Continuing our Proverb Series, Tyler Jones speaks about Money. While an unpopular topic among churchgoers, it's important to cover each and every temptation and addiction that draws us away from God. Roughly 10% of Proverbs is about Money, and it's clear from looking around that it's something we all struggle with.
Monetary themes in Proverbs a) God blesses the righteous with wealth (Proverbs 3:9-10) b) Foolish behavior leads to poverty (Proverbs 26:13-15) c) Poverty is the result of injustice and oppression (Proverbs 13:23) d) The wealth of fools will not last (Proverbs 11:18) e) Those with money must be generous (Proverbs 28:27) f) Wisdom is better than wealth (Proverbs 15:16) g) Wealth has a limited value (Proverbs 11:4)
Proverbs 11:28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall.
Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first-fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Exodus 19:5 The whole earth is mine.
Psalm 50:10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
Haggai 2:8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine.
Psalm 115:3 Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases Him.
Questions for Reflection 1. God is exceedingly generous. In His sovereignty, God gives us food, clothes, and air to breathe. Why would God do this for you? How will you respond to this generous God? If you cannot give your money and your time away generously, there is a gospel issue in your life. It never feels good when someone points that out, but is it true? Is there a disconnect in what you believe and how you live? If Jesus died for you willingly, sacrificially and joyously, how will you respond appropriately?
Where is your money going? Spend some time on this question for the next week. God instructs us to build the local church and to use that church as an agent to renew people physically and redeem them spiritually. Are you using all of your resources to build the Kingdom of God?
Giving should be sacrificial. It should reflect the way Jesus left Heaven and lived among us. Giving should reflect the gift that Christ gave you—Life. Sacrificial giving will change where you live, what you eat, how you dress and where you travel. Are you honoring God sacrificially with your money? Does your giving change your life?