Wealth or Life?Wealth or Life?

Calvary Baptist ChurchFeb. 23 & 24, 2008

Are we wealthy?Are we wealthy?

• In human terms?In human terms?– Income–Quality of life

• In divine terms?In divine terms?–What would God say?

First StoryFirst Story

• A Request:A Request:–Tell my brother to . . .

• Jesus’ response:Jesus’ response:–Beware of all kinds of greed!

• The point:The point:–Possessions have no point of

reference in God’s definition of wealth!

Second StorySecond Story

• A Windfall!:A Windfall!:– More than his barns could hold!

• Things to notice:Things to notice:– The man is only interested in larger

barns!– The man is completely self-possessed!– The man is unprepared for the

payments he owes!– The man is completely earthly-

focused!

Second StorySecond Story

• The Point:The Point:– In God’s definition of true

wealth, possessions can get in the way and actually be a sign of real poverty!

Third StoryThird Story

• The Application:The Application:– “This is how it will be for anyone . . .

who is not rich toward God.”– We can find ourselves experiencing

real poverty, where we have nothing to show for our lives.

– Who does not take their life seriously!

Third StoryThird Story

• Rich toward God:Rich toward God:–Remembering that we are

known & loved by God!–Valuing other people by being

generous!–Being mindful that relationship

with God is of far greater value than all of our possessions!

Third StoryThird Story

• Rich toward God:Rich toward God:–Being willing to trust God with

our lives and accept His help!–Making sure our ‘stuff’ is more

about Him than us!–Being generous with

forgiveness!–Allowing our trust to overrule

our uncertainties and fears!

ConclusionConclusion

• What is it that you What is it that you treasure . . . really?treasure . . . really?

• Where is your heart . . . really?Where is your heart . . . really?

• Don’t go for wealth . . . go for Don’t go for wealth . . . go for life!life!