Fuse Jakarta

W2 | Wealthy In God

FUSE Jakarta

REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES

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‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ | Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.


‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬ | Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

OBJECTIVE

Monthly Theme: Excellence in Stewardship

Recognizing God as the ultimate owner of all resources and storing treasures in heaven

CONTENT

WEALTH COMES FROM ABOVE

  • Being wealthy – having an abundance of material possessions or money – can be seen as a gift from God (James 1:17). But what we do with the gift can either enhance goodness or create more evil.
  • The Bible teaches that while wealth itself is not wrong and can be used for God's purposes and righteous cause, the dangers are significant. Sinful attitudes associated with wealth - including greed, arrogance, placing wealth above God, and a selfish love of money - can lead to neglecting God and falling into spiritual temptations. (1 Timothy 6:9)
  • To avoid falling into temptation, wealth must be approached with wisdom and a commitment to stewardship. We must constantly remember that our ability to create wealth comes from God and that everything we have ultimately belongs to the Lord. (Deut 8:18)
  • Jesus emphasizes the importance of heavenly treasure over earthly treasure (Matthew 6:19-20). Wealthy people who consider their riches as belonging to God, realize that earthly treasure has an expiration date. Knowing this, we are encouraged to use and steward what we have in ways that benefit God’s kingdom and have eternal significance - that is to do good, to be rich in good deeds, generous to those in need, and always being ready to share with others. (1 Timothy 6:18).

STEWARDING OUR TREASURES WISELY

  • Wise stewardship believes the view that we are owners of nothing, but stewards of everything. And when our hearts are not drawn away by the desire for material riches, we can prove ourselves faithful stewards of that which God has entrusted to us. (Matthew 25:14-15)
  • Wise stewardship begins with the matter of the heart. This means whatever we do in word or deed, we need to check its implication to our heart - whether we become more Christ-like or self-focused. Ultimately, stewarding our wealth revolves around protecting and guarding our hearts from counterfeit treasure.
  • Consider these few characteristics of wise stewardship:
    - Wise stewards are generous. Giving generously is an act of faith that keeps our hearts protected from the love of money. (1 Timothy 6:10)
    - Wise stewards acknowledge God’s sovereignty. God promises to meet all our needs according to His riches and glory (Phillipians 4:19). Without acknowledging this, our hearts can be tempted to envy those whose lifestyle and wealth surpass ours.
    - Wise stewards build relationships. Jesus encourages us to use worldly wealth to benefit others and make friends rather than focusing on accumulating riches for one's sake. (Luke 16:9).
    - Wise stewards prepare for the future. Just as Joseph encouraged pharaoh to save during the years of plenty as preparation for the coming famine (Genesis 41:36), savings can provide protection in times of calamity, and also prevent our hearts from the tendency toward extravagance.
  • Above all, where we invest our treasure signifies the whereabouts of our hearts (Matthew 6:21). Investing our treasure in material things keeps our hearts anchored to earthly values; however, when we invest in things of eternal value, our hearts remain loyal to the Lord.

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  • How do worldly wealth and spiritual wealth differ? What are some signs in your own life that show you are becoming wealthy in God?
  • What are some treasures entrusted to you by God? Share some practical steps on how you would steward them.

REFERENCES