My Relationship to My "Stuff"
1 Timothy 6:6–10
Problems with Our View of Stuff and Wealth
- He who dies with them most toys win.
- Money is the root of all evil.
- Wealthy people are evil.
- Only rich people are greedy.
- God really loves the poor.
- I should give to God out of my leftover/discretionary money.
- God doesn't care what I do with my stuff.
Principles about Our Stuff and Riches
- Stuff or Wealth does not bring contentment.
Discontentment is the raging affliction of our time.
A godly person is motivated not by the love of money but by the love of God.
People are truly rich when they are content with what they have.
The richest person is the one who doesn’t need anything else.
Philippians 4:11–13
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
- Stuff or Money is not meant to last.
- Our needs and wants are different & easily confused.
God promised to provide our needs not our wants.
- The love for money or wealth leads to sin.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
How Can I Live and Think Biblically about Stuff?
First, believers must consciously realize that the Lord owns everything they have.
Second, believers must cultivate a thankful heart. Since God owes them nothing, anything they receive from Him should make them thankful.
Third, believers must learn to distinguish wants from needs. That principle, if followed, would greatly increase the amount of money available for the Lord’s work.
Fourth, believers must discipline themselves to spend less than they make.
Finally, believers must give sacrificially to the Lord. Laying up treasure in heaven for the work of the kingdom should be their highest joy and source of greatest reward. (5 Applications from MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 1 Timothy (p. 254). Chicago: Moody Press.)