Springs Article 2022-03 (3)
Luke 12:13-15
Luke 12:16-21
Luke 12:42-48
What does it mean to be rich?
- In a worldly standard, being rich means having lots of money and possessions
- In a worldly standard, it means having more than enough money and possessions than you will ever need in your lifetime and beyond
- In a godly standard, being rich means being abundantly supplied
- In a godly standard, being rich means having all your needs met and having enough resources to be a blessing to others
- In a godly standard, being rich means having enough resources to do God’s will
Was Jesus a rich man or a poor man?
- In a worldly standard, Jesus was neither rich nor poor; he was middle class!
- Jesus did not go about begging or borrowing; He was sufficiently supplied and His ministry had enough to take care of its needs and give to the poor (needy)
- Jesus did not have lots of money. However, he had enough resources to do God’s will and his needs were always provided for
- The life of Jesus demonstrates how God can supply our needs through our faith in Him and obedience to His instructions
- Jesus became poor for our sake at the cross; He was stripped of everything material thing that He had
What does it mean to be rich toward God?
- Being rich toward God means having a rich relationship with God
- Being rich toward God means laying up your treasures in Heaven
- Being rich toward God refers to your work of faith, labour of love and perseverance of hope
- Having lots of money is not proof of spirituality; unbelievers can do same and better
- Your spiritual richness is defined by the things in your life that an unbeliever cannot achieve – Faith, Hope and Love
- The richness of your relationship with God is reflected in the depth of your devotion and service to Him (this includes your attitude and commitment to church – the Body of Christ)
Who is a fool, according to the Bible?
- Someone who does not regard God!
- Someone who does not recognize or acknowledge God as his source
- Someone who thinks their prosperity is all by their power!
- Someone who refuses to appreciate God
- Someone who does not appreciate the value of their soul!
- Someone who does not invest into their eternity
- Someone who refuses to learn from their past mistakes in taking God for granted!
How can I appreciate God?
- You appreciate God by giving!
- Thanksgiving, Generous giving (time, talents and money) and Forgiving
- Having time for God and the things of God is part of your giving!
- Tithing (10% of your income given directly to the Lord via the local church) is the starting point of your generous giving in money, Malachi 3:8-12, Hebrews 7:1-9
- Using your talents and energy to serve God in the church is part of your giving!
- Forgiving others is an act of generosity; you forgive them because of Jesus
- You are not truly grateful until you express it in giving, forgiving and thanksgiving!
2022: A Year of Fruitfulness
To find out more, listen to the audio sermon.