Wealth and Eternity Part 1: Money and Possessions are Important to God

Money, Possessions and Eternity

Part One: Why are money and

possessions important to God?

Bible Readings:1 Timothy 6:3-19 (Page 841)Luke 19:1-10 (Page 743)

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Tuesday, 3 February 2015

How do we know money and possessions are important to God?

God has a lot to say about money and possessions in the Bible.

There are more than 2,300 Bible verses about money.

There are more verses about money and possessions than there are verses about faith and prayer.

In the Gospels Jesus has more to say about money and possessions and their use than He does about heaven and hell.

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Why does God give us so much teaching on money and possessions?

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Why does God give us so much teaching on money and possessions?

15% of Jesus’ recorded words were on the subject of money and possessions.

What did Jesus know about money and possessions that we don't?

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The Testimony of Zacchaeus Luke 19:1-10

Zacchaeus was wealthy.

He was the chief tax collector for the Jericho region.

Tax Collection under Rome was a highly competitive business. Tax farming.

Tax regions were auctioned to the highest bidder.

The tax collector was able to keep what he collected over and above what he contracted to the government.

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Jesus invites Himself to Zacchaeus’ house for dinner.

At the meal Zacchaeus stood up and in front of Jesus and all the guests and he said, “Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor and if I had cheated anyone I will pay them back four times the amount!”

Jesus declared, “Salvation has come to this house!”

Why did Zacchaeus do this?5



Jesus did not tell Zacchaeus give over half of his wealth away . . . . So why did he do it?

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Jesus did not tell Zacchaeus give over half of his wealth away . . . . So why did he do it?

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In the presence of Jesus, Zacchaeus caught a glimpse of eternity.

He saw his life and his wealth in a completely different light.



Jesus judged the reality of Zacchaeus' salvation by his willingness to part with his possessions and money.

In God's eyes there is a relationship between our spiritual condition and our attitude and actions concerning money and possessions.

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The Testimony of the rich young man Matthew 19:16-22

“Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” “Why ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One Who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.”

The man asked, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied: “ ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honour your father and mother. Love your neighbour as yourself.’” “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?”

Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.” (Matthew 19:16–22, NLT)

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What Jesus demanded of the rich young man is outrageous, and unfair.

He didn't demand Zacchaeus do this to be saved and Zacchaeus was probably far wealthier. Zacchaeus kept half of his fortune.

Isn't salvation to eternal life a matter of belief?

If Jesus challenged you to do it, could you?

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The first and most important commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

Jesus knew that possessions were the young man's god.

The rich young man had to take an action to destroy this other god in his life.

He could not because he was in bondage to his wealth.

If Jesus is not Lord over our money and possessions, He is not our Lord.

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The relationship between our spiritual health and Attitude to possessions

Jesus judged Zacchaeus' true spiritual condition by his willingness to part with over half of his money.

Jesus judged the rich young man's true spiritual condition by his unwillingness to part with his money.

Jesus will call us to take any action needed to break our bondage to money and possessions and so free us to live completely under His Lordship.

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The relationship between our spiritual health and attitude to possessions

“When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. . . .” (Luke 3:7–8, NLT)

The crowds asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptised and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.” Some soldiers asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”” (Luke 3:10–14, NLT)

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No one asked John about money and possessions.

The crowd wanted to know what they had to do to show the reality of their change of heart.

John's answers all revolved around their thinking about money and possessions.

John could not talk about spirituality without talking in terms of how we handle our money and possessions.

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In the Bible there is a strong relationship between our spiritual well being and our attitude and actions with money and possessions.

The testimonies of Zacchaeus and the rich young man teach us that the way we handle money and possessions is the real test of our true character.

It is like a thermometer not just of our spiritual health but our whole lives.

How many health and family problems have their origin in our attitude and handling of money and possessions?

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Why Money and possessions are important to God.

Money and possessions come from God and are necessary parts of our lives.

The way we use them is directly related to the depth of our relationship with God and therefore have eternal consequences.

In the Bible God has given us many clear instructions on how we should use them.

How many times have we ignored His instructions ? How often have we insisted that about money and possessions we know better than God?

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Why Money and possessions are important to God.

When was the last time you looked to the Bible for financial advice?

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Spiritual

Wealth and Eternity Part 1: Money and Possessions are Important to God