Welcome to episode 220 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we will talk about money.
Key takeaways:
- Jesus spoke more about money than heaven and hell combined. Why? Because money reveals what we really believe about God, ourselves, and the future.
- Our checkbooks and credit card statements are spiritual X-rays that show the condition of our hearts.
- Earthly treasures face three threats:
- Rust/corrosion: Things decay and break down
- Moths: Pests that destroy valuable items
- Thieves: People who steal what you've accumulated
- Your treasure determines where your heart goes, not the other way around. When you invest in something, your emotions follow your investment.
- What happens to our treasure happens to us. Where our treasure is, there will be our inner being—our total person.
- Whatever controls your financial decisions controls your life.
- If fear controls your money, fear controls you.
- If greed controls your money, greed controls you.
- Only God should have that level of control.
- All our activities matter, for they reveal the nature of our character.
- We need to remind ourselves that money is non-moral. There is no inherent evil in it and no inherent good. The question of right and wrong has to do with what we do with money.
- Biblical contentment isn't about having enough money; it's about trusting that God provides enough for His purposes.
- Greed is a trap for the rich and the poor and everyone in between. You do not have to be rich to fall to greed.
Quotable:
If anything in this world is everything to you, it is an earthly treasure.
Application:
- If we can't handle money (which is temporary), how can God trust us with spiritual responsibilities (which are eternal)?
- Real contentment and material prosperity have nothing to do with one another.
- How can the Christian learn to be content with simple living? Certainly not by accepting the standards set by this world. An eternal perspective and an attitude of detachment toward things are prerequisites. As an eternal perspective develops, dependence on material things will decline.
- What does your money say about your heart?
- What does your spending reveal about your priorities?
- Do you give generously or grudgingly?
- Are you anxious about money or trusting toward God?
- Does your financial planning include God's kingdom purposes?
- Are you storing treasures on earth or in heaven?
- Let God transform your relationship with money, moving from fear and greed to trust and generosity.
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