Weathering The Storms Of Life
What Do We Do When Our Money Fails?
INTRO
: four weeks ago I started a series about Weathering The Storms Of Life. I talked about What Do We Do When Things Go Bad? We looked at Job's unbelievable misfortunes. His reaction was to worship and trust the Lord. We also saw that he was truly blessed by God in the end.We have started in Sunday School a study about Job which is very timely indeed. We have seen this past two weeks a parallel to what it can be to lose all we have in New Orleans.
Then, I talked about What Do We Do When Facing Death? We looked at several different characters in God's Word and how they handled death. While it is never an easy thing, it is something that is with us in life. The question is how will we face death? Are you ready to face the ultimate test?
Next, I talked about, What Do We Do When Facing Illness?
Illness is around us all the time. How do we handle this? I talked about how we need to look forward, asking how this can help us be used of God and how we can grow spiritually.
Last week, I dealt with our family. What Do We Do When Our Family Falters and Falls Apart? I looked at several things and tried to answer several important questions in this important area of our lives.
Today, I want to look at What Do We Do When Our Money Fails? I know that may be a scary thing to many of us, but people face this all the time.
Lets begin by looking at a few things about money. Today, I will read one of the most misquoted verses in the Bible. -- 1 Tim 6:10
1 Timothy 6:6-10 6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
One thing we see about money is…
The love of money is the root of all evil
Lets face it, money is important to most everyone. Even kids quickly develop an understanding of the importance of the "jingly" coins and green paper.
Four years ago today, a group of 19 men boarded and destroyed four different airplanes. Part of their goal was to hit America where it hurts -- financially. How many times do we hear that phrase? "Hit them where it hurts!" of course they are talking about money.
So why do we love money?
It brings a sense of well being
People carry it just to have it close
People carry large sums to feel good
People brag about how much they have
People hide it in their homes - just in case
People hide it on their persons to protect it
People steal it
People plan to get more
People feel like the cannot live without it
We can see that…
Money brings a false sense of security
It is "slippery"
It cannot bring happiness
It cannot bring true friendship (prodigal son)
It cannot guarantee health
It cannot make us live longer than God has determined we will live
It cannot guarantee our family will be right
Rich people divorce
Rich people's kids get in trouble
It cannot make us content
It cannot make us godly
It cannot keep us godly
We often have blurry ideas about money…
"I just need a little more"
"I want my family to have more than I had"
"Well I may not be happy with a million dollars, but I'd like to give it a try"
"I just want to be comfortable"
"I just want my share"
Some even get defensive about money…
"It is not for me, it is for my family"
"I could use extra money to better serve the Lord"
"Solomon was rich"
"I am a better steward than so and so"
Yes almost everyone wants more money. Even churches want more money. but remember it is not the answer.
So let us ask a few questions…
Honestly, why is money important to me?
The toys I can have?
The power it brings?
The lifestyle I can have?
The friends it brings (prodigal son)?
Better provide for family?
Be more generous to the Lord's Work?
Escape the life I am now in?
I deserve it?
You must answer this question.
So now let me ask you…
What do you do when money fails?
Trust God - share personal financial problem in 1982
SHARE PERSONAL FINANCIAL PROBLEM IN 1982
Turn to God - tell Him your problem - widow and her son
Try God (people claim to trust Him, but will not really try Him)
Toil for a living - help the problem
2 Thessalonians 3:8-12 8Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
Tell of God's goodness
Share with others about His goodness
Share with others His blessings
Thank God for His goodness
Serve God with you everyday life
Share with God your trust in Him
Matthew 10:29-33 29Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 091105am