God's Economy: Unveiling Contentment
Phil 4:11-13
INTRODUCTION
Look at some of these quotes from the news
A tornado of economic discontent is buffeting the nation, sending satisfaction with the country's direction to a 35-year low.
Nearly nine in 10 registered voters are worried about the economy's direction;
Nearly seven in 10 are worried about their own family finances.
Those worries have led people to do some pretty dumb things.
Ill: Marysville postal worker was indicted, then arraigned Wednesday on charges he stole cash from greeting cards he processed in his job.
Dean Edward Hudson, 29, is free on bond and pleaded not guilty to the 19 felony charges of mail theft and destruction of mail. Between July and December of last year, he allegedly opened greeting cards among mail he processed, took cash found inside, then sent the cards on their way. Investigators think more than 1,000 pieces of mail were involved.
Despite every problem every economic downturn, Americans still live in one of the top ten countries in the world when it comes to standard of living.
The horror of the situation is that our affluent culture has drugged us. We do live in an affluent culture. And it has drugged us. We struggle to feel the pain of other people's deprivations? We struggle to know what to do about it because it too easy too feel so comfortable in our suburban homes with an overly stocked pantry and a gas-guzzling truck.
Yet our "American dream" culture lusts after affluence voraciously. Americans decidedly value affluence as a sign of success, of "arriving," of achieving the highest status. We want it all. And we want it now. Many believers are so drugged by it that they believe that their faithfulness is a magic key to what they want.
Look at this question posted on beliefnet.
The Bible tells me not to worry about money. I don't work and I live on a fixed income. Does that mean I can spend money as long as I spend wisely, give generously to those that are in need, and give to my church? My income is $1056 per month but I spend about $1700 each month. Am I foolish? I believe God will always meet all of my wants and needs. Have I misunderstood what the Bible is trying to tell me? --Jwwalby
So what is the biblical standard for a Christian in an affluent culture? How are we to respond to our culture of affluence? How does God's economy function.
We began last week reminding ourselves the God's economy focus on his ownership. The second principle we need to discover to exchange our economy for God's economy is this:
GOD'S ECONOMY INVOLVES UNVEILING THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT.
Phil 4:11-13
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
NIV
Contentment begins with knowing where our treasure is.
Matt 6:19-21
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Notice:
A choice is implied
Action is required
Contentment follows right choices.
Contentment grows when practiced.
Phil 4:11 . . .for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
By Reducing Debt. . .
"the borrower is servant to the lender" Proverbs 22:7b
By Counting the Costs . . .
Stop thinking that what you can afford is determined by what payments you can afford.
Luke 14:28-30
28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'
By Looking Ahead . . .
Prov 6:6-11
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest--11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
By Gracious Giving. . .
Mark 12:42-44
42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on."
NIV
2,000-plus references to money in the Bible can be boiled down to three words: work, save, give.
Contentment leads to responsible living.
God does not promise to meet all our wants, especially in our consumer culture. And it is equally true that God does not promise you will always have a steady flow of money just because you give generously. When Jesus sets up the example of the widow who gave "her whole living," he was not exalting tithing. Rather, he was lauding sacrificial giving even by the poor, and he did not suggest that there was some sort
Rom 13:8
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
NIV
Prov 22:26-27
26 Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge
or puts up security for debts;
27 if you lack the means to pay,
your very bed will be snatched from under you.
NIV
1,085,471 people filed bankruptcy in the year ended December 31, 2007.
Chapter 7 bankruptcies have increased 36.7% from year end June 30, 2007 to year end June 30, 2008.
