The idol in your pocket Part 2

25 May 2008

Matthew 6:19-24

Read: Matthew 6:19-24

Today is our Planned Giving Sunday.
This is one way in which we can support the WIC Mission and Vision.
Mission statement – To step out in faith and love to make disciples of Christ from people of all nations through Spirit, Word and deed.
Vision – to develop the areas of discipleship, evangelism, fellowship, ministry, mission and prayer/worship.
When we step out in faith, God steps in with power.
By our giving we indicate that we want to see this vision fulfilled.
Jesus gave blunt teaching about money. He was not afraid to state clearly what he thought about it.

1. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (6:21)

Interesting words are used here:

Treasure = thesauros
Heart = kardia
Thief = kleptes
The point is that we can compile temporal material goods or we can compile eternal spiritual goods. The choice is ours.
Material goods include money, furniture, housing, transport, entertainment etc.
Spiritual goods = love, kindness, compassion, patience, gentleness, generosity, self-control, good deeds etc.
See 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 – we can determine the kind of ‘dwelling’ we build by the way we live.
As in the story of the three little pigs, only that which is constructed of the right materials will last.
Bill Hybels: ‘Don’t buy anything you are not willing to share. If you can’t share it, it is too important to you and has captured your heart.’
Peter Daniels: ‘How do you stop money from being your god? Keep giving it away. No one can give away their god.’

2. The eye is the lamp of the body (22, 23)

The eye is like a light in a dark place – it helps us to see clearly, without obstruction or blurring. We need to keep our vision clear.
We are easily distracted by many things

What is it that occupies our vision? What is it that captivates us?
Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700-1760), leader of the Moravians, through whom John Wesley was converted, once said, ‘I have one passion – it is Christ.’
Who or what fills our vision? This is what drives us.
If our vision is unclear, we are in trouble (23)
Or are we like Baron Munchausen who ‘rode off madly in all directions’?

3. You cannot serve God and money (24)

Mammon = money, wealth, possessions.
Serve = act as a slave
One slave cannot work for two different owners
The question is not what we do with our money but what our money does with us.
What is it that determines the decisions we make in life? Prosperity, career, security, the welfare of others, the kingdom of God, our love for Jesus?
Money (possessions) makes a bad master but can be a good servant.
Luke 16:9 – we can use even ‘unrighteous wealth’ for a good end.

4. What is our response to a message like this?

There is no need to feel guilty if we cannot give much – it is not the amount but the attitude that is important. Obviously we can’t give what we don’t have. And we should not go into debt to give. But the issue is not how much we can give but our willingness to give. Are we slaves or free? One gives $500 a month; another gives $50. The motive is more important than the money. Some of the following may be genuine concerns – or they may be excuses. Our attitude is what matters.

I’ve heard it all before.
I have to pay my bills first.
I’ve already decided what I’m going to do no matter how much you preach about it.
I want to be generous, but my family has so many needs…
I’m unemployed, so what can I do?
I’m a student and never have any money.
I’m a pensioner and things are tight.
The price of petrol is too high – I have to cut back
My husband is not a Christian and he will be angry if I give too much.
On the other hand, we may respond by saying things like:
Wow! This is great
I’ve prayed about it and I am willing to do what the Lord says
Giving is a privilege
It hurts to make a commitment but I’m going to do it anyway
I love my church and I’m delighted to be part of planned giving
I believe in the WIC vision and giving is one way I can show I am right behind it

5. Five fundamentals

The question is not what we do with our money but what our money does with us.
What we do is entirely up to us (2 Cor 9:7)
Whatever we do, let’s do it joyfully and with a willing heart (2 Cor 9:7)
Above all, whether or not we have any money, let’s give ourselves to the Lord first (2 Cor 8:5)
We can give without loving but we cannot love without giving (John 3:16)

Something to think or talk about

Remember – you don’t have to answer all the questions. Choose those that seem most relevant.

Read: Matthew 6:19-24

Biblical
1. What does verse 21 mean? How would the meaning be affected if the words ‘treasure’ and ‘heart’ were interchanged?
2. How do you understand the first sentence in verse 22?
3. The word ‘serve’ means to be a slave. What can you find out about slaves in biblical times? How does this relate to the meaning of this passage?

Personal and practical
4. How do we lay up treasure in heaven? (20)
5. What is an ‘unhealthy’ eye? (22) Suggest some symptoms. What is likely to interfere with your spiritual vision? (22) What can you do about it?
6. How do you know when money is your master? What are the signs/symptoms?
7. What else apart from money could be an idol in your life? Give examples. How can you prevent such things from becoming idols?
8. On a scale of one (little) to ten (much) where would you rate (a) Jesus and (b) money in your life?

Christian Life