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Escaping the Trap of Materialism

Ryan Lowery

2 Corinthians 8:1-21

Money is a resource God wants to use to meet real needs. How do we achieve God's perspective on generosity? Paul describes six principles to guide us in our giving, starting with a need to give out of love, not obligation.

Keywords

{"passage": "2 Corinthians 8:1-21","passageabreviated": "2 Cor 8:1-21","passagetiny": "2Cor 8:1-21","teacher": "Ryan Lowery","teachingDat...

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Another Spiritual Danger

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Timothy 6:7-9

Materialism and nationalism are real temptations that face the church, and just like Paul warns the Philippians about falling into these traps, modern Christians must be careful not to follow the world's perspective instead of the Bible's. Instead, we must focus on our eternal citizenship and home with Christ rather than building material wealth and learn how to work with one another to advance the gospel in spite of differing political views.

Keywords

{"passage": "Philippians 3:17-4:3","passageabreviated": "Phil 3:17-4:3","passagetiny": "Phil 3:17-4:3","teacher": "Gary DeLashmutt","teac...

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Becoming a Shrewd Spiritual Investor

Scott Risley

Luke 16:1-13

Jesus uses the parable of a shrewd investor to illustrate that our time is short and we need to be planning and acting now. To be shrewd means having understanding associated with insight and wisdom; to be sensible, thoughtful, prudent, and wise. Four keys are given for becoming a shrewd spiritual investor: 1) understanding that things have little value vs. big value (God, people, basic needs); 2) now vs. later (waiting and planning); 3) stewardship vs. ownership (my time and money vs. God's money); and 4) serving God vs. serving money.

Keywords

{"passage": "Luke 16:1-13","passageabreviated": "Luke 16:1-13","passagetiny": "Luke 16:1-13","teacher": "Scott Risley","teachingDate": "0...

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How Greed Makes You Stupid

Scott Risley

Luke 12:13-34

Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool to warn about the problem of greed. When the rich man's crop yielded an abundant harvest, he planned to tear down his barns, build bigger ones to store his abundance of grain, and then take life easy. God tells the man he will die that very night. Jesus explains how life and relationships are more important than money and we should live our lives as stewards, not owners. Jesus says to be generous to God first because it turns our hearts to God and we will store up treasures in heaven.

Keywords

{"passage": "Luke 12:13-34","passageabreviated": "Luke 12:13-34","passagetiny": "Luke 12:13-34","teacher": "Scott Risley","teachingDate":...

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Parable Of The Rich Fool

Conrad Hilario

Luke 12:13-34

Jesus tells the parable of the ?rich fool? to persuade against materialism. Materialism stems from unbelief in God's provision: it's a waste of time, can be enslaving, and prevents us from serving God. In contrast, Christians should be putting our stock in eternal things - like relationships and giving our money back to God.

Keywords

{"passage": "Luke 12:13-34","passageabreviated": "Luke 12:13-34","passagetiny": "Luke 12:13-34","teacher": "Conrad Hilario","teachingDate...

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Is It Time to Dwell in Paneled Houses when My House Lies Desolate?

Gary DeLashmutt

Haggai 1:1-14

The prophet Haggai admonishes Zerubbabel, the governor of Israel, and Joshua, the high priest, for prioritizing the construction of their own homes over the construction of the Lord's temple. The Israelite's response to discouragement is not unlike our own; when obstacles come into our path, giving in to those obstacles instead of resisting them creates a God-sized hole that we will try to fill with a multitude of things, such as materialism. God's dealing with the Israelite's in this passage is the same as His dealing with us: when we truly want to, God, in His grace, will help us get back on the right path to glorifying Him.

Keywords

{"passage": "Haggai 1:1-14","passageabreviated": "Hag 1:1-14","passagetiny": "Hag 1:1-14","teacher": "Gary DeLashmutt","teachingDate": "1...

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The Kosmos

Mike Sullivan

1 John 2:15-17

The apostle John commands his audience not to love the "kosmos" (i.e., the world system). This system includes three primary values: 1) the lust of the eyes (materialism); 2) the lust of the flesh (hedonism); and 3) the boastful pride of life (egotism). These values are authored and promoted by Satan and are designed to keep people away from God. John says believers should reject the kosmos because it stands in the way of our intimacy with God, it is temporal, and because if we do reject it, our investments in this life will last into eternity.

Keywords

{"passage": "1 John 2:15-17","passageabreviated": "1 John 2:15-17","passagetiny": "1Jn 2:15-17","teacher": "Mike Sullivan","teachingDate"...

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What About Wealth?

Jim Leffel

Matthew 6:22-32

Beginning with the parable from Jesus in Luke 12:13-24, we unpack the dangers of materialism and the ever increasing drive for material wealth based on Jesus' assertion in Luke 12:15. The "rich fool" in the parable is shown to have a false sense of security, empty ambition, and a false worldview. The diminishing returns of seeking wealth and material possessions can be replaced by pursuing the commands of Matthew 6:22-32: 1.) don't worry; 2.) seek the kingdom of God; and 3.) invest in worthwhile ends. Includes an on-stage interview with Karl Fox to discuss financial success and trusting God with wealth.

Keywords

{"passage": "Luke 12:13-24","passageabreviated": "Luke 12:13-24","passagetiny": "Luke 12:13-24","teacher": "Jim Leffel","teachingDate": "...

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Gaining Freedom from the Love of Money

Conrad Hilario

Matthew 6:19-20

The love of money is an addiction for most people in our culture, and unlike other addictions that are widely regarded as harmful, materialism is often celebrated and promoted instead. Christians, however, are not to follow the widespread cultural norms and perspective on money but should pursue an attitude of contentment. Contentment frees up Christians to enter into deep relationships, comes from a genuine sense of security in Christ, and results in true happiness and freedom.

Keywords

{"passage": "Hebrews 13:5-6","passageabreviated": "Heb 13:5-6","passagetiny": "Heb 13:5-6","teacher": "Conrad Hilario","teachingDate": "0...

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