November 15-16, 2003   THE PROMI$E!   1 Timothy 6:17-19, Selected

LIFE OUTSIDE OF THE MATRIX!

! THERE ARE OVER 2000 VERSES IN THE BIBLE THAT TALK ABOUT OUR POSSESSIONS!

! THE BIBLE HAS 5 TIMES MORE TEACHINGS ON FINANCES THAN ON PRAYER!

! JESUS SPOKE MORE ABOUT EARTHY RICHES THAN ON THE SUBJECTS OF HEAVEN AND HELL COMBINED!

*** 1 Tim. 6:17-19 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”

[New International Version]

ä THE RICH ARE NOT CONDEMNED OR DENOUNCED BUT ARE WARNED!

HOW TO CHOOSE LIFE WITH OUR GOD-GIVEN INCOME!

1. BY BEING HUMBLE!

*** 1 Tim. 6:17 “Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud….” [Today’s English Version] The opposite of pride is humility!

ä THE TEMPTATION IS TO THINK THAT IT IS MY MONEY!

*** Deut. 8:17-18 “When you become successful, don't say, "I'm rich, and I've earned it all myself." Instead, remember that the Lord your God gives you the strength to make a living.” [Contemporary English Version]

ä GOD IS THE OWNER AND I AM THE MANAGER!

*** 1 Cor. 4:7 “What is so special about you? What do you have that you were not given? And if it was given to you, how can you brag?” [CEV]

2. BY TRUSTING THE MASTER NOT MONEY!

*** 1 Tim. 6:17 “Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in such an uncertain thing as riches, but in God….” [TEV]

*** Luke 12:21 "This is what happens to people who store up everything for themselves, but are poor in the sight of God." [CEV]

*** Proverbs 11:28 “Trust in your money and down you go!” [NLT]

*** Proverbs 18:10-11 “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. The rich think of their wealth as an impregnable defense; they imagine it is a high wall of safety.” [NLT]

*** Proverbs 23:5 “Your money can be gone in a flash, as if it had grown wings and flown away like an eagle.” [TEV]

*** Matthew 6:19-20 "Don't store up treasures here on earth where they can erode away or may be stolen. Store them in heaven where they will never lose their value and are safe from thieves.” [Living Bible]

3. BY ENJOYING OUR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS!

*** 1 Tim. 6:17 “Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.” [NLT]

ä THE SECRET FOR ENJOYING YOUR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS: CONTENTMENT!

*** 1 Tim. 6:6-9 “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” [NIV]

*** Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have….” [NIV]

4. BY USING OUR GOD-GIVEN INCOME GOD’S WAY!

*** 1 Tim. 6:18-19 “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age….” [NIV]

TWO WAYS TO USE OUR GOD-GIVEN WEALTH GOD’S WAY!

A. GIVE OF YOUR TIME!

*** Galatians 5:13 “…serve one another in love.” [NIV]

ä GIVE 10% OF YOUR TIME TO GOD!

B. GIVE OF YOUR MONEY!

*** 1 Cor. 16:1-2 “Now about the collection for God's people:

[PRINCIPLE] Do what I told the Galatian churches to do.

[PRIORITY] On the first day of every week,

[PERSONAL] each one of you should set aside a sum of money

[PROPORTIONAL] in keeping with his income….” [NIV]

5. BY CHOOSING TRUE LIFE!

*** 1 Tim. 6:19 “Then they will be able to have the life that is true life.” [NCV]

IT IS YOUR CHOICE!