Scripture References: Matthew 6:19-24; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Psalm 112
Intro: Welcome to this sermon in our series on "Holy Habits." We're exploring spiritual disciplines – practices modeled by Jesus that create space for the Holy Spirit to transform us. Remember Dallas Willard's words: "Grace is not opposed to effort; it's opposed to earning." Today's habit concerns money and possessions. Jesus spoke often about this (16 parables, ~25% of His recorded words), not because He needed money, but because how we handle it reveals our hearts.
Key Points:
- Jesus' Perspective: Eternal Treasure (Matt 6:19-21): Jesus contrasted temporary earthly treasures (vulnerable to decay, theft) with lasting heavenly treasures. He wasn't against possessions but urged investing in what truly endures, redirecting our focus from the temporal to the eternal.
- Money Reveals the Heart (Matt 6:21): "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Our spending and priorities show what we truly value and where our allegiance lies. What consumes our resources often consumes our thoughts.
- Cannot Serve God and Money (Matt 6:24): Jesus presented a clear choice: we ultimately serve either God or Mammon (money/possessions personified). Pointing to wealth as a sign of God's favor misses Jesus' emphasis on heart allegiance and eternal perspective.
- Redeem Possessions, Don't Just Abandon: Jesus calls us to steward wealth for eternal purposes, not necessarily abandon it entirely (unless specifically called). The goal is to "own without treasuring, possess without being possessed" (Willard), avoiding both prosperity and poverty theologies.
- Generosity Flows from Grace (2 Cor 8:1-5): Paul highlighted the Macedonians who, despite extreme poverty and affliction, begged to give generously to help suffering believers in Jerusalem. Their generosity stemmed from experiencing God's overwhelming grace – generosity is grace made visible. Crucially, "they gave themselves first to the Lord."
- Generosity Cultivates Trust & Blessing (2 Cor 9:6-9; Ps 112): Paul reminds the Corinthians (and us) that sowing generously leads to reaping generously. Psalm 112 connects generosity with a steady, trusting heart unafraid of bad news. Giving cultivates trust in God's provision. Give cheerfully, but if cheerfulness is lacking, give obediently and ask God to change the heart.
- Generosity Leads to True Life (1 Tim 6:17-19): Generosity isn't just about duty; it's a pathway to freedom and "that which is truly life." By investing in eternal things and sharing generously, we break the grip of materialism and store up lasting treasure.
- Countering Cultural Formation: We are bombarded by messages promoting consumption. Intentionally cultivate generosity by examining: our inner narratives about possessions, our default habits (give vs. consume), the influence of our friends, and the media environment we choose.
Conclusion: Jesus calls us to view money and possessions through an eternal lens, recognizing they are tools to be stewarded for lasting impact, not masters to be served. Generosity, flowing from a heart transformed by God's grace, is a vital spiritual habit that frees us, cultivates trust, reflects God's nature, and leads to true life.
Call to Action: Don't let culture dictate your relationship with possessions. This week, take inventory: What resources (time, talent, treasure) has God entrusted to you? Prayerfully consider one step toward greater generosity – perhaps starting to give financially, moving to a percentage, giving more progressively, or volunteeri
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