WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.439 Turn in your Bible to Matthew chapter 25 and leave it open. 00:00:04.020 --> 00:00:07.320 We're going to come to that passage later on in the message. 00:00:07.860 --> 00:00:09.240 It's rather lengthy. 00:00:09.400 --> 00:00:10.759 We're going to look at a parable of Jesus, 00:00:11.200 --> 00:00:13.259 and it's too long to put on the screen. 00:00:13.759 --> 00:00:15.519 So if you would, Matthew 25, 00:00:16.500 --> 00:00:18.600 and have it open there when we come to it 00:00:18.600 --> 00:00:20.539 a little bit later in the message. 00:00:21.320 --> 00:00:23.059 We're going to continue to think biblically 00:00:23.059 --> 00:00:24.800 about socialism this morning. 00:00:25.560 --> 00:00:27.600 We're going to look and see how, 00:00:27.600 --> 00:00:29.359 as we began last week, 00:00:29.359 --> 00:00:31.800 socialism is contrary to God's design 00:00:31.800 --> 00:00:34.479 for how life is to be lived in this world 00:00:34.479 --> 00:00:37.640 and for us to take care of ourselves and our families 00:00:37.640 --> 00:00:39.700 and even people who have legitimate needs. 00:00:40.480 --> 00:00:43.359 Christian Post columnist Julie Royce 00:00:43.920 --> 00:00:45.759 does a good job of pointing out 00:00:45.759 --> 00:00:48.420 one of the foundational flaws of socialism 00:00:48.420 --> 00:00:52.379 is that it is based completely on a materialistic view 00:00:52.379 --> 00:00:55.140 of life or worldview. 00:00:55.140 --> 00:00:56.200 Look at this. 00:00:56.200 --> 00:00:59.880 To socialists, suffering is caused 00:00:59.880 --> 00:01:01.780 by the unequal distribution of stuff, 00:01:02.180 --> 00:01:05.100 and salvation is achieved by the redistribution of stuff. 00:01:05.620 --> 00:01:08.020 There's no acknowledgement of spiritual issues. 00:01:08.420 --> 00:01:09.579 There's just an assumption 00:01:09.579 --> 00:01:11.939 that if everyone is given equal stuff, 00:01:12.320 --> 00:01:16.320 all the problems in society will somehow dissolve. 00:01:16.319 --> 00:01:18.339 Let me just point out here. 00:01:18.339 --> 00:01:22.179 How many people who espouse any aspect of socialism 00:01:22.179 --> 00:01:25.199 ever talk about other thing than, 00:01:25.500 --> 00:01:29.599 ever talk about anything but materialistic problems? 00:01:30.599 --> 00:01:33.519 You rarely ever hear anyone mention 00:01:33.519 --> 00:01:35.379 anything about a spiritual problem. 00:01:36.219 --> 00:01:37.060 She goes on. 00:01:37.060 --> 00:01:39.439 This worldview contradicts Christianity, 00:01:39.900 --> 00:01:41.019 which affirms the existence 00:01:41.019 --> 00:01:43.920 of both a material and non-material world 00:01:43.920 --> 00:01:47.780 and teaches that mankind's greatest problems are spiritual. 00:01:48.400 --> 00:01:50.579 The Bible says the cause of suffering is sin. 00:01:50.859 --> 00:01:52.740 That's the bottom line, cause. 00:01:53.420 --> 00:01:56.320 And salvation is found in the cross of Christ, 00:01:56.780 --> 00:01:59.099 which liberates us from sin. 00:01:59.900 --> 00:02:03.079 As Christians, we need to understand 00:02:03.079 --> 00:02:05.760 socialism is not just a political thing. 00:02:05.760 --> 00:02:08.939 It's not just a matter of economics. 00:02:09.860 --> 00:02:13.140 It is a moral, spiritual, and biblical issue. 00:02:14.420 --> 00:02:17.240 And what I want us to do is continue today 00:02:17.240 --> 00:02:19.780 to look at it from a biblical perspective. 00:02:20.540 --> 00:02:21.300 Let's go ahead. 00:02:21.379 --> 00:02:24.040 I'm gonna cover some of the things we did last week quickly. 00:02:24.159 --> 00:02:25.659 I'm not gonna show all the scripture 00:02:25.659 --> 00:02:28.560 and certainly not gonna go over everything we did last week, 00:02:28.640 --> 00:02:31.360 but to make it flow, we're gonna hit some highlights. 00:02:31.819 --> 00:02:34.159 Let's begin with defining what socialism is. 00:02:34.159 --> 00:02:37.180 Socialism is any economic or political system 00:02:37.180 --> 00:02:40.359 based on government ownership and or control 00:02:40.359 --> 00:02:43.840 of important businesses, methods of production, 00:02:44.500 --> 00:02:46.379 distribution of goods, et cetera. 00:02:47.060 --> 00:02:48.340 Socialism, when you boil it down, 00:02:48.419 --> 00:02:51.780 replaces private ownership and or control 00:02:51.780 --> 00:02:57.620 of property, production, distribution, and so forth. 00:02:57.620 --> 00:03:01.219 It replaces it with government ownership 00:03:01.219 --> 00:03:06.400 or control of property, production, and distribution. 00:03:07.259 --> 00:03:10.920 You know, one of the goal of socialists in this country 00:03:10.920 --> 00:03:13.379 is to redistribute wealth. 00:03:14.420 --> 00:03:15.319 And what they're gonna do, 00:03:15.379 --> 00:03:16.439 what they're talking about doing 00:03:16.439 --> 00:03:20.780 is penalizing those who have been the most successful 00:03:20.780 --> 00:03:24.919 in producing wealth for themselves and other people 00:03:24.919 --> 00:03:32.300 and more government regulations, 00:03:32.300 --> 00:03:34.340 which means government control. 00:03:35.939 --> 00:03:38.900 These socialists are talking about rewarding those 00:03:38.900 --> 00:03:40.960 who have been the least successful 00:03:40.960 --> 00:03:45.099 in producing wealth for themselves and other people 00:03:45.099 --> 00:03:48.620 and will make these people more dependent 00:03:48.620 --> 00:03:53.680 on the government and the government's control. 00:03:54.819 --> 00:03:58.659 All of this, everything in a nutshell 00:03:58.659 --> 00:04:04.439 that socialism promotes, desires, 00:04:05.359 --> 00:04:08.019 gives government more power and control 00:04:08.019 --> 00:04:11.199 over everyone and everything. 00:04:11.199 --> 00:04:15.719 Now, how is socialism contrary to God's design? 00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:17.439 That's the point we're looking at. 00:04:17.899 --> 00:04:19.300 It's not a political message. 00:04:19.539 --> 00:04:21.120 It's a biblical message. 00:04:21.599 --> 00:04:23.339 How is socialism contrary to God's design? 00:04:23.759 --> 00:04:25.620 Well, as we saw last week, real quickly, 00:04:26.279 --> 00:04:28.199 God created human beings in His image 00:04:28.199 --> 00:04:29.800 and we're the only thing in creation 00:04:29.800 --> 00:04:30.939 created in the image of God. 00:04:31.980 --> 00:04:35.079 He intends for us to be stewards or managers 00:04:35.079 --> 00:04:37.939 of all that He created and owns. 00:04:38.639 --> 00:04:40.539 We looked at that from Genesis 1, 00:04:40.540 --> 00:04:41.819 verses 26 and 28. 00:04:42.379 --> 00:04:44.100 Now, as God's stewards, 00:04:45.760 --> 00:04:48.400 God has given human beings the privilege 00:04:48.400 --> 00:04:52.319 and the responsibility of having earthly ownership 00:04:52.319 --> 00:04:54.520 of private property. 00:04:56.100 --> 00:04:58.520 Scripture clearly and repeatedly reveals 00:04:58.520 --> 00:05:03.020 that God intends for people like you and me 00:05:03.020 --> 00:05:07.900 to own things, to have possessions, 00:05:07.899 --> 00:05:10.039 to have private property. 00:05:10.039 --> 00:05:13.439 In fact, the entire Old Testament system 00:05:13.439 --> 00:05:16.919 of giving offerings and making sacrifices 00:05:16.919 --> 00:05:20.299 is based on the fact that human beings own something 00:05:20.299 --> 00:05:22.379 and can give it. 00:05:22.779 --> 00:05:24.139 R.C. Sproul explains it. 00:05:24.779 --> 00:05:26.379 The offertory system of the Old Testament 00:05:26.379 --> 00:05:29.560 makes no sense when divorced from the system 00:05:29.560 --> 00:05:30.560 of private property. 00:05:31.239 --> 00:05:33.919 One of the basic stipulations of making an offering 00:05:33.920 --> 00:05:37.720 is that you present something which belongs to you. 00:05:37.720 --> 00:05:41.540 You can't give an offering with my money. 00:05:42.720 --> 00:05:45.980 I can't give an offering with your money. 00:05:47.160 --> 00:05:49.360 If we're going to give unto God, 00:05:50.080 --> 00:05:52.360 it's got to be something that originates from us. 00:05:52.360 --> 00:05:56.040 We are actually giving of ourselves 00:05:56.040 --> 00:05:58.220 something we have earned or acquired. 00:05:59.100 --> 00:06:00.040 It's an offering. 00:06:00.160 --> 00:06:01.620 Sometimes it's a sacrifice. 00:06:02.720 --> 00:06:04.800 The right of human ownership, continue with Sproul, 00:06:05.020 --> 00:06:08.480 the right of human ownership is something God has assigned 00:06:08.480 --> 00:06:12.160 as a part of our covenant partnership with Him in creation. 00:06:13.259 --> 00:06:14.580 Another example from Scripture. 00:06:14.920 --> 00:06:17.280 Two of the Ten Commandments reveal that God 00:06:17.279 --> 00:06:21.219 not only approves of people's right to own property, 00:06:21.699 --> 00:06:23.199 God protects that. 00:06:24.099 --> 00:06:24.659 Look at this. 00:06:24.839 --> 00:06:25.679 The Eighth Commandment. 00:06:25.979 --> 00:06:27.000 You shall not steal. 00:06:27.919 --> 00:06:28.759 You know what that means. 00:06:28.879 --> 00:06:33.259 God forbids anyone from taking what rightfully belongs 00:06:33.259 --> 00:06:34.839 to someone else. 00:06:34.839 --> 00:06:42.559 God prevents you from taking from me what is mine. 00:06:43.359 --> 00:06:45.599 The Tenth Commandment says, or begins, 00:06:45.600 --> 00:06:46.740 you shall not covet. 00:06:46.920 --> 00:06:48.720 Covenant is an improper desire, 00:06:48.879 --> 00:06:50.500 a sinful desire, a selfish desire. 00:06:51.000 --> 00:06:54.800 So God even prevents us from having selfish desires 00:06:54.800 --> 00:07:00.140 to have what rightfully belongs to someone else. 00:07:00.140 --> 00:07:04.720 So the Bible is clear just from these examples 00:07:04.720 --> 00:07:09.140 that socialism or any kind of economic or political system 00:07:09.939 --> 00:07:12.360 that prevents private ownership 00:07:12.360 --> 00:07:15.040 and personal control of property and possessions 00:07:15.040 --> 00:07:17.160 is unbiblical. 00:07:18.860 --> 00:07:20.520 Since it's contrary to God's design, 00:07:20.620 --> 00:07:22.060 it is unethical. 00:07:23.340 --> 00:07:25.020 Now another reason why socialism is wrong 00:07:25.020 --> 00:07:26.780 is because it fails to follow God's design 00:07:26.780 --> 00:07:29.860 for how people acquire possessions. 00:07:30.240 --> 00:07:30.780 Look at this. 00:07:31.180 --> 00:07:33.180 God calls human beings to take care of His creation 00:07:33.180 --> 00:07:35.320 and themselves by working. 00:07:35.640 --> 00:07:36.820 We're going to be real quick with this. 00:07:37.140 --> 00:07:37.920 We've looked at it before. 00:07:38.040 --> 00:07:40.879 Last week, before sin entered the world, 00:07:40.879 --> 00:07:44.519 God gave Adam and Eve jobs to do. 00:07:45.139 --> 00:07:46.019 Work to be done. 00:07:46.100 --> 00:07:46.459 Look at it. 00:07:46.519 --> 00:07:47.360 The general statement. 00:07:47.860 --> 00:07:48.839 And God blessed them. 00:07:49.219 --> 00:07:49.939 And God said to them, 00:07:50.040 --> 00:07:52.639 Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth 00:07:52.639 --> 00:07:55.279 and subdue it and have dominion. 00:07:55.699 --> 00:07:58.659 More specifically, in Genesis 2.15, 00:07:58.759 --> 00:08:01.180 the Lord took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden 00:08:01.180 --> 00:08:03.759 to work it and to keep it. 00:08:04.699 --> 00:08:07.199 Work did become more difficult after the fall. 00:08:07.199 --> 00:08:08.899 That's what a lot of people have in mind, 00:08:09.180 --> 00:08:10.259 that work is something that happened 00:08:10.259 --> 00:08:11.939 after sin entered the world. 00:08:12.519 --> 00:08:14.219 Well, that's in Genesis 3. 00:08:15.019 --> 00:08:19.420 And after sin, work became more toilsome, 00:08:19.560 --> 00:08:20.659 more burdensome. 00:08:21.539 --> 00:08:26.159 But work was originally a part of God's good creation 00:08:26.159 --> 00:08:27.659 for all human beings. 00:08:28.560 --> 00:08:29.899 The Bible is also filled with statements 00:08:29.899 --> 00:08:31.919 about the importance of working 00:08:31.919 --> 00:08:34.960 to provide for yourself and your family 00:08:34.960 --> 00:08:37.800 and not to be dependent on other people. 00:08:38.080 --> 00:08:38.620 Look at this. 00:08:38.740 --> 00:08:39.980 I want to just look at some highlights 00:08:39.980 --> 00:08:40.700 from these verses. 00:08:41.480 --> 00:08:42.800 You should mind your own business 00:08:42.800 --> 00:08:43.920 and work with your hands 00:08:43.920 --> 00:08:46.200 so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 00:08:46.820 --> 00:08:49.120 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives 00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:50.800 and especially for members of his household, 00:08:51.120 --> 00:08:52.200 he has denied the faith 00:08:52.200 --> 00:08:53.700 and is worse than an unbeliever. 00:08:54.019 --> 00:08:54.560 One more. 00:08:55.240 --> 00:08:56.980 For even when we were with you, 00:08:57.259 --> 00:08:58.259 we would give you this command. 00:08:58.379 --> 00:09:00.400 If anyone was not willing to work, 00:09:00.400 --> 00:09:01.280 let him not eat. 00:09:01.840 --> 00:09:03.860 Now such persons we command and encourage 00:09:03.860 --> 00:09:06.399 the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly 00:09:06.399 --> 00:09:08.139 and to earn their own living. 00:09:08.820 --> 00:09:10.080 Now we looked at that last week. 00:09:10.840 --> 00:09:11.759 If you were not here last week, 00:09:11.779 --> 00:09:12.820 I meant to have said this at the beginning. 00:09:13.039 --> 00:09:14.320 I would encourage you to go back, 00:09:14.580 --> 00:09:16.700 look online and look at this message 00:09:16.700 --> 00:09:19.300 because we covered some good things last week, 00:09:19.360 --> 00:09:21.180 important things that'll help you to understand 00:09:21.180 --> 00:09:24.399 why socialism is contrary to God's design. 00:09:24.940 --> 00:09:26.500 If you don't have access to the internet, 00:09:26.700 --> 00:09:27.500 call the church office. 00:09:27.600 --> 00:09:29.039 We can send you a copy of it. 00:09:29.879 --> 00:09:32.259 R.C. Sproul makes an important statement 00:09:32.259 --> 00:09:35.179 that ties together what the Bible says about work 00:09:35.179 --> 00:09:37.059 and the ownership of private property. 00:09:37.059 --> 00:09:37.819 He says, 00:09:37.939 --> 00:09:39.220 the sanctity of labor 00:09:39.220 --> 00:09:41.740 is the ground basis for private property. 00:09:42.419 --> 00:09:43.860 In both the old and new covenants, 00:09:44.139 --> 00:09:46.600 the call to labor is an emphatic one, 00:09:46.960 --> 00:09:49.019 bringing fruit as its just reward. 00:09:49.419 --> 00:09:51.879 The avoidance of labor is regarded as sin. 00:09:52.439 --> 00:09:55.379 Paul commands labor as an ethical norm. 00:09:55.960 --> 00:09:58.460 Now I want you to notice the second sentence in particular. 00:09:58.639 --> 00:09:59.220 Look at it again. 00:09:59.220 --> 00:10:01.420 In both the old and new covenants, 00:10:01.820 --> 00:10:04.480 the call to labor is an emphatic one, 00:10:04.840 --> 00:10:08.220 bringing fruit as its just reward. 00:10:10.200 --> 00:10:11.320 Sproul is saying here 00:10:11.320 --> 00:10:15.200 that God intends for our work 00:10:15.200 --> 00:10:19.000 to be fruitful or to be productive. 00:10:20.139 --> 00:10:21.700 And one of the fruits of our labors 00:10:21.700 --> 00:10:23.860 is that we acquire things. 00:10:25.000 --> 00:10:27.279 We accumulate wealth. 00:10:27.279 --> 00:10:30.039 Now, God holds us responsible 00:10:30.039 --> 00:10:30.919 to do it the right way. 00:10:31.980 --> 00:10:33.339 We'll talk more next week 00:10:33.339 --> 00:10:35.079 about the dangers of wealth. 00:10:35.199 --> 00:10:37.279 And there are Bibles filled with statements, 00:10:38.439 --> 00:10:40.360 warnings about the dangers 00:10:40.360 --> 00:10:42.459 of acquiring wealth the wrong way 00:10:42.459 --> 00:10:43.539 and using it the wrong way. 00:10:44.319 --> 00:10:46.980 So it matters greatly to God 00:10:46.980 --> 00:10:49.620 our motivation, our actions, 00:10:49.799 --> 00:10:51.079 how we treat people 00:10:51.079 --> 00:10:55.279 as we work and accumulate wealth. 00:10:55.279 --> 00:10:59.720 But God does intend for us 00:10:59.720 --> 00:11:03.899 to be rewarded for being productive. 00:11:04.759 --> 00:11:07.059 God intends for us to be rewarded 00:11:07.059 --> 00:11:10.779 to experience and enjoy the fruits 00:11:10.779 --> 00:11:13.179 of our labor without guilt. 00:11:15.079 --> 00:11:16.279 So keep that in mind. 00:11:16.379 --> 00:11:17.139 We're going to come to it 00:11:17.139 --> 00:11:18.220 in more detail in a moment. 00:11:19.339 --> 00:11:20.459 God intends, the next point, 00:11:20.539 --> 00:11:22.139 God intends for the work of human beings 00:11:22.139 --> 00:11:26.960 to be productive or fruitful and rewarding. 00:11:26.960 --> 00:11:30.799 Now, I want us to think about Genesis 128. 00:11:32.199 --> 00:11:34.860 Immediately after God created Adam and Eve, 00:11:36.019 --> 00:11:37.960 He charged them with this responsibility. 00:11:39.120 --> 00:11:39.720 Look at it. 00:11:40.299 --> 00:11:41.319 And God blessed them, 00:11:41.360 --> 00:11:42.139 and God said to them, 00:11:42.299 --> 00:11:44.220 Be fruitful and multiply 00:11:44.220 --> 00:11:46.779 and fill the earth and subdue it 00:11:46.779 --> 00:11:49.200 and have dominion over the fish of the sea 00:11:49.200 --> 00:11:50.280 and over the birds of the heavens 00:11:50.280 --> 00:11:52.900 and over every living thing 00:11:52.900 --> 00:11:55.060 that moves on the earth. 00:11:56.580 --> 00:11:58.400 Several commentators point out 00:11:58.400 --> 00:12:02.020 how the command to subdue the earth 00:12:02.020 --> 00:12:05.100 means to make the earth productive, 00:12:06.280 --> 00:12:11.560 make this world useful for human beings. 00:12:12.820 --> 00:12:15.440 Now, I think Wayne Grudem does the best job 00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:18.460 of explaining how this works, 00:12:18.540 --> 00:12:20.040 what this means and how it works. 00:12:20.640 --> 00:12:21.460 Look at this. 00:12:22.160 --> 00:12:22.700 He says, 00:12:22.820 --> 00:12:25.080 The Hebrew word translated as subdue 00:12:25.080 --> 00:12:27.240 means to make the earth useful 00:12:27.240 --> 00:12:29.740 for human beings' benefit and enjoyment. 00:12:30.380 --> 00:12:32.120 God was entrusting Adam and Eve 00:12:32.120 --> 00:12:34.240 and by implication of the entire human race 00:12:34.240 --> 00:12:36.820 with stewardship over the earth. 00:12:37.640 --> 00:12:40.400 God wanted them to create useful products 00:12:40.400 --> 00:12:43.160 from the earth for their benefit and enjoyment. 00:12:43.159 --> 00:12:45.459 At first, perhaps, 00:12:45.959 --> 00:12:49.639 simple structures in which to live and store food, 00:12:50.039 --> 00:12:52.379 later various forms of transportation 00:12:52.379 --> 00:12:53.980 such as carts and wagons, 00:12:54.439 --> 00:12:56.480 then eventually modern homes, 00:12:56.879 --> 00:12:58.600 office buildings and factories, 00:12:58.860 --> 00:13:00.279 as well as cars and airplanes, 00:13:00.600 --> 00:13:03.319 the entire range of useful products 00:13:03.319 --> 00:13:05.379 that could be made from the earth. 00:13:05.799 --> 00:13:06.539 In this way, 00:13:07.199 --> 00:13:08.620 God gave to human beings 00:13:08.620 --> 00:13:10.620 the ability to create value 00:13:10.620 --> 00:13:14.259 in the world that did not exist before. 00:13:15.220 --> 00:13:15.940 Now, I want you to think. 00:13:16.899 --> 00:13:17.639 In the beginning, 00:13:18.419 --> 00:13:19.919 God created everything. 00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:23.799 He created Adam and Eve 00:13:23.799 --> 00:13:24.700 and put them in the garden. 00:13:25.980 --> 00:13:27.460 And He gave them this command. 00:13:28.919 --> 00:13:30.480 Subdue the earth. 00:13:31.560 --> 00:13:33.060 Get dominion. 00:13:33.059 --> 00:13:36.159 And what Grudem is saying is, 00:13:36.979 --> 00:13:38.399 from the beginning of creation 00:13:38.399 --> 00:13:39.659 right up till today, 00:13:40.659 --> 00:13:43.379 that's what has happened. 00:13:46.799 --> 00:13:48.319 Human beings, 00:13:48.679 --> 00:13:51.699 by the grace and enabling wisdom 00:13:51.699 --> 00:13:53.000 and power of God, 00:13:53.699 --> 00:13:56.879 have taken the raw materials of creation 00:13:56.879 --> 00:14:00.779 and through thinking 00:14:00.779 --> 00:14:02.200 and being creative 00:14:02.200 --> 00:14:03.840 and trial and error 00:14:03.840 --> 00:14:04.860 and all these kind of things, 00:14:05.860 --> 00:14:07.600 have put things together 00:14:07.600 --> 00:14:08.279 in a way 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:10.980 that we know them today 00:14:10.980 --> 00:14:13.899 as clothes 00:14:13.899 --> 00:14:15.379 and cars 00:14:15.379 --> 00:14:17.080 and homes 00:14:17.080 --> 00:14:18.240 and computers. 00:14:19.559 --> 00:14:21.960 This didn't just fall out of the sky one day. 00:14:21.960 --> 00:14:24.480 This is how God has worked 00:14:24.480 --> 00:14:26.620 through human beings 00:14:26.620 --> 00:14:27.960 to make life 00:14:28.540 --> 00:14:32.300 in some ways simpler, 00:14:32.460 --> 00:14:33.660 some ways more complex, 00:14:34.220 --> 00:14:35.960 but to make life easier, 00:14:37.519 --> 00:14:39.160 more enjoyable, 00:14:40.300 --> 00:14:41.840 more productive 00:14:41.840 --> 00:14:43.340 as time has gone on. 00:14:44.220 --> 00:14:45.259 Now, you think to yourself, 00:14:45.720 --> 00:14:48.240 I wish I could go back in time. 00:14:48.800 --> 00:14:49.639 I want to ask you something. 00:14:49.639 --> 00:14:51.799 Do you really wish 00:14:51.799 --> 00:14:52.840 you could go back 00:14:52.840 --> 00:14:55.659 and live in a cabin in the woods 00:14:55.659 --> 00:14:57.419 with no running water, 00:14:58.179 --> 00:15:00.059 no heat in the winter, 00:15:00.779 --> 00:15:01.980 no cooling in the summer, 00:15:02.419 --> 00:15:03.819 no way to get around 00:15:03.819 --> 00:15:05.360 but to walk or ride a horse, 00:15:06.580 --> 00:15:07.519 an outhouse, 00:15:08.439 --> 00:15:10.240 and all those kind of things? 00:15:11.620 --> 00:15:12.819 I'll be honest with you. 00:15:13.519 --> 00:15:16.939 I enjoyed sleeping last night 00:15:16.939 --> 00:15:17.679 and getting up this morning 00:15:17.679 --> 00:15:18.879 in an air-conditioned house. 00:15:19.639 --> 00:15:21.259 Taking a shower with hot water. 00:15:22.100 --> 00:15:23.559 I enjoyed getting in my truck 00:15:23.559 --> 00:15:24.539 and driving up here 00:15:24.539 --> 00:15:25.639 with air-conditioning on. 00:15:26.819 --> 00:15:28.519 I'm glad I'm not running around 00:15:28.519 --> 00:15:29.600 in a loincloth, 00:15:29.740 --> 00:15:30.740 and I know you are too. 00:15:33.939 --> 00:15:35.559 This is what has happened. 00:15:36.980 --> 00:15:39.240 According to the design of God, 00:15:39.240 --> 00:15:42.100 people have 00:15:42.100 --> 00:15:45.879 used their God-given, 00:15:46.000 --> 00:15:47.220 because we're created in God's image, 00:15:47.220 --> 00:15:49.220 ability, 00:15:50.899 --> 00:15:51.759 creativity 00:15:51.759 --> 00:15:54.320 to make life 00:15:54.320 --> 00:15:56.220 advance as it has 00:15:56.220 --> 00:15:58.100 and to be where we are right now. 00:15:59.320 --> 00:16:00.560 Grudem goes on to point out 00:16:00.560 --> 00:16:03.240 how God 00:16:03.240 --> 00:16:04.560 is the one who gave us 00:16:04.560 --> 00:16:05.379 the desire 00:16:05.379 --> 00:16:07.300 to be productive like this. 00:16:07.399 --> 00:16:07.879 Look at it. 00:16:08.279 --> 00:16:09.840 Because God gave to human beings 00:16:09.840 --> 00:16:11.300 the command to subdue the earth, 00:16:11.480 --> 00:16:13.000 it is reasonable to conclude 00:16:13.000 --> 00:16:14.879 that He also placed in our hearts 00:16:14.879 --> 00:16:16.899 a desire to fulfill that command. 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:18.659 We should not dismiss 00:16:18.659 --> 00:16:20.899 this innate human drive 00:16:20.899 --> 00:16:22.480 for material productivity 00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:23.799 and flourishing 00:16:23.799 --> 00:16:26.220 as greedy materialism 00:16:26.220 --> 00:16:28.500 as many socialists do, 00:16:29.500 --> 00:16:30.899 or sin. 00:16:30.899 --> 00:16:33.279 It can be distorted 00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:34.799 by selfishness and sin, 00:16:34.960 --> 00:16:36.120 and we know that it is. 00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:38.340 But the drive to create, 00:16:38.539 --> 00:16:38.799 produce, 00:16:38.860 --> 00:16:40.340 and enjoy useful products 00:16:40.340 --> 00:16:41.500 ultimately comes 00:16:41.500 --> 00:16:42.860 from a morally good, 00:16:43.200 --> 00:16:44.120 God-given instinct 00:16:44.679 --> 00:16:45.639 that He placed 00:16:45.639 --> 00:16:46.799 within the human race 00:16:46.799 --> 00:16:47.980 before there was any sin 00:16:47.980 --> 00:16:48.480 in the world 00:16:48.480 --> 00:16:50.600 when He commanded Adam and Eve 00:16:50.600 --> 00:16:51.820 to fill the earth, 00:16:52.399 --> 00:16:53.179 subdue it, 00:16:53.899 --> 00:16:55.000 and have dominion 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:56.360 over all of it. 00:16:58.299 --> 00:16:58.899 Socialists 00:16:58.899 --> 00:17:00.980 like to condemn 00:17:00.980 --> 00:17:02.120 prosperity 00:17:02.120 --> 00:17:05.119 and the accumulation 00:17:05.119 --> 00:17:06.279 of wealth 00:17:06.279 --> 00:17:07.619 by saying 00:17:07.619 --> 00:17:08.279 it just comes 00:17:08.279 --> 00:17:09.240 from greed 00:17:09.240 --> 00:17:11.380 or an abuse 00:17:11.380 --> 00:17:12.140 of power 00:17:12.140 --> 00:17:13.299 and privilege 00:17:13.299 --> 00:17:16.099 or a lack 00:17:16.099 --> 00:17:16.619 of concern 00:17:16.619 --> 00:17:16.980 for anyone 00:17:16.980 --> 00:17:17.740 but yourself, 00:17:18.019 --> 00:17:19.259 especially the poor 00:17:19.259 --> 00:17:20.759 in society. 00:17:22.119 --> 00:17:22.319 Well, 00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:22.980 that is true 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:23.900 about some people 00:17:23.900 --> 00:17:24.660 who are prosperous 00:17:24.660 --> 00:17:25.359 and wealthy, 00:17:25.559 --> 00:17:26.240 but I want you 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:26.960 to know this too. 00:17:27.900 --> 00:17:28.559 That's true 00:17:28.559 --> 00:17:29.420 about poor people. 00:17:31.099 --> 00:17:31.660 Poor people 00:17:31.660 --> 00:17:32.700 can be just as greedy 00:17:32.700 --> 00:17:33.500 as rich people. 00:17:34.940 --> 00:17:35.440 Poor people 00:17:35.440 --> 00:17:36.300 can just be all 00:17:36.300 --> 00:17:36.900 about themselves 00:17:36.900 --> 00:17:37.700 and care nothing 00:17:37.700 --> 00:17:38.420 about anyone 00:17:38.420 --> 00:17:39.040 just as much 00:17:39.040 --> 00:17:39.980 as a wealthy person. 00:17:41.320 --> 00:17:42.540 And a poor person 00:17:42.540 --> 00:17:44.640 can take what little 00:17:44.640 --> 00:17:45.759 power or privilege 00:17:45.759 --> 00:17:46.540 they have 00:17:46.540 --> 00:17:49.200 and abuse other people 00:17:49.200 --> 00:17:50.620 or ignore other people 00:17:50.620 --> 00:17:51.440 with it. 00:17:53.060 --> 00:17:54.220 The truth is, 00:17:54.279 --> 00:17:55.100 the fact is, 00:17:56.060 --> 00:17:56.940 many people 00:17:56.940 --> 00:17:58.300 have become prosperous, 00:17:59.300 --> 00:18:01.259 have accumulated 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:02.160 wealth 00:18:02.160 --> 00:18:05.019 by working hard, 00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:07.000 being productive, 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:08.940 and wisely 00:18:08.940 --> 00:18:10.299 managing their money. 00:18:12.759 --> 00:18:13.500 And I want you 00:18:13.500 --> 00:18:13.879 to think, 00:18:14.720 --> 00:18:16.220 isn't that what 00:18:16.220 --> 00:18:17.059 you have done 00:18:17.059 --> 00:18:17.740 to this point 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:18.579 or tried to do? 00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:21.019 It's what I try 00:18:21.019 --> 00:18:21.319 to do. 00:18:22.539 --> 00:18:23.319 Isn't that what 00:18:23.319 --> 00:18:23.940 you want to do 00:18:23.940 --> 00:18:24.660 right now 00:18:24.660 --> 00:18:25.779 to provide for yourself 00:18:25.779 --> 00:18:26.640 and your family? 00:18:26.640 --> 00:18:29.259 to work, 00:18:29.800 --> 00:18:30.920 to be productive, 00:18:31.380 --> 00:18:33.220 to wisely manage 00:18:33.220 --> 00:18:34.140 what you have, 00:18:34.220 --> 00:18:35.280 to let it accumulate, 00:18:36.280 --> 00:18:38.800 and then to enjoy it 00:18:38.800 --> 00:18:42.800 the right way, 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:44.700 God's way? 00:18:44.700 --> 00:18:47.000 that's what 00:18:47.000 --> 00:18:49.019 we're talking about 00:18:49.019 --> 00:18:49.440 this morning. 00:18:49.960 --> 00:18:51.480 And when we do enjoy, 00:18:52.380 --> 00:18:52.539 well, 00:18:52.600 --> 00:18:53.680 we should be able 00:18:53.680 --> 00:18:54.340 to enjoy the fruit 00:18:54.340 --> 00:18:54.840 of our labor 00:18:54.840 --> 00:18:57.480 without guilt, 00:18:58.140 --> 00:18:59.319 and we should be able 00:18:59.319 --> 00:18:59.580 to enjoy it 00:18:59.580 --> 00:19:00.160 without the fear 00:19:00.160 --> 00:19:00.660 of anyone, 00:19:00.799 --> 00:19:01.600 including the government, 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:03.840 taking it away 00:19:03.840 --> 00:19:04.660 from us 00:19:04.660 --> 00:19:07.600 and redistributing 00:19:07.600 --> 00:19:08.320 it to people 00:19:08.320 --> 00:19:10.160 who may not care 00:19:10.160 --> 00:19:11.040 anything in the world 00:19:11.040 --> 00:19:11.960 about being productive 00:19:11.960 --> 00:19:14.680 or wisely managing 00:19:14.680 --> 00:19:15.640 what they have. 00:19:16.640 --> 00:19:17.400 Look at the next point. 00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:18.220 God wants us 00:19:18.220 --> 00:19:19.220 to enjoy the rewards 00:19:19.220 --> 00:19:20.240 of faithful labor, 00:19:21.060 --> 00:19:22.100 and I want to show you 00:19:22.100 --> 00:19:22.960 how that is seen 00:19:22.960 --> 00:19:23.940 in two parables 00:19:23.940 --> 00:19:25.000 that Jesus told 00:19:25.000 --> 00:19:28.180 God rewards stewardship. 00:19:28.540 --> 00:19:29.140 The first one 00:19:29.140 --> 00:19:29.519 is what we're going 00:19:29.519 --> 00:19:29.860 to read 00:19:29.860 --> 00:19:31.120 from Matthew 25. 00:19:31.440 --> 00:19:32.380 Matthew 25, 00:19:32.500 --> 00:19:34.000 beginning in verse 14. 00:19:34.660 --> 00:19:36.759 The parable of the talents. 00:19:36.900 --> 00:19:37.480 Now, talent 00:19:37.480 --> 00:19:38.980 was a huge sum of money, 00:19:39.360 --> 00:19:40.120 a monetary unit 00:19:40.120 --> 00:19:41.880 worth about 20 years' wages 00:19:41.880 --> 00:19:43.160 for a laborer. 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:44.860 You'll see in the footnote 00:19:44.860 --> 00:19:46.720 of the ESV translation. 00:19:47.580 --> 00:19:48.400 Here's the story 00:19:48.400 --> 00:19:49.040 Jesus told. 00:19:50.440 --> 00:19:51.080 For it will be like 00:19:51.080 --> 00:19:52.360 a man going on a journey 00:19:52.360 --> 00:19:53.980 who called his servants 00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:55.220 and entrusted to them 00:19:55.220 --> 00:19:55.779 his property. 00:19:56.519 --> 00:19:57.320 To one he gave 00:19:57.320 --> 00:19:58.040 five talents, 00:19:58.140 --> 00:19:58.840 to another two, 00:19:59.019 --> 00:19:59.840 to another one, 00:19:59.920 --> 00:20:00.600 to each according 00:20:00.600 --> 00:20:01.300 to his ability. 00:20:01.420 --> 00:20:02.040 Now notice that. 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:04.279 In the original distribution 00:20:04.279 --> 00:20:05.440 by the master 00:20:05.440 --> 00:20:07.059 who represents God, 00:20:07.740 --> 00:20:08.700 he doesn't give 00:20:08.700 --> 00:20:09.940 the same to each person. 00:20:11.059 --> 00:20:12.139 He gives one five, 00:20:12.279 --> 00:20:12.700 one two, 00:20:12.759 --> 00:20:13.559 and one one, 00:20:14.099 --> 00:20:15.519 each according 00:20:15.519 --> 00:20:16.259 to his ability. 00:20:17.019 --> 00:20:17.779 Then he went away. 00:20:18.460 --> 00:20:19.480 He who had received 00:20:19.480 --> 00:20:20.240 the five talents 00:20:20.240 --> 00:20:20.899 went at once 00:20:20.899 --> 00:20:22.059 and traded with them, 00:20:23.059 --> 00:20:23.639 and he made 00:20:23.639 --> 00:20:24.579 five talents more. 00:20:25.299 --> 00:20:25.960 So also, 00:20:26.099 --> 00:20:27.139 he who had the two talents 00:20:27.139 --> 00:20:28.480 made two talents more. 00:20:28.980 --> 00:20:30.519 But he who had received 00:20:30.519 --> 00:20:31.420 the one talent 00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:32.460 went and dug 00:20:32.460 --> 00:20:33.100 into the ground 00:20:33.100 --> 00:20:33.980 and hid 00:20:33.980 --> 00:20:34.920 his master's money. 00:20:35.819 --> 00:20:37.000 Now after a long time, 00:20:37.079 --> 00:20:37.600 the master 00:20:37.600 --> 00:20:38.360 of those servants 00:20:38.360 --> 00:20:39.799 came and settled 00:20:39.799 --> 00:20:40.940 accounts with them. 00:20:41.460 --> 00:20:42.640 And he who had received 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:43.579 the five talents 00:20:43.579 --> 00:20:44.340 came forward, 00:20:44.799 --> 00:20:46.039 bringing five talents more, 00:20:46.200 --> 00:20:46.480 saying, 00:20:46.620 --> 00:20:46.960 Master, 00:20:47.480 --> 00:20:48.340 you delivered to me 00:20:48.340 --> 00:20:49.420 five talents here. 00:20:49.700 --> 00:20:50.259 I have made 00:20:50.259 --> 00:20:51.319 five talents more. 00:20:51.680 --> 00:20:52.700 His master said to him, 00:20:52.799 --> 00:20:53.779 Well done, 00:20:54.100 --> 00:20:55.460 good and faithful servant. 00:20:55.819 --> 00:20:56.559 You've been faithful 00:20:56.559 --> 00:20:57.220 over a little. 00:20:57.340 --> 00:20:59.460 I will set you over much. 00:21:00.000 --> 00:21:01.100 Enter into the joy 00:21:01.099 --> 00:21:01.980 of your master. 00:21:02.859 --> 00:21:03.619 And he also, 00:21:04.179 --> 00:21:05.279 who had the two talents, 00:21:05.399 --> 00:21:05.839 came forward, 00:21:05.959 --> 00:21:06.240 saying, 00:21:06.419 --> 00:21:06.799 Master, 00:21:07.259 --> 00:21:08.179 you delivered to me 00:21:08.179 --> 00:21:09.219 two talents here. 00:21:09.339 --> 00:21:09.919 I have made 00:21:09.919 --> 00:21:11.519 two talents more. 00:21:12.240 --> 00:21:13.219 His master said to him, 00:21:13.339 --> 00:21:14.379 the very same thing 00:21:14.379 --> 00:21:14.719 that he said 00:21:14.719 --> 00:21:15.579 to the guy with five. 00:21:17.279 --> 00:21:17.939 He said, 00:21:18.179 --> 00:21:21.859 I lost my place. 00:21:22.119 --> 00:21:22.939 His master said to him, 00:21:23.079 --> 00:21:23.819 Well done, 00:21:24.139 --> 00:21:25.079 good and faithful servant. 00:21:25.519 --> 00:21:26.419 You have been faithful 00:21:26.419 --> 00:21:27.259 over a little. 00:21:27.579 --> 00:21:28.899 I will set you over much. 00:21:29.459 --> 00:21:30.379 Enter into the joy 00:21:30.380 --> 00:21:31.360 of your master. 00:21:33.440 --> 00:21:33.840 Now, 00:21:34.080 --> 00:21:35.620 he also, 00:21:35.760 --> 00:21:36.320 who had received 00:21:36.320 --> 00:21:37.240 the one talent, 00:21:37.400 --> 00:21:37.840 came forward, 00:21:37.960 --> 00:21:38.220 saying, 00:21:38.380 --> 00:21:38.720 Master, 00:21:39.320 --> 00:21:40.100 I knew you 00:21:40.100 --> 00:21:40.980 to be a hard man, 00:21:41.060 --> 00:21:41.620 reaping where you 00:21:41.620 --> 00:21:42.260 did not sow 00:21:42.260 --> 00:21:42.840 and gathering 00:21:42.840 --> 00:21:43.660 where you scattered 00:21:43.660 --> 00:21:44.260 no seed. 00:21:44.460 --> 00:21:45.520 So I was afraid. 00:21:45.880 --> 00:21:46.440 And I went 00:21:46.440 --> 00:21:47.220 and hid your talent 00:21:47.220 --> 00:21:47.980 in the ground. 00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:48.740 Here, 00:21:49.280 --> 00:21:50.540 you have what is yours. 00:21:50.840 --> 00:21:51.440 But his master 00:21:51.440 --> 00:21:52.000 answered him, 00:21:52.160 --> 00:21:52.800 You wicked 00:21:52.800 --> 00:21:53.940 and slothful servant. 00:21:54.400 --> 00:21:55.580 You knew that I reap 00:21:55.580 --> 00:21:56.680 where I have not sown 00:21:56.680 --> 00:21:57.100 and gathered 00:21:57.100 --> 00:21:58.700 where I have scattered 00:21:58.700 --> 00:21:59.299 no seed. 00:21:59.960 --> 00:22:00.420 Then you ought 00:22:00.420 --> 00:22:02.100 to have invested 00:22:02.100 --> 00:22:03.519 my money with the bankers. 00:22:03.960 --> 00:22:04.620 And at my coming, 00:22:04.680 --> 00:22:05.380 I should have received 00:22:05.380 --> 00:22:06.120 what was mine 00:22:06.120 --> 00:22:06.980 with interest. 00:22:07.640 --> 00:22:08.880 So take the talent 00:22:08.880 --> 00:22:09.840 from him 00:22:09.840 --> 00:22:11.100 and give it to the one 00:22:11.100 --> 00:22:12.460 who has the ten talents. 00:22:13.080 --> 00:22:13.700 For to everyone 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:14.340 who has, 00:22:14.400 --> 00:22:15.980 more will be given. 00:22:16.400 --> 00:22:16.960 And he will have 00:22:16.960 --> 00:22:17.420 an abundance. 00:22:17.799 --> 00:22:18.680 But from the one 00:22:18.680 --> 00:22:19.840 who has not, 00:22:20.220 --> 00:22:21.259 even what he has 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:22.200 will be taken away. 00:22:22.640 --> 00:22:24.160 And cast the worthless 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:24.720 servant 00:22:24.720 --> 00:22:25.960 into the outer darkness. 00:22:25.960 --> 00:22:27.360 In that place, 00:22:27.440 --> 00:22:28.420 there will be weeping 00:22:28.420 --> 00:22:30.319 and gnashing of teeth. 00:22:31.420 --> 00:22:32.259 Now I want you to note, 00:22:33.740 --> 00:22:34.799 the three servants 00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:37.539 received three different 00:22:37.539 --> 00:22:38.799 amounts of talent. 00:22:39.200 --> 00:22:40.059 Five, two, and one. 00:22:41.440 --> 00:22:43.140 Two servants were commended 00:22:43.140 --> 00:22:45.019 for being productive 00:22:45.019 --> 00:22:47.640 even though one 00:22:47.640 --> 00:22:48.759 was twice as productive 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:49.299 as the other. 00:22:50.600 --> 00:22:52.059 They did not start out 00:22:52.059 --> 00:22:53.400 financially equally 00:22:53.400 --> 00:22:56.160 and they did not end up 00:22:56.160 --> 00:22:57.900 being equally, 00:22:58.780 --> 00:23:00.120 being financially equal. 00:23:01.019 --> 00:23:02.160 The one who had more 00:23:02.160 --> 00:23:02.680 at the beginning 00:23:02.680 --> 00:23:04.960 had even more 00:23:04.960 --> 00:23:07.000 at the end. 00:23:07.220 --> 00:23:08.960 More than the other guy. 00:23:10.019 --> 00:23:11.320 But they were both 00:23:11.320 --> 00:23:13.320 rewarded for their faithfulness, 00:23:13.780 --> 00:23:14.640 their productivity. 00:23:16.240 --> 00:23:17.600 The unfaithful servant 00:23:17.600 --> 00:23:19.440 was condemned 00:23:19.440 --> 00:23:20.400 for his laziness 00:23:20.400 --> 00:23:21.040 laziness 00:23:21.040 --> 00:23:22.920 and failure 00:23:22.920 --> 00:23:23.759 to be productive. 00:23:25.120 --> 00:23:26.640 No wealth 00:23:26.640 --> 00:23:28.780 was redistributed. 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:29.800 In fact, 00:23:29.880 --> 00:23:30.680 what he had 00:23:30.680 --> 00:23:31.960 was taken from him 00:23:31.960 --> 00:23:33.540 because he was irresponsible. 00:23:35.019 --> 00:23:36.500 Jesus told a similar parable 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:38.180 in Luke chapter 19, 00:23:38.800 --> 00:23:40.160 the parable of the minas. 00:23:40.580 --> 00:23:41.180 A mina was about 00:23:41.180 --> 00:23:42.019 three months wages 00:23:42.019 --> 00:23:43.000 for a laborer. 00:23:44.620 --> 00:23:45.600 What I want us to do 00:23:45.600 --> 00:23:47.280 is look at Matthew 25, 00:23:47.420 --> 00:23:48.460 this parable of Talos. 00:23:48.460 --> 00:23:50.960 In light of R.C. Sproul's 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:52.200 definition of socialism 00:23:52.200 --> 00:23:53.160 from last week. 00:23:53.340 --> 00:23:53.860 Look at it. 00:23:54.480 --> 00:23:54.980 Sproul said, 00:23:55.340 --> 00:23:55.920 socialism seeks 00:23:55.920 --> 00:23:57.100 as its premier goal 00:23:57.100 --> 00:23:58.980 the equality of wealth 00:23:58.980 --> 00:24:00.720 and equality of ownership 00:24:00.720 --> 00:24:01.700 within a society. 00:24:02.319 --> 00:24:03.400 To accomplish this, 00:24:03.799 --> 00:24:04.980 the government must be involved 00:24:04.980 --> 00:24:05.680 in the redistribution 00:24:05.680 --> 00:24:06.259 of wealth. 00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:08.940 That parable 00:24:08.940 --> 00:24:09.700 that Jesus told 00:24:09.700 --> 00:24:11.519 teaches the very opposite 00:24:11.519 --> 00:24:13.460 of what socialism seeks. 00:24:13.460 --> 00:24:17.059 There was no intent 00:24:17.059 --> 00:24:18.660 in Jesus' story 00:24:18.660 --> 00:24:20.220 to bring about 00:24:20.220 --> 00:24:21.660 equality of wealth 00:24:21.660 --> 00:24:23.200 or ownership. 00:24:24.100 --> 00:24:25.259 There was no intent 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:26.840 to redistribute wealth. 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:28.860 Jesus, in fact, 00:24:29.019 --> 00:24:29.900 commends those 00:24:29.900 --> 00:24:30.880 who are productive 00:24:30.880 --> 00:24:32.360 with what they have, 00:24:33.200 --> 00:24:34.380 even though their production 00:24:34.380 --> 00:24:35.220 is not the same. 00:24:35.220 --> 00:24:37.980 And Jesus rewards 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:39.100 each 00:24:39.100 --> 00:24:40.860 who are productive 00:24:40.860 --> 00:24:45.700 because of their faithfulness. 00:24:46.140 --> 00:24:47.440 Not because of their equality, 00:24:47.880 --> 00:24:49.380 but because of their faithfulness. 00:24:50.019 --> 00:24:50.220 Now, 00:24:50.579 --> 00:24:51.500 we're going to come back 00:24:51.500 --> 00:24:52.039 next week 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:52.460 and look at some 00:24:52.460 --> 00:24:54.079 of the many warnings 00:24:54.079 --> 00:24:55.539 found throughout the Bible 00:24:55.539 --> 00:24:57.640 about the dangers 00:24:57.640 --> 00:24:58.680 of money 00:24:58.680 --> 00:25:00.559 and prosperity. 00:25:01.519 --> 00:25:02.759 We've got to do that. 00:25:02.759 --> 00:25:05.160 We cannot ignore the fact 00:25:05.160 --> 00:25:06.740 that money and prosperity 00:25:06.740 --> 00:25:08.319 has ruined many people. 00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:11.700 Many Christians 00:25:11.700 --> 00:25:15.599 have pursued wealth 00:25:15.599 --> 00:25:17.920 and as a result 00:25:17.920 --> 00:25:19.039 moved away 00:25:19.039 --> 00:25:19.700 from their commitment 00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:20.240 to the Lord. 00:25:21.660 --> 00:25:21.900 So, 00:25:22.859 --> 00:25:23.900 while the Bible talks about 00:25:23.900 --> 00:25:25.720 it is right and good, 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:26.379 proper, 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:27.559 according to God's design, 00:25:27.700 --> 00:25:28.400 to work, 00:25:29.259 --> 00:25:30.539 to accumulate things, 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:31.859 accumulate wealth, 00:25:32.759 --> 00:25:34.039 wisely manage it. 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:35.519 But at the same time, 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:37.259 there are warning 00:25:37.259 --> 00:25:38.259 after warning. 00:25:39.859 --> 00:25:40.920 It can be dangerous. 00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:42.660 Money can be dangerous. 00:25:43.660 --> 00:25:44.480 And wealth 00:25:44.480 --> 00:25:45.119 in and of itself 00:25:45.119 --> 00:25:45.819 is not something, 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:47.379 it's not a worthy pursuit 00:25:47.379 --> 00:25:49.079 for God's people. 00:25:49.740 --> 00:25:50.640 But socialists 00:25:50.640 --> 00:25:51.259 are wrong 00:25:51.259 --> 00:25:53.400 to blanketly condemn 00:25:53.400 --> 00:25:54.319 private ownership, 00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:56.779 individual productivity, 00:25:57.240 --> 00:25:58.500 and the accumulation 00:25:58.500 --> 00:25:59.119 of wealth. 00:25:59.299 --> 00:26:00.000 That's the point 00:26:00.000 --> 00:26:00.519 this morning. 00:26:00.519 --> 00:26:02.000 Wayne Grudem 00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:03.160 rightfully describes 00:26:03.160 --> 00:26:04.259 the value of work, 00:26:04.400 --> 00:26:04.900 productivity, 00:26:04.900 --> 00:26:06.480 and the enjoyment 00:26:06.480 --> 00:26:08.019 of the fruit of our labor. 00:26:08.240 --> 00:26:09.319 One of these final points, 00:26:09.400 --> 00:26:09.920 look with me. 00:26:11.700 --> 00:26:12.119 He says, 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:13.379 the system of personal 00:26:13.379 --> 00:26:14.619 ownership of property 00:26:14.619 --> 00:26:16.039 that is affirmed 00:26:16.039 --> 00:26:16.879 throughout Scripture 00:26:16.879 --> 00:26:18.160 is essential 00:26:18.160 --> 00:26:19.980 for human flourishing. 00:26:20.339 --> 00:26:21.519 Because without the ability 00:26:21.519 --> 00:26:22.720 to own and enjoy 00:26:22.720 --> 00:26:24.019 something of the fruit 00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:24.900 of his labor, 00:26:25.579 --> 00:26:26.519 a person will have 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:27.519 little motivation 00:26:27.519 --> 00:26:28.599 to create 00:26:28.599 --> 00:26:30.059 and produce. 00:26:30.920 --> 00:26:31.740 You think about it. 00:26:34.059 --> 00:26:35.379 If you work 00:26:35.379 --> 00:26:37.200 and you're productive 00:26:37.200 --> 00:26:40.299 and you are rewarded 00:26:40.299 --> 00:26:42.279 justly, rightly, 00:26:43.000 --> 00:26:44.660 you accumulate wealth, 00:26:45.319 --> 00:26:46.139 but then the government 00:26:46.139 --> 00:26:47.299 starts intervening 00:26:47.299 --> 00:26:48.519 and taxes everything 00:26:48.519 --> 00:26:49.299 you make, 00:26:50.220 --> 00:26:51.059 prevents you 00:26:51.059 --> 00:26:53.900 from accumulating wealth, 00:26:53.900 --> 00:26:55.720 are you going to continue 00:26:55.720 --> 00:26:56.740 to work like you have? 00:26:57.620 --> 00:26:58.600 Are you going to continue 00:26:58.600 --> 00:26:59.120 to work 00:26:59.120 --> 00:27:00.380 to give it all away 00:27:00.380 --> 00:27:02.860 so it can be redistributed 00:27:02.860 --> 00:27:03.920 to people who don't work? 00:27:05.060 --> 00:27:05.540 No. 00:27:06.300 --> 00:27:07.259 You wouldn't. 00:27:07.519 --> 00:27:08.880 It would not be wise 00:27:08.880 --> 00:27:09.460 to do that. 00:27:10.300 --> 00:27:11.380 Look at what he says 00:27:11.380 --> 00:27:11.840 at the end. 00:27:12.500 --> 00:27:13.500 We glorify God 00:27:13.500 --> 00:27:14.240 by understanding 00:27:14.240 --> 00:27:14.880 and ruling 00:27:14.880 --> 00:27:15.820 over the creation, 00:27:16.240 --> 00:27:17.259 then by producing 00:27:17.259 --> 00:27:17.980 more and more 00:27:17.980 --> 00:27:19.060 wonderful goods 00:27:19.060 --> 00:27:19.680 from it 00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:20.960 for our enjoyment 00:27:20.960 --> 00:27:22.200 with thanksgiving 00:27:22.200 --> 00:27:23.079 to the God 00:27:23.079 --> 00:27:25.319 who richly provides us 00:27:25.319 --> 00:27:26.180 with everything 00:27:26.180 --> 00:27:26.860 to enjoy. 00:27:27.600 --> 00:27:28.559 Let's close it out 00:27:28.559 --> 00:27:29.120 like this. 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:31.660 Are you seeking 00:27:31.660 --> 00:27:32.600 to glorify God 00:27:32.600 --> 00:27:34.840 by your productive work? 00:27:36.420 --> 00:27:37.059 Or, 00:27:37.299 --> 00:27:38.840 are you seeking 00:27:38.840 --> 00:27:40.400 to glorify yourself 00:27:40.400 --> 00:27:43.440 with your hard, 00:27:43.640 --> 00:27:44.440 productive work? 00:27:44.440 --> 00:27:47.120 Are you enjoying 00:27:47.120 --> 00:27:48.600 the fruits of your labor 00:27:48.599 --> 00:27:51.119 and acknowledging it 00:27:51.119 --> 00:27:52.199 as one of God's 00:27:52.199 --> 00:27:54.199 good gifts? 00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:55.399 Or, 00:27:56.459 --> 00:27:57.859 are you enjoying 00:27:57.859 --> 00:27:58.779 the fruit of your labor 00:27:58.779 --> 00:28:00.980 with no thought 00:28:00.980 --> 00:28:02.659 that it's a gift 00:28:02.659 --> 00:28:03.139 from God? 00:28:04.419 --> 00:28:05.959 Are you giving thanks 00:28:05.959 --> 00:28:06.500 to God 00:28:06.500 --> 00:28:07.459 as the source 00:28:07.459 --> 00:28:07.959 of everything 00:28:07.959 --> 00:28:09.199 that you have? 00:28:09.879 --> 00:28:10.339 Or, 00:28:11.339 --> 00:28:12.819 are you patting yourself 00:28:12.819 --> 00:28:13.500 on the back 00:28:13.500 --> 00:28:15.539 because of what you 00:28:15.539 --> 00:28:16.819 have earned, 00:28:16.980 --> 00:28:17.779 achieved, 00:28:17.779 --> 00:28:19.299 been able to do? 00:28:21.420 --> 00:28:22.379 I want us to close 00:28:22.379 --> 00:28:23.460 with an important word 00:28:23.460 --> 00:28:25.000 about wealth 00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:26.759 in 1 Timothy 6. 00:28:27.639 --> 00:28:28.539 Paul writes, 00:28:29.339 --> 00:28:30.180 as for the rich 00:28:30.180 --> 00:28:31.440 in this present age, 00:28:32.200 --> 00:28:32.859 charge them 00:28:32.859 --> 00:28:34.180 not to be haughty 00:28:34.180 --> 00:28:36.139 nor to set their hopes 00:28:36.139 --> 00:28:37.319 on the uncertainty 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:38.359 of riches, 00:28:38.980 --> 00:28:40.079 but on God 00:28:40.079 --> 00:28:42.500 who richly provides us 00:28:42.500 --> 00:28:43.119 with everything 00:28:43.119 --> 00:28:44.000 to enjoy. 00:28:44.180 --> 00:28:45.139 You see the balance 00:28:45.139 --> 00:28:46.019 of Paul's statement? 00:28:46.019 --> 00:28:48.879 As for the rich 00:28:48.879 --> 00:28:49.740 of this present age, 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:50.740 charge them 00:28:50.740 --> 00:28:51.500 not to be haughty 00:28:51.500 --> 00:28:52.339 because it's easy 00:28:52.339 --> 00:28:53.259 to become prideful 00:28:53.259 --> 00:28:54.200 if you become wealthy. 00:28:54.940 --> 00:28:56.180 Nor to set their hopes 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:57.139 on the uncertainty 00:28:57.139 --> 00:28:57.879 of riches. 00:28:58.400 --> 00:28:59.279 We forget about 00:28:59.279 --> 00:28:59.940 the uncertainty 00:28:59.940 --> 00:29:00.480 of riches. 00:29:01.160 --> 00:29:02.200 But set our hopes 00:29:02.200 --> 00:29:02.879 on God 00:29:02.879 --> 00:29:04.599 and think about this, 00:29:04.700 --> 00:29:06.379 who richly provides us 00:29:06.379 --> 00:29:06.940 with everything 00:29:06.940 --> 00:29:08.240 to enjoy. 00:29:08.240 --> 00:29:10.720 They are to do so 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:12.000 to be rich 00:29:12.000 --> 00:29:12.819 in good works, 00:29:13.200 --> 00:29:14.380 to be generous 00:29:14.380 --> 00:29:15.359 and ready 00:29:15.359 --> 00:29:16.299 to share, 00:29:17.079 --> 00:29:18.440 thus storing up 00:29:18.440 --> 00:29:19.819 treasure for themselves 00:29:19.819 --> 00:29:21.480 as a good foundation 00:29:21.480 --> 00:29:22.380 for the future 00:29:22.380 --> 00:29:23.920 so that they might 00:29:23.920 --> 00:29:24.579 take hold 00:29:24.579 --> 00:29:25.160 of that 00:29:25.160 --> 00:29:26.720 which is truly 00:29:26.720 --> 00:29:27.980 life. 00:29:28.980 --> 00:29:30.240 It is good 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:30.720 for us 00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:31.240 to work 00:29:31.240 --> 00:29:31.900 and save 00:29:31.900 --> 00:29:33.839 and have something 00:29:33.839 --> 00:29:34.640 for the future, 00:29:35.420 --> 00:29:36.539 for the rainy day, 00:29:36.539 --> 00:29:37.779 for retirement. 00:29:38.659 --> 00:29:39.399 But it's even 00:29:39.399 --> 00:29:40.079 more important 00:29:40.079 --> 00:29:42.399 that we be storing 00:29:42.399 --> 00:29:43.180 up treasures 00:29:43.180 --> 00:29:44.720 in heaven 00:29:44.720 --> 00:29:46.759 through our 00:29:46.759 --> 00:29:47.460 faithfulness 00:29:47.460 --> 00:29:48.039 to God 00:29:48.039 --> 00:29:49.379 with what He 00:29:49.379 --> 00:29:50.659 has given us 00:29:50.659 --> 00:29:52.000 in every way, 00:29:52.099 --> 00:29:52.720 time, talents 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:53.559 and treasures. 00:29:55.759 --> 00:29:56.099 And you know 00:29:56.099 --> 00:29:57.240 there's going to 00:29:57.240 --> 00:29:57.700 come a day 00:29:57.700 --> 00:29:58.420 for most of us 00:29:58.420 --> 00:29:59.460 if we live long enough 00:29:59.460 --> 00:30:01.359 we're going to want 00:30:01.359 --> 00:30:02.099 to lay hold 00:30:02.099 --> 00:30:02.480 of that 00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:03.220 which we have 00:30:03.220 --> 00:30:03.859 saved, 00:30:04.000 --> 00:30:04.460 invested. 00:30:05.299 --> 00:30:05.799 We're going to 00:30:05.799 --> 00:30:06.399 lay hold of 00:30:06.400 --> 00:30:07.780 retirement funds 00:30:07.780 --> 00:30:08.200 hopefully. 00:30:09.019 --> 00:30:10.060 A retirement life 00:30:10.060 --> 00:30:10.400 maybe. 00:30:11.940 --> 00:30:12.360 But what's 00:30:12.360 --> 00:30:13.240 most important 00:30:13.240 --> 00:30:15.019 is that we 00:30:15.019 --> 00:30:15.700 be prepared 00:30:15.700 --> 00:30:16.400 to take hold 00:30:16.400 --> 00:30:16.860 of that 00:30:16.860 --> 00:30:18.100 which is truly 00:30:18.100 --> 00:30:18.620 life, 00:30:19.400 --> 00:30:20.600 eternal life. 00:30:21.880 --> 00:30:22.580 And that only 00:30:22.580 --> 00:30:23.019 comes through 00:30:23.019 --> 00:30:23.780 a right relationship 00:30:23.780 --> 00:30:24.820 with Jesus Christ. 00:30:26.460 --> 00:30:27.340 It's vitally 00:30:27.340 --> 00:30:28.100 important in this 00:30:28.100 --> 00:30:28.840 day and time 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:29.600 living in this 00:30:29.600 --> 00:30:30.120 country that we 00:30:30.120 --> 00:30:30.780 understand that 00:30:30.780 --> 00:30:31.460 socialism 00:30:31.460 --> 00:30:33.480 is contrary 00:30:33.480 --> 00:30:34.000 to the teaching 00:30:34.000 --> 00:30:34.519 of the Bible. 00:30:34.519 --> 00:30:36.460 It's unethical. 00:30:36.639 --> 00:30:37.420 It's immoral. 00:30:39.420 --> 00:30:40.440 But at the same 00:30:40.440 --> 00:30:40.900 time 00:30:40.900 --> 00:30:43.079 we must not 00:30:43.079 --> 00:30:45.180 make the focus 00:30:45.180 --> 00:30:46.019 of our life 00:30:46.019 --> 00:30:47.900 acquiring, 00:30:48.539 --> 00:30:49.259 possessing, 00:30:49.759 --> 00:30:50.180 owning 00:30:50.180 --> 00:30:51.220 anything. 00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:53.559 The goal of our 00:30:53.559 --> 00:30:54.519 life is to glorify 00:30:54.519 --> 00:30:54.980 God, 00:30:56.359 --> 00:30:57.440 to serve His 00:30:57.440 --> 00:30:57.920 purpose, 00:30:58.559 --> 00:30:59.400 enjoy His 00:30:59.400 --> 00:30:59.980 blessings, 00:30:59.980 --> 00:31:00.160 thanks. 00:31:01.360 --> 00:31:02.539 But to walk 00:31:02.539 --> 00:31:03.000 with Him, 00:31:04.200 --> 00:31:05.579 to walk with 00:31:05.579 --> 00:31:06.099 Christ, 00:31:06.980 --> 00:31:07.779 as Mainline was 00:31:07.779 --> 00:31:08.019 singing, 00:31:08.900 --> 00:31:09.980 step by step 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:10.660 through faith 00:31:10.660 --> 00:31:11.160 with Jesus, 00:31:11.559 --> 00:31:11.960 through this 00:31:11.960 --> 00:31:12.319 world, 00:31:13.000 --> 00:31:13.740 that's the only 00:31:13.740 --> 00:31:14.259 way we'll be 00:31:14.259 --> 00:31:15.920 ready to enter 00:31:15.920 --> 00:31:17.160 the next world, 00:31:17.500 --> 00:31:18.380 as Paul says, 00:31:18.960 --> 00:31:19.900 which is truly 00:31:19.900 --> 00:31:20.579 life. 00:31:21.120 --> 00:31:21.480 Let's pray 00:31:21.480 --> 00:31:21.779 together. 00:31:21.779 --> 00:31:23.139 Father, 00:31:23.680 --> 00:31:24.660 show us 00:31:24.660 --> 00:31:26.539 now how 00:31:26.539 --> 00:31:27.019 we need to 00:31:27.019 --> 00:31:27.720 respond to 00:31:27.720 --> 00:31:29.160 You in light 00:31:29.160 --> 00:31:29.539 of what You 00:31:29.539 --> 00:31:30.339 said to us. 00:31:33.440 --> 00:31:33.920 Father, 00:31:33.920 --> 00:31:36.119 help us to 00:31:36.119 --> 00:31:36.660 understand 00:31:36.660 --> 00:31:41.420 that working, 00:31:42.160 --> 00:31:43.039 being responsible, 00:31:43.259 --> 00:31:44.039 being productive 00:31:44.039 --> 00:31:45.619 is the way You 00:31:45.619 --> 00:31:46.559 created us to be. 00:31:47.960 --> 00:31:49.019 Help us to see 00:31:49.019 --> 00:31:49.839 that being 00:31:49.839 --> 00:31:50.759 rewarded for 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:51.519 faithfulness is 00:31:51.519 --> 00:31:52.139 also a part of 00:31:52.139 --> 00:31:52.799 Your design, 00:31:53.279 --> 00:31:54.399 and we 00:31:54.399 --> 00:31:54.859 shouldn't feel 00:31:54.859 --> 00:31:55.459 guilty. 00:31:57.039 --> 00:31:57.899 We shouldn't be 00:31:57.899 --> 00:31:58.559 made to feel 00:31:58.559 --> 00:31:58.959 guilty. 00:32:01.220 --> 00:32:01.759 Lord, 00:32:01.980 --> 00:32:02.720 help us to 00:32:02.720 --> 00:32:03.359 make sure 00:32:03.359 --> 00:32:05.179 that our 00:32:05.179 --> 00:32:05.599 work, 00:32:05.779 --> 00:32:06.799 our accumulating, 00:32:07.379 --> 00:32:08.199 our wealth 00:32:08.199 --> 00:32:11.899 has taken 00:32:11.899 --> 00:32:13.779 place for 00:32:13.779 --> 00:32:14.299 the right 00:32:14.299 --> 00:32:16.199 reason and 00:32:16.199 --> 00:32:16.679 in the right 00:32:16.679 --> 00:32:17.159 way. 00:32:17.679 --> 00:32:18.000 If it 00:32:18.000 --> 00:32:18.299 hasn't, 00:32:18.319 --> 00:32:18.699 help us to 00:32:18.699 --> 00:32:19.399 confess that 00:32:19.400 --> 00:32:19.920 as the 00:32:19.920 --> 00:32:20.340 sin that 00:32:20.340 --> 00:32:20.660 it is 00:32:20.660 --> 00:32:20.980 and turn 00:32:20.980 --> 00:32:21.460 from it. 00:32:23.500 --> 00:32:23.980 Help us 00:32:23.980 --> 00:32:24.200 to make 00:32:24.200 --> 00:32:24.360 sure, 00:32:24.460 --> 00:32:24.820 dear God, 00:32:24.900 --> 00:32:26.680 that Jesus 00:32:26.680 --> 00:32:27.100 is the 00:32:27.100 --> 00:32:27.360 Lord of 00:32:27.360 --> 00:32:27.800 our life, 00:32:27.880 --> 00:32:28.519 not money 00:32:28.519 --> 00:32:28.920 or not 00:32:28.920 --> 00:32:29.620 things. 00:32:32.440 --> 00:32:32.840 And 00:32:32.840 --> 00:32:33.019 Father, 00:32:33.100 --> 00:32:33.280 if there's 00:32:33.280 --> 00:32:33.620 anyone in 00:32:33.620 --> 00:32:34.040 this room 00:32:34.040 --> 00:32:35.980 who does 00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:36.340 not know 00:32:36.340 --> 00:32:36.800 Christ as 00:32:36.800 --> 00:32:37.100 their Lord 00:32:37.100 --> 00:32:37.460 and Savior, 00:32:37.640 --> 00:32:38.120 call them 00:32:38.120 --> 00:32:40.480 now to 00:32:40.480 --> 00:32:40.860 turn from 00:32:40.860 --> 00:32:41.280 their sin 00:32:41.280 --> 00:32:41.840 to trust 00:32:41.840 --> 00:32:43.720 Jesus as 00:32:43.720 --> 00:32:44.200 absolute 00:32:44.200 --> 00:32:44.880 Lord, 00:32:45.880 --> 00:32:47.080 boss, 00:32:47.220 --> 00:32:47.720 owner of 00:32:47.720 --> 00:32:48.300 their life. 00:32:49.880 --> 00:32:50.380 that's 00:32:50.380 --> 00:32:50.660 just in 00:32:50.660 --> 00:32:50.960 an attitude 00:32:50.960 --> 00:32:51.360 of prayer 00:32:51.360 --> 00:32:51.720 to listen 00:32:51.720 --> 00:32:51.960 to the 00:32:51.960 --> 00:32:52.320 Lord and 00:32:52.320 --> 00:32:52.920 respond to 00:32:52.920 --> 00:32:53.740 him personally. 00:32:55.019 --> 00:32:55.600 Just make 00:32:55.600 --> 00:32:56.100 this a time 00:32:56.100 --> 00:32:56.740 of commitment, 00:32:56.980 --> 00:32:57.660 recommitment, 00:32:57.759 --> 00:32:58.300 whatever it is 00:32:58.300 --> 00:32:58.720 you need 00:32:58.720 --> 00:32:59.259 right now. 00:32:59.259 --> 00:33:29.240 Thank you.