November 24, 2019

Rich Toward God

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Being Rich Topic: Generosity Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17–19, Luke 12:16–21, Luke 12:31–34

Being Rich

Rich Toward God

1 Timothy 6:17-19 & Luke 12:16-21, 31-34

Objective:  Learn how to be Good at being rich.

Review:

  • God has blessed me with more than I need, I am rich!
  • There are some unique spiritual challenges that go with being rich – Money does things to people

Key Questions:

  • How are my finances shaping my heart?
  • What is deeply within my heart, underneath my financial behaviors?
  • Am I investing my L.I.F.E. (Labor, Influence, Finances, and Expertise) in what matters most?
  • Key Thought: I will not trust in riches, but in him who richly provides!

A Life Changing Perspective on Wealth

1 Timothy 6:17-19

The context for all that I have in This Life is the life To Come

Viewing wealth through the lens of Eternity loosens my grip on it and its grip on me!

Jesus told a parable about this very topic: Luke 12:16-21

So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21)

The natural assumption is that it is all for my Consumption

What if we began to understand that God prospers me not just to increase my standard of living but to increase my Standard of Giving

Luke 12:31-34

Rich toward God = Be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share

Where Do I Begin?

Financially, have a Strategy

I Need A Plan For:

  • Giving
  • Saving
  • Spending

If we don’t, then we tend to save or consume it all and give only Leftovers

Without A Strategy I will be a 3S Giver:

  • Spontaneous
  • Sporadic
  • Sparing

The Solution Is To Become a 4P Giver:

  • Priority
  • Percentage
  • Progressive
  • Prompted (Over and above the other P’s)

Viewing wealth through the lens of Eternity loosens my grip on it and its grip on me!

Start Where You Are With What You Have: A Handful of Rice (video link)

 

Review:  How To Be Good At Being Rich:

  • Remember: God has blessed me with more than I need, I am rich! (Be grateful not guilty)
  • Ask: How are my finances shaping my heart? What is deeply within my heart, underneath my financial behaviors?
  • Repeat: I will not trust in riches but in Him who richly provides!
  • Refocus on the Eternal Perspective: The context for all that I have in this life is the life to come (the dot and the line)
  • Be Rich in Good Works: Invest my L.I.F.E. (Labor, Influence, Finances, and Expertise) in what matters most
  • Be Rich Toward God: Become a 4P Giver

Making It Personal:

  • God’s richest provision for us is eternal life found only in Jesus Christ. The beginning point for being rich in things that really matter is being in a right relationship with God by responding to his grace through repentance and faith.  Is this foundational relationship a reality in your life?
  • Spend time reviewing and reflecting on the major points of this teaching. What kind of giver are you (3S or 4P)?
  • What can you learn from the story that was shared? How can you apply these insights in your own life? 
  • How will you grow in being good at being rich?
  • Who can you share these truths with?

 

other sermons in this series

Nov 17

2019

Being Rich in Good Works

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17–19 Series: Being Rich

Nov 10

2019

The Heart of the Matter

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Matthew 6:21 Series: Being Rich

Nov 3

2019

Good News, Bad News

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17–19 Series: Being Rich