BATTLING MATERIALISM

Matthew 6:19-34

Treasures on Earth

Matthew 6:19-24• Different forms• Money, gold• Land (“real” estate)• Art work, antiques, collectibles• Clothing• Possessions

Treasures on Earth

Matthew 6:19-24• Does not give our life meaning Luke 12:13-21• Is not our identity Luke 12:13-21• Is not our value Luke 9:23-26• Is not our source of security Ecclesiastes 5:12• Is not our purpose Eccl. 12:13-14; 2:4-11; 1:8

The Effect of Materialism

• It confuses us v.21• It distracts us v.22-23• It enslaves us v.24• It suffocates us Mark 4:19• Are we really too busy to serve God? • Maybe God will arrange for us to have more

time

The Other Form of Materialism

Matthew 6:25-34• Worry over physical needs• “cares of this life” in Matthew 13:22• What do we really need?• Food and clothing 1 Timothy 6:8

Putting God First

Matthew 6:33• Believe in God “wait on the Lord” Psalm 37• Take time to talk to Him Philippians 4:6-7• Take time to listen to Him Psalm 1:2• Lay up treasures in heaven v.21• Seek heavenly things Colossians 3:1-4• Do good with what God has given Luke 18:22• We prioritize based upon our value system

What Is Most Important

Matthew 6:33• We show it by how we spend our money• We show it by how we spend our time• We show it by what/whom we think about the

most• We show it by what we talk about the most• What does God consider the most important? John 3:16, Romans 5:8, 2 Peter 3:9, Acts 2:36-38