Stewardship, Gratitude, and the True Nature of Wealth

 

Summary

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:

- Wealth is not inherently good or evil; it is a neutral resource that can be used responsibly to honor God. The true measure of wealth is not in the accumulation but in the stewardship and the heart behind its use. This perspective challenges the prosperity gospel and calls for a deeper understanding of biblical teachings on money. [02:30]

- The story of Mary and Martha serves as a powerful illustration of the dangers of pride and the beauty of gratitude. While Martha's pride seeks recognition for her efforts, Mary's gratitude is expressed through her sacrificial gift to Jesus. This teaches that achievements and hard work should be seen as blessings from God, not solely as personal accomplishments. [07:03]

- Gratitude has the power to multiply blessings, as seen in the personal story of thank you cards leading to the growth of a seminary endowment fund. This demonstrates that acknowledging the source of our blessings can lead to further generosity and provision, reflecting the reciprocal nature of gratitude. [16:29]

- Rejecting the Gnostic view that material possessions are evil, it is affirmed that Christians can enjoy material blessings without guilt. The key is to prioritize God above all else and to use possessions in a way that reflects God's love and generosity. [11:31]

- Understanding global wealth standards can shift one's perspective on personal finances. Recognizing oneself as part of the global 1% can inspire a sense of responsibility and gratitude for the resources one has been entrusted with, encouraging a more generous and thankful approach to wealth. [05:06]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 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.”

#### 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]

Devotional

Day 1: Stewardship Reflects the Heart
Wealth is a tool that can be used to honor God, and its true value lies not in its accumulation but in the stewardship and the intentions behind its use. This challenges the prosperity gospel, which incorrectly equates material wealth with divine favor. Instead, one is called to manage resources wisely, with a focus on saving, multiplying, and using money in ways that reflect gratitude and honor towards God. This approach to wealth requires a heart that seeks to serve God rather than to serve self, recognizing that all resources are provided by Him and should be used in accordance with His will.

"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 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." - 1 Timothy 6:18-19

Reflection: How can you adjust your current approach to money to better reflect a heart of stewardship and honor towards God? [02:30]

Day 2: Pride Versus Gratitude
The biblical story of Mary and Martha serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of pride and the beauty of gratitude. While Martha was preoccupied with her work and sought recognition, Mary chose to express her gratitude through a sacrificial act of worship. This teaches us that our achievements and hard work should be viewed as blessings from God, not merely personal accomplishments. It is essential to recognize that all abilities and opportunities are gifts from God and to express thankfulness for them, rather than seeking validation for our efforts.

"But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'" - James 4:6

Reflection: In what ways have you sought recognition for your efforts, and how can you shift your focus to expressing gratitude for the blessings God has given you? [07:03]

Day 3: The Multiplication of Blessings
Gratitude is not just a feeling; it is an action that can lead to the multiplication of blessings. The practice of expressing thanks, such as writing thank you cards, can result in unexpected generosity and provision. This demonstrates the reciprocal nature of gratitude—when we acknowledge the source of our blessings and show appreciation, it often leads to further acts of kindness and support. Gratitude opens the door to a cycle of blessing that enriches both the giver and the receiver.

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." - Proverbs 11:25

Reflection: What are some tangible ways you can express gratitude this week, and how might this practice open the door to further blessings in your life? [16:29]

Day 4: Enjoying Material Blessings Responsibly
Rejecting the Gnostic belief that material possessions are inherently evil, it is affirmed that Christians can enjoy material blessings without guilt. The key is to ensure that these possessions do not become idols that are prioritized above God. Material blessings should be used in a way that reflects God's love and generosity, serving as tools for good rather than objects of worship. This balanced perspective allows for the enjoyment of God's creation while maintaining a heart that is fully devoted to Him.

"For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving." - 1 Timothy 4:4

Reflection: How can you ensure that your enjoyment of material blessings does not overshadow your devotion to God? [11:31]

Day 5: Global Wealth and Personal Responsibility
Understanding global wealth standards can profoundly shift one's perspective on personal finances. Recognizing oneself as part of the global 1% can inspire a sense of responsibility and gratitude for the resources one has been entrusted with. This awareness encourages a more generous and thankful approach to wealth, prompting individuals to use their resources to bless others and to be mindful of the needs of those less fortunate.

"If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." - Isaiah 58:10

Reflection: How does recognizing your place in the global wealth spectrum influence your sense of responsibility towards others, and what action can you take today to reflect this understanding? [05:06]

Quotes

1) "Money's not evil. It has no character in itself... What we do in our hearts is what decides if we're making good choices or bad choices." [04:02] (Download)

2) "If you make $34,000 a year, did you know that puts you in the top 1% in the world?... Friends, every one of you are 1% income people. You are rich." [05:06] (Download)

3) "We're not talking about that if we're good, holy people, that God won't give us that money... What we're talking about is when we use what we have responsibly, then we use our money in a way that honors God." [02:30] (Download)

4) "Scripture tells us that we shouldn't feel bad for having things. We should only feel bad if we put our things above God." [12:13] (Download)

5) "Martha for us today is going to represent the spirit of pride... We miss the fact that God has still given it to us." [07:03] (Download)

6) "Who helped you have the understanding to learn the job that you do? Who kept you safe day after day...? Who gave you the patience...? Who helped you figure out how to solve the problems that helped you get the promotions?" [08:01] (Download)

7) "There's a power in someone saying thank you for giving to me to do what God has asked me to do. And this fund just kept growing and it kept growing." [16:29] (Download)

8) "Envy says that if I can't have a Riverview, then none of you should have one... I believe God's creation is amazing. And if you can have it, then you should enjoy it." [12:45] (Download)

9) "Mary took a 12 ounce jar of expensive perfume and anointed Jesus' feet... She gave the most precious thing she had to Jesus." [13:39] (Download)

10) "But sometimes when we're in the most desperate need and we've been grateful for everything, he finds ways to show that his love is grateful too." [16:29] (Download)