heart Aligned with God
Summary
In our current series, "In God We Trust," we delve into the profound understanding of wealth from a godly perspective, contrasting it with the world's view of riches and the debilitating mindset of poverty. Poverty is not merely a lack of funds; it is a state of mind that often leads to a physical manifestation of lack. Riches, on the other hand, signify an abundance of material possessions but not necessarily an abundance of heart. True wealth, however, is an inward abundance—a contentment and gratitude for life that, when cultivated, manifests God's provision around us.
Wealth is a mindset, a heart posture, a worldview that is eternal. It is possible to be rich without being wealthy, just as it is possible to be poor yet possess true wealth. This understanding of wealth is not about accumulating things but about trusting in God's provision and aligning our hearts with His.
Recently, I experienced a personal testament to God's provision. Despite financial challenges, God revealed His order and provision in our lives through a series of numbers that appeared in our bank accounts. These moments reminded us that God is in control and that our trust should be in Him, not in our financial acumen.
God is preparing our hearts for a greater purpose. He desires to use His people to rescue orphans, end cycles of poverty, and advance His kingdom. This requires us to have the right heart and faith in Him alone, not in worldly wisdom. Kingdom finance is about trusting God with our resources, acknowledging that everything we have is His.
To reach a state of godly wealth, we must cultivate four key areas: creativity, character, capacity, and consistency. Creativity involves partnering with God to find heavenly solutions for earthly problems. Character is about being trustworthy and reliable, reflecting the character of Jesus. Capacity is our ability to grow and handle more as God entrusts us with greater responsibilities. Consistency is the commitment to persistently pursue what God has called us to, regardless of circumstances.
As we embrace these principles, we become vessels through which God can pour out His spirit and solutions, enabling us to be on the front lines of changing the world with Jesus. We are called to be creators, innovators, and problem-solvers, using the gifts and abilities God has given us to bring about His kingdom on earth.
Key Takeaways:
- True wealth is not measured by material possessions but by the condition of our hearts and our alignment with God's purposes. Wealth begins in the mind and grows as our faith and understanding expand. It is eternal and reflects a heart of contentment and gratitude. [49:33]
- God's provision often comes through our active partnership with Him. We must use the creativity He has placed within us to bring heavenly solutions to earthly challenges. By doing so, we step into the flow of God's order and provision for our lives. [01:11:41]
- Character is essential for godly wealth. Wealthy people in God's kingdom are those with good character, reflecting the nature of Jesus. Our character determines our capacity to be trusted with true riches and to steward them for kingdom purposes. [01:18:07]
- Capacity to handle wealth and responsibility can be increased. God is looking for those willing to say "yes" to Him, and as we do, He supernaturally expands our capacity to do more for His glory. Like Deborah in the Bible, our willingness to step up can lead to significant impact. [01:30:12]
- Consistency in our walk with God is key to building wealth His way. By consistently aligning our actions with His will and character, we position ourselves to be used by God in powerful ways. Consistency builds reliability, which is foundational for godly success. [01:36:59]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 31:1-5 - "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft.'"
2. Genesis 1:27 - "So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
3. 1 Corinthians 15:58 - "So my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Exodus 31:1-5 tell us about the skills and abilities given by God to Bezalel? How does this relate to the concept of creativity mentioned in the sermon? [01:12:09]
2. According to Genesis 1:27, in whose image are we created, and what does this imply about our potential for creativity and innovation? [01:15:01]
3. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, what are believers encouraged to be, and how should they approach their work for the Lord? [01:36:51]
4. How did the speaker describe the difference between being rich and being wealthy? [55:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Bezalel in Exodus 31:1-5 illustrate the importance of using God-given talents for His purposes? What might this look like in our lives today? [01:12:09]
2. What does it mean to be created in the image of God, especially in terms of our ability to create and innovate? How can this understanding impact our daily lives and work? [01:15:01]
3. How can the encouragement in 1 Corinthians 15:58 to be "strong and immovable" and to "work enthusiastically for the Lord" help us in our pursuit of godly wealth and consistency? [01:36:51]
4. The sermon mentioned that true wealth is an inward abundance and a heart of contentment and gratitude. How does this perspective challenge the common worldly view of wealth? [55:04]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own talents and skills. How can you use them creatively to solve problems and serve others, as Bezalel did? [01:12:09]
2. In what ways can you cultivate a mindset of contentment and gratitude in your daily life, aligning with the idea of true wealth as described in the sermon? [55:04]
3. Think about a time when you faced financial or personal challenges. How did you see God's provision in that situation, and how can this experience strengthen your trust in Him? [01:06:35]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of character in building godly wealth. What specific steps can you take to develop and demonstrate good character in your interactions and decisions? [01:18:07]
5. How can you increase your capacity to handle more responsibilities and blessings from God? Identify one area in your life where you can say "yes" to God and step out in faith. [01:30:12]
6. Consistency was highlighted as a key to building wealth God's way. What is one small, consistent action you can commit to this week to align your life more closely with God's will? [01:36:59]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of partnering with God to bring heavenly solutions to earthly challenges. What is one specific problem you are facing right now, and how can you seek God's guidance and creativity to address it? [01:11:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Wealth Begins Within
True wealth is an inward condition of contentment and gratitude, not an accumulation of material possessions. It is a mindset that acknowledges the eternal nature of God's kingdom and aligns one's heart with His purposes. This perspective on wealth begins in the mind and grows as faith and understanding expand. It is about trusting in God's provision and recognizing that material wealth is temporary, while spiritual abundance is everlasting. The journey to true wealth starts with a heart posture of thankfulness and a steadfast focus on God's eternal values.
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" - Hebrews 13:5
Reflection: How does your current view of wealth align with the idea that true riches are found in contentment and gratitude towards God?
Day 2: Partnering with Divine Creativity
God's provision often comes through our active partnership with Him, utilizing the creativity He has instilled within us. This divine creativity is not just for artistic expression but for solving real-world problems with heavenly wisdom. By tapping into this resource, believers can step into the flow of God's order and provision, finding unique solutions that reflect His character and purposes. It is through this partnership that one can experience the fullness of God's provision and witness His kingdom come to earth in tangible ways.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you can invite God's creativity to bring about a solution that aligns with His purposes?
Day 3: Character Reflects True Riches
Character is the cornerstone of godly wealth. A person's character—being trustworthy, reliable, and reflective of Jesus' nature—determines their capacity to manage true riches and steward them for the advancement of God's kingdom. Wealth in God's eyes is not measured by material abundance but by the quality of one's character. As believers develop a character that mirrors Jesus, they become capable of handling greater responsibilities and blessings from God.
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold." - Proverbs 22:1
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a character that is trustworthy and reflective of Jesus to steward God's blessings responsibly?
Day 4: Expanding Capacity for Kingdom Impact
God is searching for those who are willing to embrace His call and say "yes" to Him. As believers respond in obedience, God supernaturally expands their capacity to handle wealth and responsibility for His glory. This increased capacity is not just for personal gain but for making a significant impact in the world, much like biblical figures who stepped up in faith. Embracing this growth allows believers to be more effective in their calling and to serve God's purposes on a larger scale.
"And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." - Genesis 12:2
Reflection: How can you demonstrate your willingness to God today, so He may increase your capacity to serve His purposes?
Day 5: Consistency Builds Kingdom Success
Consistency in walking with God is essential for building wealth His way. It involves aligning actions with His will and character on a regular basis. This commitment to consistency not only builds reliability but also positions believers to be used by God in powerful ways. As one remains steadfast in their pursuit of God's calling, regardless of circumstances, they lay a foundation for godly success and become a reliable vessel for His work.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23
Reflection: What is one action you can take today to demonstrate consistency in your walk with God and your pursuit of His calling?
Quotes
1) "Wealth starts in the mind. And if it starts in the mind, it means it can grow as our belief, as our faith, as our understanding grows." [01:10:12](Download | )
2) "I believe that we need to make sure that we are actually matching the gifts of the Holy Spirit with the fruit of the Holy Spirit." [01:24:51](Download | )
3) "I believe that growing your capacity starts with a willing heart. A heart that says, yes. A heart that says, though right now I might be overwhelmed, God, if this is you, then yes." [01:29:07](Download | )
4) "Wealthy people have good character. Not all rich people do. Wealthy people in God's kingdom are those with good character, reflecting the nature of Jesus." [01:18:07](Download | Download Cropped Video)
5) "If you will say yes, I promise you, you will step in to more capacity, more abundance, and more wealth than you can possibly imagine." [01:35:36](Download | )
6) "God's provision often comes through our active partnership with Him. We must use the creativity He has placed within us to bring heavenly solutions to earthly challenges." [01:11:41](Download | )
7) "If you can consistently be the kind of person that God's called you to be, then God can use us." [01:38:07](Download | )
8) "I believe that God is calling us to believe him and to see the world change, that we can't get discouraged by these things, but we have to allow them to hit our hearts and ignite us to do something more." [01:43:46](Download | Download Cropped Video)
9) "I believe that God is pouring out on his people. And then lastly, consistency. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless." [01:36:59](Download | )
10) "I believe that we could be doing more. I believe that there, as God's church, like far too often the church, his church is supposed to be the light of the world, but instead, we're sitting back and so worried about our own stuff." [01:41:58](Download | Download cropped video)
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