WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.060 Good morning everyone. Yep, as David introduced, we're going to be reading Proverbs chapter 11 00:00:05.060 --> 00:00:06.120 together this morning. 00:00:08.040 --> 00:00:13.400 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. 00:00:14.320 --> 00:00:19.039 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. 00:00:20.100 --> 00:00:25.379 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. 00:00:25.379 --> 00:00:31.259 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 00:00:32.979 --> 00:00:39.859 The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness. 00:00:40.679 --> 00:00:46.019 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust. 00:00:47.019 --> 00:00:52.159 When the wicked dies, his hope will perish, and the expectation of wealth perishes too. 00:00:52.159 --> 00:00:56.899 The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked walks into it instead. 00:00:57.859 --> 00:01:02.819 With his mouth, the godless man would destroy his neighbour, but by knowledge, the righteous are delivered. 00:01:04.239 --> 00:01:10.459 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there are shouts of gladness. 00:01:11.699 --> 00:01:17.819 By the blessing of the upright, a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked, it is overthrown. 00:01:17.819 --> 00:01:24.019 Whoever belittles his neighbour lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. 00:01:24.939 --> 00:01:31.280 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps the thing covered. 00:01:32.459 --> 00:01:38.079 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety. 00:01:39.299 --> 00:01:46.619 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure. 00:01:46.620 --> 00:01:51.800 A gracious woman gets honour, and violent men get riches. 00:01:52.579 --> 00:01:57.320 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. 00:01:58.580 --> 00:02:04.200 The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. 00:02:05.900 --> 00:02:11.240 Whoever is steadfast in righteousness will live, but he who pursues evil will die. 00:02:11.240 --> 00:02:18.300 Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the Lord, but those of blameless ways are his delight. 00:02:19.700 --> 00:02:25.520 Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered. 00:02:26.700 --> 00:02:30.439 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion. 00:02:30.439 --> 00:02:37.599 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, the expectation of the wicked in wrath. 00:02:38.900 --> 00:02:41.579 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer. 00:02:42.340 --> 00:02:45.639 Another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. 00:02:47.120 --> 00:02:51.860 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. 00:02:51.860 --> 00:02:58.680 The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it. 00:02:59.940 --> 00:03:05.680 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favour, but evil comes to him who searches for it. 00:03:06.500 --> 00:03:11.460 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. 00:03:12.440 --> 00:03:18.560 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the full will be a servant to the wise of heart. 00:03:18.560 --> 00:03:24.539 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise. 00:03:25.319 --> 00:03:29.900 If the righteous is repaid on earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner? 00:03:33.960 --> 00:03:39.900 The Bible has heaps to say about what being wise and the use of money and wealth. 00:03:40.960 --> 00:03:45.460 But I think we need to actually have a look at ourselves, first examine ourselves before we jump into it. 00:03:45.460 --> 00:03:56.620 So question, what proportion of your spending is for things you need, over and against things that you want, 00:03:57.200 --> 00:04:00.480 things that you desire, believing they'll make you more contented or happy? 00:04:02.540 --> 00:04:03.740 It's a hard question. 00:04:06.280 --> 00:04:08.379 Australia is a consumerist society. 00:04:08.379 --> 00:04:15.799 That is, we, as Australians generally, are living to consume rather than consuming to live. 00:04:17.259 --> 00:04:20.060 And we struggle to distinguish, as Dave said in his introduction, 00:04:20.199 --> 00:04:22.680 we struggle to distinguish the difference between needs and wants. 00:04:23.860 --> 00:04:27.259 Just recently on the ABC radio I heard that on average, 00:04:27.579 --> 00:04:34.079 every Australian household has more than $2,000 worth of unused kitchen gadgets 00:04:34.079 --> 00:04:36.219 stored in cupboards. 00:04:39.839 --> 00:04:45.579 Statistics show that the vast majority of Australians believe that we consume too much as a nation. 00:04:45.919 --> 00:04:47.759 Yet that same group, when surveyed, 00:04:48.560 --> 00:04:52.719 a vast majority of them also said that personally they didn't think they over-consumed. 00:04:52.720 --> 00:04:58.820 In fact, they believed that they were just surviving. 00:05:00.520 --> 00:05:04.060 And they couldn't actually afford to purchase everything they needed. 00:05:07.680 --> 00:05:11.940 Any intelligent distinction between needs and wants seems to have been lost 00:05:11.940 --> 00:05:13.540 in statements such as, 00:05:14.540 --> 00:05:16.360 I couldn't live without my... 00:05:16.360 --> 00:05:18.860 And there's a whole list of things we put in there. 00:05:18.920 --> 00:05:20.480 I couldn't live without my mobile phone. 00:05:20.480 --> 00:05:23.280 I couldn't live without our second car, the third bathroom, 00:05:23.379 --> 00:05:26.780 our big home, our LED TV, Netflix, and so on and so forth. 00:05:26.819 --> 00:05:27.960 The list goes on and on and on. 00:05:30.680 --> 00:05:34.780 We're consumers soaked in the values of our consumer society. 00:05:36.240 --> 00:05:38.140 Money makes the world go round, is what we're told. 00:05:39.939 --> 00:05:41.840 The more you have, the better life is. 00:05:43.200 --> 00:05:44.879 Identity, security, purpose, 00:05:46.080 --> 00:05:48.000 they're all tied to material possessions. 00:05:48.000 --> 00:05:51.899 Accumulating things is a way of life for us. 00:05:52.199 --> 00:05:54.699 I think if we're all honest, and we don't like to be at this point, 00:05:55.060 --> 00:05:56.139 we all have lists. 00:05:56.879 --> 00:06:00.839 And we're busy trying to save and get the things off the top of our list, 00:06:00.939 --> 00:06:01.959 the things we've always wanted. 00:06:02.399 --> 00:06:05.720 And at the same time, we're busy adding stuff on the bottom of the list. 00:06:06.300 --> 00:06:07.220 Things we still want. 00:06:07.220 --> 00:06:11.860 Now, here's the rub. 00:06:12.520 --> 00:06:18.280 I suggest to you this morning that not many of us would put the way we view 00:06:18.280 --> 00:06:26.300 or use our money in the same destructive category as sexual sin or heresy. 00:06:26.300 --> 00:06:29.300 And yet the Bible does. 00:06:34.000 --> 00:06:39.620 And so often we've sold out to our consumer culture without even noticing it. 00:06:39.960 --> 00:06:42.819 Or worse still, we've sold out to our consumer culture thinking 00:06:42.819 --> 00:06:46.019 that we're just chasing the basic necessities of life. 00:06:46.019 --> 00:06:55.839 So with that self-analysis, let's start building a wisdom response 00:06:55.839 --> 00:07:00.519 to the way we use a wise use of our money and wealth. 00:07:00.620 --> 00:07:04.240 And I use the word build deliberately because when it comes to wisdom responses, 00:07:04.639 --> 00:07:06.219 it's not about finding a verse. 00:07:06.299 --> 00:07:09.859 It's about gathering a range of interrelated principles. 00:07:10.459 --> 00:07:14.879 And I'm going to start this morning with the correct big picture understanding of Proverbs. 00:07:14.879 --> 00:07:16.639 I would do some revision on that. 00:07:16.740 --> 00:07:18.439 It's been a while since we've been in Proverbs. 00:07:19.240 --> 00:07:22.759 So wisdom, according to Proverbs, is the heart of the good life 00:07:22.759 --> 00:07:26.420 lived under God's rule or God's authority. 00:07:28.180 --> 00:07:32.719 We need wisdom, therefore, because it's the skill for living well in God's world. 00:07:33.959 --> 00:07:38.459 The back story of Proverbs is 1 Kings 3, verse 9. 00:07:38.899 --> 00:07:44.060 King Solomon asks the Lord, pleads with the Lord for understanding mind. 00:07:44.879 --> 00:07:45.519 Why? 00:07:46.300 --> 00:07:51.399 So that he might honor God and rule God's people well in the complexities of life. 00:07:53.240 --> 00:07:59.879 In Proverbs itself, chapters 1 to 9, set up the framework for understanding the specific Proverbs 00:07:59.879 --> 00:08:01.699 that come from chapter 10 onwards. 00:08:02.980 --> 00:08:08.040 And if you have your Bible open and you flip back to chapter 8, verses 18 to 21, 00:08:08.040 --> 00:08:13.900 you see there that Lady Wisdom, and remember Proverbs deals with a metaphor or picture language, 00:08:14.140 --> 00:08:15.360 so it's wisdom personified. 00:08:15.540 --> 00:08:20.560 Lady Wisdom describes herself, describes her wise character. 00:08:21.180 --> 00:08:28.080 And the terms she uses are justice, righteousness, integrity, honor. 00:08:28.079 --> 00:08:37.259 These, says Lady Wisdom, are the ingredients of true wealth that produces fruit, 00:08:37.399 --> 00:08:41.600 the fruit of the good life, a good life of substance and value. 00:08:42.799 --> 00:08:46.819 And of course that's as against what money offers us. 00:08:46.820 --> 00:08:54.700 And the second thing then in terms of revision is we just need to be careful about wisdom and money and proof texting. 00:08:57.660 --> 00:09:08.420 Proverbs has more than 40 references to earning and spending, greed and hoarding, giving and generosity. 00:09:08.419 --> 00:09:16.819 Some of those verses value wealth as a gift and blessing from God and encourage thankfulness. 00:09:18.839 --> 00:09:26.819 Others warn against the ever-present danger of pride, that is, of putting our trust in money and wealth, 00:09:27.139 --> 00:09:28.599 rather than the Lord who gives it. 00:09:29.279 --> 00:09:32.620 And sinful behaviors, verse 1, that often flow from it. 00:09:33.879 --> 00:09:37.339 I'm just going to take my jacket off because I think it might be making noise in the microphone. 00:09:38.419 --> 00:09:45.419 A wisdom response needs to reflect both perspectives from Proverbs. 00:09:46.500 --> 00:09:47.979 The blessing and the warning. 00:09:48.839 --> 00:09:51.379 And indeed that needs to reflect that perspective across the whole Bible. 00:09:52.079 --> 00:09:53.120 So here's the point here. 00:09:53.579 --> 00:09:55.659 That proof texting will get us into trouble. 00:09:57.079 --> 00:10:05.839 Because proof texting will be about selecting verses that sort of justify the presuppositions we come with into the Scripture. 00:10:05.840 --> 00:10:14.160 So, some Christians, for instance, think money is inherently bad and it's sinful to be rich. 00:10:14.159 --> 00:10:22.459 So they push a theology of austerity, believing it's godly to be poor. 00:10:23.959 --> 00:10:31.799 Others push a theology of prosperity, believing they have the freedom to enjoy without reserve all the good things in life. 00:10:31.799 --> 00:10:35.799 Because we're told in 1 Timothy 6 that God gives us all good things to enjoy. 00:10:38.799 --> 00:10:45.379 Often the older generation quote verses suggesting wisdom is saving your money. 00:10:45.539 --> 00:10:47.379 Only spending where absolutely necessary. 00:10:47.379 --> 00:10:53.740 And they go from there to criticize the younger generation whom they see to be free spending. 00:10:55.740 --> 00:11:03.299 And the younger generation in turn push back with a veneer of legitimacy, quoting their freedom in Christ and saying, 00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:05.580 all good things are given for our enjoyment. 00:11:05.580 --> 00:11:12.120 But again, here's the point. 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:25.379 If saving, the older generation talks about, is actually hoarding money because they think that security and value and legacy is in your nest egg. 00:11:25.379 --> 00:11:36.559 And if, on the other hand, free spending is actually selfish indulgence by the young people in whatever I want, 00:11:37.100 --> 00:11:41.379 then clearly both those options are actually foolish. 00:11:42.340 --> 00:11:44.279 They're not wise options at all. 00:11:45.580 --> 00:11:47.139 The danger of proof texting. 00:11:47.139 --> 00:11:56.500 So the next point I want to make then is, as we start to, as we build this wisdom response, is a fairly easy one to understand. 00:11:56.919 --> 00:11:58.919 We ought to desire to be like God. 00:12:02.159 --> 00:12:09.179 Because first and foremost, an approach to money, a wise approach to money, first and foremost is about attitude. 00:12:11.319 --> 00:12:16.519 And in Proverbs 11, we've got a whole range of contrasting attitudes. 00:12:17.679 --> 00:12:19.039 And the contrasts sharply. 00:12:20.419 --> 00:12:22.819 Verses 1 to 4, you can see a whole list of them there. 00:12:23.559 --> 00:12:26.220 We've got pride, which is self-interest. 00:12:27.299 --> 00:12:28.340 Obsession with money. 00:12:28.340 --> 00:12:31.019 It's my obsession with getting money at any cost. 00:12:31.600 --> 00:12:39.220 And we're told there that that drives or underpins dishonesty, foolishness, wickedness. 00:12:40.360 --> 00:12:47.019 And that's in contrast to a wise person, you see through those verses, a wise person who's shaped by humility and integrity. 00:12:47.139 --> 00:12:50.500 And honesty and uprightness and righteousness. 00:12:50.500 --> 00:13:01.639 Generous sharing rather than selfish hoarding reflects God's character. 00:13:01.639 --> 00:13:10.319 Now, it's an interesting thing because if I was to ask you, how do you think of God's character? 00:13:11.059 --> 00:13:21.000 Well, I think most of us would respond in terms of holiness, sovereignty, justice, and God being eternal, God being unchanging. 00:13:21.000 --> 00:13:32.320 But in fact, our primary experience of God is his kindness, his generous sharing nature. 00:13:32.320 --> 00:13:36.700 It's this character that underpins wisdom. 00:13:38.780 --> 00:13:44.520 If you look at verse 16 through to 18 of chapter 11 of Proverbs. 00:13:44.519 --> 00:13:50.600 A gracious woman gets honor and violent man gets riches. 00:13:51.600 --> 00:13:57.059 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man helps himself. 00:13:57.799 --> 00:14:05.659 The wicked earn deceptive or unreal wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward. 00:14:05.659 --> 00:14:10.620 Graciousness draws honor and respect. 00:14:11.959 --> 00:14:15.719 Kindness, and that word kindness there is the hesed word, steadfast love. 00:14:16.459 --> 00:14:21.699 Kindness or steadfast love and righteousness always produce things of value. 00:14:23.419 --> 00:14:25.079 See somebody at the door there, Lauren? 00:14:25.080 --> 00:14:32.620 Verse 20. 00:14:34.100 --> 00:14:38.400 Those sort of characteristics always bring delight to the Lord. 00:14:40.420 --> 00:14:42.360 Verses 23 through to 25. 00:14:43.940 --> 00:14:54.300 Those who selfishly desire to be wealthy, to be comfortably wealthy, are contrasted with those who use their money to bless others. 00:14:55.980 --> 00:14:57.000 Verse 26. 00:14:57.780 --> 00:14:58.660 There's an interesting thing. 00:14:59.639 --> 00:15:02.800 The practice of holding back the sale of grain. 00:15:02.900 --> 00:15:05.200 Remember, grain in those days was a basic necessity of life. 00:15:05.560 --> 00:15:08.840 So to hold back the sale of it was designed to drive up the price. 00:15:09.980 --> 00:15:11.940 And it wasn't illegal, but it's condemned. 00:15:13.020 --> 00:15:21.940 Because it's seen as selfish and perhaps even ruthless exploitation of people in their point of need. 00:15:25.080 --> 00:15:34.379 So to be like God in the way we use our money, we need to balance making money as a business venture with generosity and kindness. 00:15:34.379 --> 00:15:42.139 We need to have a concern to help others, to bless others in their time of need. 00:15:43.399 --> 00:15:47.019 And if we're like God, we'll delight to give of our riches. 00:15:47.019 --> 00:15:52.159 Because that's what God himself does for his people. 00:15:52.480 --> 00:15:54.860 I haven't time to check it out, but you can check it in your own time. 00:15:54.939 --> 00:15:56.899 It's written down there, Malachi 3, 90-12. 00:15:57.419 --> 00:15:59.059 God says, test me in this. 00:15:59.600 --> 00:16:03.840 And see if I want to open up the stores of heaven and pour out my generosity on you. 00:16:03.840 --> 00:16:18.120 Friends, being wise in the use of money is being prepared to disadvantage ourselves to advantage others. 00:16:20.780 --> 00:16:25.759 And in line with verse 26, it says, a blessing is on the head of him who sells it. 00:16:25.759 --> 00:16:31.120 Isn't that why we're naturally thankful to the Lord Jesus? 00:16:32.840 --> 00:16:35.639 Because that's exactly what he has done for us. 00:16:35.819 --> 00:16:39.179 He's disadvantaged himself for our advantage. 00:16:43.259 --> 00:16:48.720 Likewise, in 2 Corinthians, chapters 8 and 9, it's worth having a look at the whole two chapters. 00:16:48.720 --> 00:16:57.360 What we have there is the story of how Macedonian church contributed to the church in Jerusalem. 00:16:57.680 --> 00:17:00.060 And remember, the Macedonians were poverty-stricken. 00:17:00.940 --> 00:17:04.660 And it was out of their poverty that Paul says they gave so generously. 00:17:07.579 --> 00:17:10.539 Generosity is not a function of how much money we have. 00:17:11.339 --> 00:17:14.980 Generosity is a function of our attitude and our desire to be like God. 00:17:14.980 --> 00:17:24.460 They showed God's character of loving others by giving generously, even when it hurt themselves to do so. 00:17:26.039 --> 00:17:30.019 And in that same place, how does Paul motivate us to be generous? 00:17:31.720 --> 00:17:37.500 Well, he doesn't appeal to our emotions with sob stories of how needy others are. 00:17:38.660 --> 00:17:42.140 He doesn't get out the big stick and give ruthless commands and say, 00:17:42.140 --> 00:17:44.500 you must give money if you're going to be a Christian. 00:17:44.980 --> 00:17:45.620 No. 00:17:45.900 --> 00:17:50.180 His motivation is simply to show people Jesus. 00:17:52.299 --> 00:17:53.680 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. 00:17:54.259 --> 00:17:55.539 And he says he shows us Jesus. 00:17:55.680 --> 00:17:58.640 He said, you know, Jesus was rich in heaven. 00:17:59.799 --> 00:18:00.480 And what did he do? 00:18:00.779 --> 00:18:05.400 He gave up his riches, as it were, and came into our poverty in this world. 00:18:05.620 --> 00:18:05.980 Why? 00:18:06.980 --> 00:18:10.779 So that we might go back to heaven to be rich with him. 00:18:10.880 --> 00:18:11.319 Why? 00:18:14.980 --> 00:18:23.319 God is the ultimate sharer in his resources of his riches. 00:18:23.319 --> 00:18:27.779 And friends, Christ is our wisdom. 00:18:29.099 --> 00:18:35.179 And he changes what we do with our money as we continue growing in righteousness. 00:18:35.879 --> 00:18:39.519 Which, and remember, righteousness is the same thing as wisdom in lots of ways. 00:18:39.519 --> 00:18:42.440 Or another term is expressing the mind of Christ. 00:18:42.440 --> 00:18:47.839 So as we're keen to grow in the way we express the mind of Christ, 00:18:47.980 --> 00:18:52.180 then inevitably we're going to be wise in the way we use our money and wealth. 00:18:52.180 --> 00:18:54.299 And inevitably that means we'll be generous. 00:18:54.460 --> 00:18:55.279 We'll be sharers. 00:18:55.840 --> 00:18:56.580 Not hoarders. 00:18:56.579 --> 00:19:05.599 And against that, you see, the reality is that so easily we make money our treasure. 00:19:07.960 --> 00:19:12.059 And when we make money our treasure, then we allow it to distract us. 00:19:12.679 --> 00:19:14.559 And we allow it to control us. 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:22.359 Because we then, our life becomes about a striving to get more of the money we desperately want and think we need. 00:19:22.359 --> 00:19:31.000 But rather than striving for that, we should be striving for a better expression of the mind of Christ. 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:38.259 Saying no to sin and yes to righteousness or wisdom, in particular in the use of our money. 00:19:41.259 --> 00:19:42.500 And again, go back to Proverbs. 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:57.000 Proverbs 17, loving generosity delivers personal benefit or joy to the giver. 00:19:59.660 --> 00:20:03.720 Now, what's our greatest joy that we can have as Christians? 00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:07.839 Well, if we go to 1 John 1, verses 1-4, 00:20:07.839 --> 00:20:14.000 John says his joy was complete in fellowship in the gospel. 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:18.959 There's the connection. 00:20:19.619 --> 00:20:27.599 Using our money to give us the maximum joy return is a gospel issue. 00:20:28.159 --> 00:20:32.459 Using our money for gospel concerns and gospel enterprises. 00:20:32.839 --> 00:20:34.379 Verses 24 and 25. 00:20:34.380 --> 00:20:38.160 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer. 00:20:39.260 --> 00:20:42.800 Another withholds what he should give and only suffers want. 00:20:43.820 --> 00:20:46.020 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched. 00:20:46.880 --> 00:20:50.120 And one who waters will himself be watered. 00:20:53.040 --> 00:20:54.740 Life surprises us, doesn't it? 00:20:54.740 --> 00:21:04.059 The truth is that selfish people end up poor in every sense of the word. 00:21:06.700 --> 00:21:13.799 And on the other hand, open-handed, generous people get richer in all the ways that count. 00:21:14.359 --> 00:21:15.940 In the substance of life. 00:21:15.940 --> 00:21:24.160 And again, it seems a bit counterintuitive because when our money controls us, 00:21:24.640 --> 00:21:28.880 we think that to give it away is actually to lose or miss out. 00:21:30.620 --> 00:21:32.539 But in fact, the opposite is the case. 00:21:34.080 --> 00:21:36.720 Generosity is a powerful ministry tool. 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:42.100 And what it does is it converts our money into the currency of heaven. 00:21:42.299 --> 00:21:43.220 What's the currency of heaven? 00:21:43.880 --> 00:21:44.339 Relationships. 00:21:44.440 --> 00:21:45.620 New relationship with God. 00:21:46.059 --> 00:21:47.480 New renewal of people. 00:21:47.819 --> 00:21:48.700 Same people converted. 00:21:50.559 --> 00:21:55.100 And ultimately, that process will bring praise to God. 00:21:55.099 --> 00:21:58.980 Who knows? 00:21:59.740 --> 00:22:02.480 One day we might stand in heaven and people might say, 00:22:02.879 --> 00:22:05.019 That money you sent to covered care? 00:22:06.459 --> 00:22:10.779 That was the means by which I was brought to the gospel and converted. 00:22:11.819 --> 00:22:17.339 And for the last 20 or 30 years, I've just been praising God for the generosity of Christians in that church in Australia. 00:22:20.559 --> 00:22:25.079 Now that's converting our money into a currency that's worthwhile, is it not? 00:22:25.099 --> 00:22:32.919 And again, 1 Timothy chapter 6, verses 17 and 18. 00:22:33.279 --> 00:22:34.959 Same sort of idea. 00:22:35.879 --> 00:22:37.199 Now, when I can find it. 00:22:37.559 --> 00:22:38.500 Let me see if that's Hebrews. 00:22:41.939 --> 00:22:45.319 1 Timothy 6, 17 and 18 says, 00:22:45.319 --> 00:22:52.939 As for the rich in this present age, charge them or warn them not to be haughty or superior, 00:22:52.940 --> 00:22:57.559 not to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, 00:22:57.559 --> 00:23:03.160 but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 00:23:03.640 --> 00:23:04.600 They are to do good. 00:23:04.599 --> 00:23:08.199 And you see that little phrase, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy? 00:23:08.399 --> 00:23:09.459 This is the qualification. 00:23:09.599 --> 00:23:10.099 The next verse. 00:23:10.500 --> 00:23:11.480 They are to do good. 00:23:12.379 --> 00:23:13.939 To be rich in good works. 00:23:14.459 --> 00:23:16.240 To be generous and ready to share. 00:23:16.379 --> 00:23:19.959 Thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future. 00:23:20.899 --> 00:23:23.699 So they may take hold of that which is truly life. 00:23:23.700 --> 00:23:28.200 Yeah, God does give us all good things to enjoy. 00:23:28.400 --> 00:23:29.380 But what's our enjoyment? 00:23:30.120 --> 00:23:31.840 Not selfish indulgence. 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:36.759 But using the currency of this world, 00:23:38.200 --> 00:23:40.640 seeing it converted into the currency of heaven, 00:23:42.319 --> 00:23:44.980 as people are brought to know the Lord Jesus. 00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:53.759 A proper view of money and resources, therefore, my friends, 00:23:54.160 --> 00:23:56.660 helps us avoid being self-reliant. 00:23:57.599 --> 00:23:59.759 It's about God giving us stuff. 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:03.180 And it helps us avoid being self-made. 00:24:03.180 --> 00:24:08.279 I have gathered the resources that I now have stored away in my bank account. 00:24:09.880 --> 00:24:12.480 And ultimately, these verses tell us 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:15.079 that investing in generosity 00:24:15.079 --> 00:24:18.240 will enrich not only ourselves, 00:24:19.500 --> 00:24:23.720 but again, we'll get praise and glory for God. 00:24:25.799 --> 00:24:30.819 So, don't allow money to become an idol in your life. 00:24:33.360 --> 00:24:34.360 Now, clear. 00:24:34.779 --> 00:24:36.059 You need to be really, really clear. 00:24:36.140 --> 00:24:37.360 And I want you to hear this carefully. 00:24:37.960 --> 00:24:40.259 Wealth is a blessing from the Lord. 00:24:40.680 --> 00:24:42.140 And it does have advantages. 00:24:42.960 --> 00:24:46.120 Now, not all the things our world says advantages 00:24:46.120 --> 00:24:47.279 are actually real advantages. 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:51.319 But in our world, money does give a degree of security. 00:24:51.460 --> 00:24:53.680 It allows us to buy the necessities of life. 00:24:53.759 --> 00:24:55.819 And in Australia, we have money to buy 00:24:55.819 --> 00:24:58.360 much more than the necessities of life. 00:25:00.440 --> 00:25:02.019 The world would also tell us, 00:25:02.079 --> 00:25:03.400 and to some degree it's correct, 00:25:04.019 --> 00:25:07.500 that money and wealth buys companionship of friends. 00:25:07.500 --> 00:25:11.579 You're more likely to have people around you 00:25:11.579 --> 00:25:14.259 if you get some money than if you're destitute. 00:25:15.859 --> 00:25:20.160 But in our world also, money buys power, influence. 00:25:20.759 --> 00:25:23.759 Money gets you heard and gets you a right to speak. 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:30.940 It's the rich and powerful that front is on our television screens 00:25:30.940 --> 00:25:31.859 on a daily basis. 00:25:34.220 --> 00:25:35.819 But again, here's the point. 00:25:36.759 --> 00:25:39.019 That we're facing that on the one hand. 00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:41.480 But we need to realize, on the other hand, 00:25:41.960 --> 00:25:46.319 that ultimately, money promises security and significance. 00:25:46.319 --> 00:25:48.500 It simply cannot deliver. 00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:54.039 Verse 2 of Proverbs 11. 00:25:54.819 --> 00:25:57.000 When pride comes, then comes disgrace. 00:25:58.099 --> 00:25:59.819 Now, it's hard to know exactly what that means, 00:25:59.879 --> 00:26:01.259 but at least this has got to mean. 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:05.339 That when you spend your whole life striving for money, 00:26:05.419 --> 00:26:06.599 it's so easily lost. 00:26:06.960 --> 00:26:09.539 Because other people around you 00:26:09.539 --> 00:26:14.299 are striving just as much to relieve you of your money, 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:16.940 as you are striving to relieve them of theirs. 00:26:17.779 --> 00:26:18.960 And so it goes round and round. 00:26:23.159 --> 00:26:23.940 Verse 4. 00:26:26.359 --> 00:26:29.000 All the money in the world, quite literally, 00:26:29.579 --> 00:26:32.039 will not head off that final reckoning, 00:26:32.259 --> 00:26:33.319 that final judgment, 00:26:34.259 --> 00:26:35.599 before God's wrath. 00:26:39.639 --> 00:26:40.480 Verse 7. 00:26:42.159 --> 00:26:43.619 You can't take it with you. 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:52.099 When you die, 00:26:54.099 --> 00:26:55.940 you're separated from your wealth, 00:26:56.359 --> 00:26:58.659 if your wealth isn't the currency of this world. 00:27:00.839 --> 00:27:01.819 Verse 18. 00:27:03.500 --> 00:27:07.779 A healthy bank balance can deceive or sell you a lie, 00:27:07.980 --> 00:27:08.839 deceptive wages. 00:27:08.839 --> 00:27:13.519 It seems like one thing, 00:27:14.099 --> 00:27:15.819 and it can convince you of one thing, 00:27:15.899 --> 00:27:17.419 but it's actually something quite different. 00:27:19.899 --> 00:27:23.179 Having got what we work for, 00:27:24.179 --> 00:27:26.759 which we thought would be happiness, 00:27:26.959 --> 00:27:28.399 we discover, well, 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:31.439 it isn't quite what we thought it would be. 00:27:31.440 --> 00:27:33.980 And if you don't believe that, 00:27:34.039 --> 00:27:35.180 just ask any workaholic. 00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:41.400 Verse 28. 00:27:41.400 --> 00:27:47.180 Those who put their ultimate security in money will fall. 00:27:50.420 --> 00:27:51.600 Might take a while, 00:27:52.040 --> 00:27:52.680 but they'll fall. 00:27:55.140 --> 00:27:56.360 Money can be a blessing, 00:27:57.200 --> 00:28:00.560 but it can so easily become a curse 00:28:00.559 --> 00:28:02.720 when it becomes an idol 00:28:02.720 --> 00:28:05.059 that controls us and distracts us. 00:28:07.899 --> 00:28:10.200 There's only one way to avoid that happening, 00:28:11.240 --> 00:28:12.200 and that is, 00:28:12.579 --> 00:28:13.559 if we want to avoid 00:28:13.559 --> 00:28:16.700 money becoming an idol in our life, 00:28:16.799 --> 00:28:17.619 the God we worship, 00:28:18.359 --> 00:28:21.099 then we must make God our treasure. 00:28:21.099 --> 00:28:25.339 In our sinful state, 00:28:26.399 --> 00:28:30.740 we're hardwired to experience the good things in God's world, 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:32.799 and then to conclude 00:28:32.799 --> 00:28:36.539 that these things that we've just experienced 00:28:36.539 --> 00:28:37.699 are my happiness. 00:28:39.379 --> 00:28:41.319 That happiness is in things. 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:45.019 And so we listen then to the loud voice of society 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:46.199 that says to us, 00:28:46.279 --> 00:28:46.859 well, okay, 00:28:47.199 --> 00:28:48.480 we feel empty inside. 00:28:48.480 --> 00:28:50.980 The way to stop feeling empty and purposeless 00:28:50.980 --> 00:28:52.519 is to make money. 00:28:53.079 --> 00:28:53.819 Lots of it. 00:28:54.759 --> 00:28:58.059 Because money is what brings the good life to you. 00:29:00.200 --> 00:29:03.240 So we find ourselves craving money. 00:29:05.220 --> 00:29:06.940 We find ourselves panicking 00:29:06.940 --> 00:29:08.980 if we think we've lost the money 00:29:08.980 --> 00:29:10.240 we've already accumulated. 00:29:11.620 --> 00:29:13.779 And in the words of 1 Timothy 6 again, 00:29:14.759 --> 00:29:15.240 Paul says, 00:29:15.480 --> 00:29:18.160 so many have caused themselves and others 00:29:18.160 --> 00:29:20.040 incredible grief 00:29:20.040 --> 00:29:22.220 because of this craving, 00:29:22.660 --> 00:29:23.980 because of this idolatry 00:29:23.980 --> 00:29:26.240 in respect of money and wealth. 00:29:30.380 --> 00:29:30.860 But 00:29:30.860 --> 00:29:35.779 renewal through Jesus and the Holy Spirit 00:29:35.779 --> 00:29:39.740 gives us new eyes for everything. 00:29:39.740 --> 00:29:44.920 Now we can look at that creation. 00:29:45.059 --> 00:29:47.380 Now we can experience the good things of God 00:29:47.380 --> 00:29:48.220 in creation. 00:29:49.839 --> 00:29:50.880 And now we say, 00:29:51.000 --> 00:29:51.140 well, 00:29:52.099 --> 00:29:54.140 if this is what God has made, 00:29:56.240 --> 00:29:59.380 then how much better might the wealth be 00:29:59.380 --> 00:30:01.240 in him who has made it? 00:30:01.240 --> 00:30:07.120 Since I now have wisdom and righteousness 00:30:07.120 --> 00:30:08.000 in Christ, 00:30:08.299 --> 00:30:09.740 since I have God himself, 00:30:11.740 --> 00:30:14.839 then I have the riches of God's blessing. 00:30:16.720 --> 00:30:18.220 I have completeness. 00:30:18.620 --> 00:30:19.380 I have fullness. 00:30:20.380 --> 00:30:21.740 I have the good life. 00:30:23.339 --> 00:30:25.500 And any of that is far better 00:30:25.500 --> 00:30:27.500 than all the gold of this world. 00:30:31.779 --> 00:30:33.180 Make God your treasure. 00:30:35.539 --> 00:30:36.099 So friends, 00:30:37.099 --> 00:30:38.420 the reality is that 00:30:38.420 --> 00:30:39.779 we are actually, 00:30:40.259 --> 00:30:41.440 as much as we're soaked 00:30:41.440 --> 00:30:44.940 in the values of our consumer society, 00:30:44.940 --> 00:30:46.099 as Christians, 00:30:46.380 --> 00:30:47.660 we're also swimming 00:30:47.660 --> 00:30:49.900 in a notion 00:30:49.900 --> 00:30:51.660 of divine generosity. 00:30:54.640 --> 00:30:56.500 So make God your treasure. 00:30:57.180 --> 00:30:57.800 Go and read, 00:30:57.980 --> 00:30:58.779 in your own time, 00:30:58.860 --> 00:30:59.640 Matthew chapter 6, 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:00.740 19 to 34. 00:31:03.259 --> 00:31:04.200 And the passage, 00:31:04.540 --> 00:31:05.720 lots to say about that passage, 00:31:05.820 --> 00:31:07.100 but essentially it comes down to this. 00:31:07.800 --> 00:31:09.360 Don't live easily 00:31:09.360 --> 00:31:10.519 with a divided heart. 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:13.680 Don't look for the good life 00:31:13.680 --> 00:31:15.300 in part to what money 00:31:15.300 --> 00:31:16.340 and wealth can offer you. 00:31:16.339 --> 00:31:18.099 And then for another part, 00:31:18.359 --> 00:31:18.959 look to God. 00:31:19.379 --> 00:31:20.459 It doesn't work like that. 00:31:21.319 --> 00:31:22.379 God is your treasure. 00:31:22.980 --> 00:31:24.059 God provides for you 00:31:24.059 --> 00:31:24.819 at every point, 00:31:24.879 --> 00:31:25.959 in every detail. 00:31:27.119 --> 00:31:29.139 God is the ultimate share. 00:31:30.519 --> 00:31:33.019 The ultimate generous giver. 00:31:35.359 --> 00:31:36.619 The ultimate giver 00:31:36.619 --> 00:31:38.819 of true and lasting wealth. 00:31:41.319 --> 00:31:43.720 Wealth that really touches us 00:31:43.720 --> 00:31:45.879 in the depths of our hearts. 00:31:46.339 --> 00:31:51.899 And so it's a simple question 00:31:51.899 --> 00:31:53.240 I then pose to finish. 00:31:56.240 --> 00:31:57.639 Are you wise 00:31:57.639 --> 00:32:01.240 at actually getting wiser 00:32:01.240 --> 00:32:04.639 in your approach to money? 00:32:04.640 --> 00:32:10.420 There's only one alternative 00:32:10.420 --> 00:32:11.080 I can say. 00:32:12.160 --> 00:32:12.840 And that is, 00:32:13.080 --> 00:32:14.460 you're a fool. 00:32:15.340 --> 00:32:17.300 And I'm using scriptural terms here. 00:32:20.880 --> 00:32:22.759 Yes, the answer must be balanced 00:32:22.759 --> 00:32:23.480 and nuanced. 00:32:23.480 --> 00:32:29.440 But if all you care about 00:32:29.440 --> 00:32:31.660 is getting more money 00:32:31.660 --> 00:32:34.160 or if you're distracted 00:32:34.160 --> 00:32:36.200 into building the nest egg 00:32:36.200 --> 00:32:37.299 and thinking that 00:32:37.299 --> 00:32:38.900 to be secure in the future 00:32:38.900 --> 00:32:39.819 you need money 00:32:39.819 --> 00:32:40.920 and more of it 00:32:40.920 --> 00:32:41.660 and lots of it, 00:32:43.240 --> 00:32:43.700 then 00:32:43.700 --> 00:32:46.259 Proverbs and Lady Wisdom 00:32:46.259 --> 00:32:46.779 would say, 00:32:47.779 --> 00:32:49.140 gosh, you're a fool. 00:32:49.140 --> 00:32:56.800 Wealth is a sign of blessing. 00:32:57.200 --> 00:32:58.700 Absolutely no doubt 00:32:58.700 --> 00:32:59.480 at all about that. 00:33:00.460 --> 00:33:01.360 And it's true, 00:33:01.860 --> 00:33:03.080 most likely true, 00:33:03.160 --> 00:33:04.680 that you'll probably acquire 00:33:04.680 --> 00:33:05.480 more money 00:33:05.480 --> 00:33:07.180 if you work hard, 00:33:07.700 --> 00:33:09.040 if you save wisely, 00:33:09.259 --> 00:33:11.140 if you spend responsibly, 00:33:11.320 --> 00:33:12.420 if you value wisdom, 00:33:12.840 --> 00:33:13.220 righteousness, 00:33:13.520 --> 00:33:13.900 integrity, 00:33:14.080 --> 00:33:14.480 generosity, 00:33:14.480 --> 00:33:15.059 and kindness 00:33:15.059 --> 00:33:16.019 more than your money. 00:33:16.279 --> 00:33:17.319 There is a sort of 00:33:17.319 --> 00:33:18.140 natural law 00:33:18.140 --> 00:33:19.200 that follows through there. 00:33:22.160 --> 00:33:23.500 So, on the one hand, 00:33:24.599 --> 00:33:25.839 your wealth is a sign 00:33:25.839 --> 00:33:27.000 of blessing from the Lord. 00:33:27.700 --> 00:33:28.940 But on the other hand, 00:33:30.559 --> 00:33:31.559 it remains 00:33:31.559 --> 00:33:32.980 your biggest temptation. 00:33:33.160 --> 00:33:33.539 Well, maybe 00:33:33.539 --> 00:33:35.160 one of your biggest temptations. 00:33:37.160 --> 00:33:38.319 Because your wealth 00:33:38.319 --> 00:33:40.460 will constantly entice you 00:33:40.460 --> 00:33:42.279 to self-reliance. 00:33:44.480 --> 00:33:45.740 To think that the future 00:33:45.740 --> 00:33:46.460 is secured 00:33:46.460 --> 00:33:47.460 by your own efforts 00:33:47.460 --> 00:33:49.039 and your security 00:33:49.039 --> 00:33:50.360 lies in your bank balance 00:33:50.360 --> 00:33:51.900 or your superannuation fund. 00:33:56.240 --> 00:33:57.259 Your wealth 00:33:57.259 --> 00:33:58.700 will constantly promise 00:33:58.700 --> 00:34:00.799 to be your self-worth. 00:34:01.620 --> 00:34:02.319 It promises 00:34:02.319 --> 00:34:03.839 to make you self-sufficient. 00:34:04.519 --> 00:34:05.960 It invites you 00:34:05.960 --> 00:34:06.799 constantly. 00:34:07.539 --> 00:34:08.559 It's a battle within us 00:34:08.559 --> 00:34:10.079 to boast in something 00:34:10.079 --> 00:34:10.960 or someone 00:34:10.960 --> 00:34:12.240 other than the Lord. 00:34:14.480 --> 00:34:16.780 And so, my friends, 00:34:17.280 --> 00:34:18.019 you can have 00:34:18.019 --> 00:34:18.800 great wealth 00:34:18.800 --> 00:34:21.380 and be thankful for it 00:34:21.380 --> 00:34:21.880 as a blessing 00:34:21.880 --> 00:34:22.440 from the Lord. 00:34:25.280 --> 00:34:26.719 But in that great wealth, 00:34:27.000 --> 00:34:27.699 you can be 00:34:27.699 --> 00:34:29.719 a rich fool. 00:34:33.880 --> 00:34:35.019 Just pray with me now 00:34:35.019 --> 00:34:36.659 as we 00:34:36.659 --> 00:34:38.980 encourage 00:34:38.980 --> 00:34:40.219 the Holy Spirit 00:34:40.219 --> 00:34:41.260 to make that word 00:34:41.260 --> 00:34:41.900 real for us. 00:34:41.900 --> 00:34:45.039 Lord, 00:34:45.160 --> 00:34:45.680 you know 00:34:45.680 --> 00:34:47.360 how much 00:34:47.360 --> 00:34:48.300 we're 00:34:48.300 --> 00:34:49.000 sucked in 00:34:49.000 --> 00:34:50.180 by the lie 00:34:50.180 --> 00:34:51.220 that wealth 00:34:51.220 --> 00:34:51.680 is 00:34:51.680 --> 00:34:53.079 what makes 00:34:53.079 --> 00:34:53.440 the world 00:34:53.440 --> 00:34:53.960 go around. 00:34:55.700 --> 00:34:56.480 When in fact, 00:34:56.619 --> 00:34:56.740 Lord, 00:34:56.800 --> 00:34:57.480 you make the world 00:34:57.480 --> 00:34:57.940 go around. 00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:01.940 Lord, 00:35:02.019 --> 00:35:02.480 you know 00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:03.480 how we panic 00:35:03.480 --> 00:35:04.480 if we fear 00:35:04.480 --> 00:35:05.320 we're going to lose 00:35:05.320 --> 00:35:06.260 whatever wealth 00:35:06.260 --> 00:35:06.740 we have 00:35:06.740 --> 00:35:07.820 accumulated. 00:35:07.820 --> 00:35:10.120 and that 00:35:10.120 --> 00:35:10.559 of itself, 00:35:10.700 --> 00:35:10.840 Lord, 00:35:11.539 --> 00:35:12.519 shows something 00:35:12.519 --> 00:35:13.000 of what's 00:35:13.000 --> 00:35:13.539 happening in our 00:35:13.539 --> 00:35:13.880 hearts. 00:35:16.780 --> 00:35:17.220 Lord, 00:35:17.280 --> 00:35:17.740 help us 00:35:17.740 --> 00:35:19.280 to get the 00:35:19.280 --> 00:35:19.700 blessing, 00:35:20.019 --> 00:35:21.080 get the perspective 00:35:21.080 --> 00:35:22.019 of both 00:35:22.019 --> 00:35:23.280 seeing 00:35:23.280 --> 00:35:24.500 the blessing 00:35:24.500 --> 00:35:25.100 we have 00:35:25.100 --> 00:35:25.960 of wealth 00:35:25.960 --> 00:35:26.660 here in Australia 00:35:26.660 --> 00:35:27.440 and we all 00:35:27.440 --> 00:35:28.019 are wealthy 00:35:28.019 --> 00:35:28.980 in so many ways 00:35:28.980 --> 00:35:29.460 in Australia. 00:35:30.160 --> 00:35:30.880 Help us to see 00:35:30.880 --> 00:35:31.440 that blessing 00:35:31.440 --> 00:35:32.100 and be thankful 00:35:32.100 --> 00:35:32.640 for it. 00:35:33.519 --> 00:35:34.260 But at the same 00:35:34.260 --> 00:35:34.539 time, 00:35:34.620 --> 00:35:34.740 Lord, 00:35:34.800 --> 00:35:35.440 help us to 00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:36.220 guard our hearts 00:35:36.219 --> 00:35:38.699 from allowing 00:35:38.699 --> 00:35:39.659 that wealth 00:35:39.659 --> 00:35:40.219 to become 00:35:40.219 --> 00:35:40.679 an idol 00:35:40.679 --> 00:35:41.759 that takes 00:35:41.759 --> 00:35:42.339 us from you 00:35:42.339 --> 00:35:44.279 and makes 00:35:44.279 --> 00:35:45.259 us self-reliant. 00:35:46.519 --> 00:35:47.199 Help us 00:35:47.199 --> 00:35:48.279 to see 00:35:48.279 --> 00:35:48.839 these things, 00:35:49.000 --> 00:35:49.099 Lord, 00:35:49.779 --> 00:35:50.519 in Jesus' name 00:35:50.519 --> 00:35:50.859 I pray. 00:35:51.279 --> 00:35:51.539 Amen. 00:35:52.919 --> 00:35:53.759 Thanks very much, 00:35:53.839 --> 00:35:54.000 folks.