What Possess You? Series

God doesn’t say "don’t be rich" he just says "don’t boast in it" Boast that you know God. God owns all the stuff anyway. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50) and "all the earth is mine" (Exodus 19:5).

We are simply "stewards" of things God gives us to use temporarily.

1 Peter 4:10-11 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ESV

So the word is: Be aware (stare at) your life and be on guard to keep yourself from slipping into covetousness.

So if our lives don’t exist in the abundance of our possessions, what does our life consist of?

The Three Antidotes to Covetousness

1. Be Content

Hebrews 13:5-6 Keep your life free from love of money , and be content with what you have, for he has said," I will never leave you nor forsake you." ESV

See it is having God as our possession that is the thing of primary importance.

Philippians 4:10-13 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ESV

1 Timothy 6:6-8 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. ESV

2. Put your treasure in God

Luke 12:32-34 "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ESV

If we put our treasure in treasure then we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. If we put our treasure in God’s kingdom by having His Spirit exude from inside us and letting Him work out from within us, then we build up treasure in heaven which will last.

Be Rich Toward God

Jesus said "Luke 12:20-21 But God said to him, ’Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God." ESV

So how do we become rich toward God?

1. Love God extravagantly

2. Remain steadfast in trials

James 1:12-13 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. ESV

3. Seek to do His will whenever you can

3. Be Generous

Generosity does not stem from how much you give but how much you have left after you give. This week someone shared a story with me. A nonprofit organization was trying to figure out the membership of an overseeing group for a particular activity. A very wealthy woman was in the discussion. One of the other members suggested including an elderly woman who regularly contributed income from her stocks, about $5,000 per year - a pittance from the wealthy woman’s standpoint. The wealthy woman said: "no no no. What would this woman contribute, knitting lessons?" It’s a modern day example of the widow’s mite from Mark 12: