A Faith that Handles Wealth Wisely
A Rick Warren Sermon Summary
God is not opposed to wealth. Abraham, Job, Joseph, David, Solomon, Barnabas, and Joseph of Arimathea were all rich. But be careful with it. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Christians do not put our hope on wealth, but in God and in our relationship with Him (Proverbs 11:4, 7).
We should never confuse our value with our wealth (Proverbs 13:7), but rather be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5).
If God blesses us with wealth, we should not feel guilty, shameful, or regretful (Proverbs 10:22), but know that these riches are on loan to us. Everything belongs to God; He could take it away anytime. We are called to be good stewards.
Wealth can be a useful tool. Learn how to accumulate, acquire, and allocate it. In accumulating wealth, learn to save. Spend less than what you make (Proverbs 21:20), then invest. We should make money work for us, even when we sleep, instead of us working for money (Ecclesiastes 11:1, Matthew 25:14-23).
But we are not called to hoard selfishly, for God is opposed to greed. We hoard out of insecurity and pride of our status. Also, whatever we accumulate, deteriorate, such as food, clothes, and precious metal (James 5:1-3, Luke 12:15-21).
When acquiring wealth, forget get-rich-quick schemes (Proverbs 13:11). Make money honestly. Ill-gotten gains take away our lives; it’s better to keep our soul than be wealthy (Proverbs 1:19. Matthew 16:26).
Treat others fairly (James 5:4, Proverbs 10:2, Proverbs 16:11). In business, multiple parties (customers, owners, workers, and society) need to benefit.
In allocating wealth, give to God at least 10 percent first. He will provide (Proverbs 3:9-10, Malachi 3:8-12).
Use money to make things flourish. Use money to love people. If we have a lot and do not share with those in need, we have sinned (James 5-6). Be generous, particularly with those in need (Ephesians 4:28). In turn, their plenty will supply what we need (2 Corinthians 8:14).
Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed and will prosper and truly live (Proverbs 11:24-25, 1 Timothy 6:18-19).
Summarized from 2 sermons of Rick Warren:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVcm5JJwjb8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCVh5G1ndX0 from 29 minute.
We should never confuse our value with our wealth (Proverbs 13:7), but rather be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5).
If God blesses us with wealth, we should not feel guilty, shameful, or regretful (Proverbs 10:22), but know that these riches are on loan to us. Everything belongs to God; He could take it away anytime. We are called to be good stewards.
Wealth can be a useful tool. Learn how to accumulate, acquire, and allocate it. In accumulating wealth, learn to save. Spend less than what you make (Proverbs 21:20), then invest. We should make money work for us, even when we sleep, instead of us working for money (Ecclesiastes 11:1, Matthew 25:14-23).
But we are not called to hoard selfishly, for God is opposed to greed. We hoard out of insecurity and pride of our status. Also, whatever we accumulate, deteriorate, such as food, clothes, and precious metal (James 5:1-3, Luke 12:15-21).
When acquiring wealth, forget get-rich-quick schemes (Proverbs 13:11). Make money honestly. Ill-gotten gains take away our lives; it’s better to keep our soul than be wealthy (Proverbs 1:19. Matthew 16:26).
Treat others fairly (James 5:4, Proverbs 10:2, Proverbs 16:11). In business, multiple parties (customers, owners, workers, and society) need to benefit.
In allocating wealth, give to God at least 10 percent first. He will provide (Proverbs 3:9-10, Malachi 3:8-12).
Use money to make things flourish. Use money to love people. If we have a lot and do not share with those in need, we have sinned (James 5-6). Be generous, particularly with those in need (Ephesians 4:28). In turn, their plenty will supply what we need (2 Corinthians 8:14).
Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed and will prosper and truly live (Proverbs 11:24-25, 1 Timothy 6:18-19).
Summarized from 2 sermons of Rick Warren:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVcm5JJwjb8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCVh5G1ndX0 from 29 minute.