Sermons on Materialism:

What Kind Of Excuse Do You Have?

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on May 12, 2011

Everybody seems to have an excuse why they can’t or don’t serve the Lord!

A man who bought a brand new Mercedes and got out on the interstate. It was a convertible and the top was down, the breeze was blowing through his hair, and he decided he would open it up to see what it could do. The needle hit 80 miles an hour, then 90, then 100, then 110, then 120, even 130. All ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is Your Treasure? (Hix)

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Jul 20, 2014

The first thing we have to realize is that there are two places to store our treasures: 1-On this earth 2-In heaven

Matthew 6:19-21-“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21

Denomination: Baptist

American Idol Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Aug 12, 2014

A look at the different idols we worship.

American Idol June 29, 2014 Isaiah 44:9-20 As I was doing my Bible reading this week, I read Psalm 115 and I immediately thought of Isaiah 44. We’ll read these passage in a bit. I had a different topic and scripture planned for today, but I felt the Lord leading me to talk about this ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 44:9-17

Denomination: Baptist

Empty Pursuits Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 20, 2016

Don't pursue the things of this world and lose your fellowship with God, your following, your fortune, and your family.

Some time ago, in the Reader’s Digest¸ Bob Newhart talked about his days as an accountant in downtown Chicago, when he went by his given name, “George.” He was a basic 9-to-5 bookkeeper, whose duties included managing the petty cash. Salesmen would come in from the road and turn ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 19:1-38

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Three Fools

Contributed by John Gaston on Jan 28, 2016

Almost like the 3 Stooges, the Bible describes 3 types of fools: the Mental Fool, the Mocking Fool, and the Material Fool. We need to examine ourselves to make sure we don't fall into one of these three categories.

THE THREE FOOLS Psalms 14:1-7 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. The Three Stooges were a comedy act that built on the ignorance of 3 men: Moe, Larry, & Curly. In this episode, Curly’s trying to save a woman’s reputation and displays his fear of mice and penchant for ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 14:1-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Why Would Someone Plead For A Chance To Give? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 11, 2019

The Macedonians plead with Paul for a chance to share financially. What creates that kind of a heart?

- Skit: Guy shows up who has traveled back in time. Offers second guy a chance to buy Apple stock the day before the company starts. Play up the time period and maybe some jokes off the company name. A MYSTERY: Why would someone plead for a chance to give? - 2 Corinthians 8:4. - Think of the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Joined To The Lord-2

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Feb 6, 2018

2 of 6. The apostle Paul warned the church at Corinth of the inherent danger of sexual immorality. God must be allowed to control our bodies. But Why? When you/we are Joined to the Lord...

JOINED To The LORD-II—1Corinthians 6:12-20 Those Uncontrollable Christians Attention: You’re In The Army Now! A young man joined the Army & soon after was expected to attend a wedding. He asked an officer for a pass & was told he had to be back by 7 p.m. Sunday. The new recruit responded, "You ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Sermon On The Mount (Part 16) Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jan 13, 2020

For many people, their priority in life is material prosperity. When you hear the phrase, 'well off' or, 'well to do', it refers to someone who is wealthy. As we'll see today, those who have stored up treasures in heaven will truly be, 'well off' and 'well-to-do'.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (part 16) Matt. 6:19-24 Suze Orman in her book, “9 Steps to Financial Freedom” writes, "When I was 13, my dad owned his own business—a tiny shack where he sold chicken, ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries. One day the oil that the chicken was fried in caught fire. In ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24, Proverbs 23:4-5, Hebrews 13:5-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Greed - America's God Series

Contributed by Bob Marcaurelle on Sep 10, 2020

What we think about the most; work the hardest for and love the most is our "god". And for most Americans, even those in our churches, this is material possessions. We worship "ourselves" and the possessions are out offerings to ourselves

AMERICA’S GREATEST SIN - WANTING WAY TOO MUCH Matt. 6:19-27 “Do not store up treasures on earth / Store up treasures in heaven, - For where your treasure is there your heart is / No man can serve two masters / You cannot serve both God and Mammon (Money). Do not worry (be torn up) about your life ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-2, Exodus 20:17, Luke 18:25

Denomination: Baptist

Never Enough Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

Can we recognize God's gifts for what they are?

Have you ever made a bargain with God? Have you ever said, “God, just get me out of this and I’ll never ask for anything again!” Or “God, if you help me pass this test I’ll come to church every Sunday for a year!” Or “God, if you get me this job I’ll never call in sick again!” If you have, you’re ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:1-16

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Money Talks Series

Contributed by David Owens on Sep 13, 2021

In James 5, James comes down very hard on the rich and the sins that often accompany materialism. What we do with our money declares what we value and love. So, what is your use of money saying about you?

Introduction: A. One evening a husband was balancing the checkbook and said to his wife, “You know the old saying, ‘money talks’? Well, ours just said, ’So long!’” 1. I know that we all feel that way sometimes, don’t we? 2. The world we live in runs on money, and it seems that we never have enough ...read more

Scripture: James 5:1-6, Luke 6:24-25, Luke 18:24, Matthew 6:19-20, 1 Timothy 6:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Prayer Of Thanks Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Nov 13, 2024

The main idea is to learn to be grateful for what we have and find contentment in it, rather than constantly wanting more.

Hey guys, let's talk about something we all struggle with - always wanting more. You know, that new phone, the latest sneakers, or even more followers on Instagram. It's like we're stuck on a treadmill, always chasing after the next big thing. But have you ever stopped to think about what you ...read more

Topics: Materialism, Consumer Culture, Mindful Living, Simplicity

Set Your Heart On Heavenly Treasure

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Aug 4, 2025

Jesus warned his followers that they would be tempted to “set their hearts” on things of little value. If they did that they would not “set their hearts” on what is priceless. Jesus used similar words but in reverse to say that what we treasure will be where our heart goes.

In 1799, twelve-year-old Conrad Reed, skipped Sunday School to go fishing. He found a place to fish along Little Meadow Creek on his family’s farm in North Carolina. While standing by the creek, young Conrad saw what he thoughts was a “yellow rock shining in the water.” With some effort he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:22-34

Denomination: Lutheran

Spiritual Wealth And Generosity From Proverbs Series

Contributed by Timothy Schultz on Jan 24, 2011

The importance of realizing that spiritual wealth and generosity are more important than material wealth.

Intro: Money a bit part of our lives but we often keep it private. Do you remember your earliest memories of money? • Alden bank book—savings • Dad’s businesses: Budget Foods store in Buffalo… Schultz’ Produce Market. Landscaping… Colonial Shoppe ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 11:1-25

Denomination: United Methodist

God Cleanses His People

Contributed by Jeff Simms on May 19, 2003

To encourage the congregation to avoid materialism and the love of money

Zechariah 5:5-11 God Cleanses His People Primary Purpose: To encourage the congregation to guard against materialism and the love of money. Introduction Before the Israelites had gone into exile, they were primarily a agriculture based society. They lived off the land and farming. During ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 5:5-11

Denomination: Baptist