The MoreÉ The Holier

Mark 10:17-27

 

ÒI Was WrongÓ

á      Bakker had taught that wealth was a sign of GodÕs blessing, a birthright of every believer.

á      He taught that the more you gave to God, the more you would get from GodÉ

á      The book Jim Bakker wrote after his prison time was titled, ÒI Was WrongÓ.

á      He confessed he was wrong about what he taught about moneyÉ it was not biblical.

á      He had been deceived into thinking that the more you haveÉ the holier you are.

á      Stronghold (lie) of SatanÉ road to holiness is paved with riches. (The more, the holier)

á      Satan seeks to convince us that wealth equals godliness so we will pursue riches.

o     If we gain riches, we stand a good chance of getting ensnared in them. (Mt 13:22)

o     If we donÕt find riches, we become bitter toward God.

á      Either way, Satan is able to dishonor God by our actionsÉ SatanÕs ultimate strategy.

 

What was JesusÕ New Covenant teaching regarding money? (Mk 10:23-27)

á      How hard it is for the rich to enter Kingdom of GodÉ who can be saved? (Mk 10:23-27)

á      Under Old Covenant, God promised Israel that if they walked in His Ways, they would be the most prosperous people on earth. (Deut 28:15-68; Zech 8:23)

á      Disciples thought the godly were prosperous, & the prosperous were godly.

á      Disciples were caught in middle of a massive transition taking place between OC & NC.

á      Jesus affirmed tithing, but emphasized faithful stewardship, & proportional giving.

á      The Principle of Stewardship... we are stewards of His money (Lk 19:13-26)

á      We must give an account of our stewardship of 100% of His money/assets. (Rm 14:12)

á      Stewardship involves not only what you give, but also what you do with whatÕs left.

á      The Principle of Proportional Giving (2Cor 8:12; 1Cor 16:2)

á      No disciple of Christ today (under NC) should accept SatanÕs lieÉ Òthe more, the holier.Ó

 

ContentmentÉ defense against SatanÕs lie, Òthe more, the holier.Ó (1Tim 6:6-10)

á      ÒIÕve been rich & IÕve been poorÉ believe me, rich is better.Ó (Mae West)

á      Many ChristianÕs agree with MaeÉ but itÕs a lie from Satan.

á      Satan continues to tempt many with whispered lie that the holy will prosper & be rich.

á      So how can you avoid SatanÕs lie & entrapment?

á      There are four waysÉ all centered on theme of contentment.

1. Be content with lifeÕs basics. (1Tim 6:6-10)

á      Often, we are not content with the blessings we haveÉ weÕre always wanting more.

á      We spend our lives accumulating stuffÉ all of which we will leave behind.

á      Word contentment carries with it the idea of sufficiency.

á      How many of us would be, like Paul, content with just food & clothing?

á      Source of contentmentÉ whatever God has provided in my life at any given moment I need to receive as sufficient.

á      Always wanting more than you have is evidence of spiritual warfareÉ you have bought SatanÕs lie regarding money.

2. Be content with gain (Mt 20:1-16)

á      JesusÕ Parable of Vineyard Workers goes against our sense of fair play. (Mt 20:1-16)

á      Lessons: 1. If we are paid what we are promised, then we are treated justly; 2. One who has hired you is sovereignÉ he can do as he pleases; 3. DonÕt envy othersÉ envy is a testimony against the goodness of God.

3. Be content with your gifts (Rm 12:3-8)

á      E.g. Small potluck dinner party; couple arrives & husband drops tuna casserole on slate foyer floorÉ tuna everywhere. Each guest has a different response: (What would you do?)

á      Gift of mercyÉ puts arm around husband & tells him not to worry.

á      Gift of administrationÉ begins assigning cleanup tasks.

á      Gift of prophetÉ starts to draw a spiritual analogy until wife pokes him.

á      Gift of teachingÉ examines floor & points out raised edge in floor that caused stumble.

á      Gift of givingÉ volunteers to run out & buy a bucket of chicken to replace casserole.

á      Every person in body of Christ has a gift given by God that motivates them. (Rm 12:3-8)

á      We all look at life thru gift-colored glasses.

á      Do not think more highly of yourself than you oughtÉ your gift is the grace of God. (v.3)

á      God gave you the gift He wants you to haveÉ use it to build up the body of Christ. (v.6-8)

á      If you envy anotherÕs gift, Satan uses your envy to dishonor God.

4. Be content with your calling & purpose

á      There is purpose, value, & worth in the exact place to which God has called you. (1Cor 7)

á      If called to be a street sweeper, be a faithful one & do the job well & as unto the Lord.

o     We are called & predestined to be like Christ. (Rom 8:29)

á      Merit with God is because of Christ, not because of external accomplishments.

á      The world is passing away (v.31), itÕs not our home & our calling isnÕt to flit about seeking what will make us happy. Our calling is to fulfill the Great Commission. (Mt 28:19-20)

á      Being content with calling in which God has placed you is often a difficult battle.

á      ItÕs a stronghold of Satan for you to think you could be better off is somewhere else.

á      Of course, God may move you from status A to status BÉ just make sure it is God.

á      Making GodÕs purpose your purpose is the key to finding peace & contentment in life.

á      If you donÕt know your purpose, or youÕre not happy with the purpose God has given youÉ you are providing Satan an opportunity to dishonor God.

á      After all, what kind of shepherd must God be if He allows His sheep to wander aimlessly across the pastures of this world without purpose or direction.

á      Walking joyfully in your purpose, not wishing for another, is the recipe for contentment.

á      May you walk in contentment with the provision God has made for your life.