Absolute Ownership

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15 (ESV)

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:24 (ESV)

Definitions:

“serve” lit:

“master” lit: 

3 “C’s” of Absolute Ownership

1.

2.

3.

Jesus wasn’t giving us advise or making a suggestion… He didn’t say, “You serve  both God and Money.” He said: “You serve both God and money.” It’s impossible for you to become a to both.”

When you combine your devotion to God with what might say is a “responsible” investment of effort to secure your financial situation, it can be a very slippery slope to the outcome… that:

• • The pursuit of wealth and possessions begins to as your  master, and the of God’s claim on your life…

Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:9 (ESV)

If God grants riches, and you use them for , then riches are a blessing. But if you to get rich, and live with that outlook… you will pay a for those riches. All of your efforts to obtain wealth must be entirely to the service of God.  God must be your Master.

He who gives his heart to the world robs God of it, and, in snatching at the shadow of earthly good, loses substantial and eternal blessedness. How dangerous is it to set our hearts upon riches, seeing it is so easy to make them our God! Adam Clarke

Do you serve the god of Materialism or the God of Heaven?

Two Things Reveal Your Absolute Owner:

1. Your
2. Your

According to the Bible… Is money good or bad?

2 Schools of Thought

Poverty Theology

a) Poverty theology looks down on possessions.

b) Possessions are a curse.

c) A favorite scripture reference would be Luke 18 where the rich young ruler is told to sell everything he has and give it to the poor.

d) They say God will meet their needs. They seek God’s kingdom first. 

e) They reject ownership and believe that a life of poverty is God’s will for everyone.

f) They’re preoccupied with daily needs because those needs are not met yet.

g) Their attitude toward wealth and possessions:

• • sort of carefree, trusting in God, attitude. Give it all away

Prosperity Theology

a) This is totally opposite. Prosperity is the reward of the righteous. 

b) Possessions are a sign of God’s blessing.

c) A favorite scripture is Matthew 7, “Ask, seek, and knock.”

d) They say, Tell God what you want to receive.

e) They say if you have a financial need, make a deal with God.

f) Give financially to somebody with the understanding that God will return to you as much or more.

g)Their attitude toward possessions: They own what they have. 

h) They believe it’s not God’s will to be poor.

i) They’re preoccupied with money, and they’re driven to get it.

Problems With Poverty Theology:

1.  Often assumes wealthy people are .
2.  Exaggerates the role of .
3.  Fails to understand the of God’s Blessings.
4.  Can turn into .

Problems With Prosperity Theology:

1.  Assumes Prosperity is a Sign of God’s
2.  Can Induce
3.  Can easily foster wrong for following Christ

Difference Between Tithing and “Giving to Get.”

a) Tithing is initiated by .

b) “Giving to Get” is initiated by .

c) “Giving to Get” is about what you .

d) Tithing is about what you .

What are you doing right now with what you’ve got? 

Am I Faithful To God With What I Have?

My Time?  yes / no               My Talents?  yes / no  

My Tithe?  yes / no                My Testimony?  yes / no