Money 101

In this passage, we explore a general overview of biblical stewardship and a biblical view of  money.  Click here for the recording of this 8/17/25 Service, and you can fast-forward to 20:24 to get to the start of the sermon.

Our text comes from First Timothy Chapter 6.6-10

6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.

9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by content-ment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.

9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Introduction

• Capitalism is a two edged sword- it has created incalculable wealth in the US, and also created an insatiable desire for “more”

• This message will be the 6th time I have preached on money issues since becoming your pastor

• Show me 2 things, and I’ll show you what you value- your calendar, and your checkbook; what you do with your time, and your money, says much about you

• Another primary question is, “what motivates you?”  What drives you to do what you do?

• In terms of wealth and overall prosperity, “to whom much is given, much is required”

• This message deals with a broad approach to biblical stewardship and money

v6

• A devotion and commitment to the Lord (eusebeia) coupled with contentment (autarkeia- having your needs sufficiently met) is a means of great provision

• a vertical view of Jesus + a horizontal view of His provision = a satisfied view of life

v7

• We enter this world with nothing

• We leave this world with nothing

• In between our entrance, and our exit, we tend to acquire a lot of stuff

v8

• If we have food in our belly, and

• Clothes on our back

• Let us be content with that

• American culture tends to see this as overly simplistic and a gross understatement

v9

• If you are motivated by a desire to acquire wealth

• This is often a temptation that leads to a trap

• These desires are foolish and harmful

• They lead to ruin and destruction

v10

• The love of money (filarguria- avarice, greed) is the source of all kinds of evil

• By desiring this

• Some have wandered from their love for Jesus

• And have wounded themselves with much pain

• Money in and of itself is morally neutral

Practical application

1. Biblical stewardship starts with tithing, coupled with giving to missions, and giving to the needy

2. Teach children early on about biblical stewardship

3. Train for a marketable skill or education

4. Live within your means

5. Learn value over price

6. Learn the principle of compounding interest

7. Make, and invest, as much as you can