Midweek Moment - February 28, 2010

Midweek Moment

February 28, 2010

Financial Freedom: God's Power to Deliver Contentment

Pastor R. Greene

Pastor Tim Hampton

Two Paths: Matt 7; 13-14; Proverbs 22:7

The Broad path

• Leads to destruction

• You can take a lot of baggage

• Many can and will travel this path

The Narrow Path

• Few travel it

• Leads to life eternal

• You need to leave your baggage behind

Contentment: ( I Tim 6:6-8) "Godliness with contentment is great gain…"

• We become discontent when we focus on what we don't have

• Paul is saying that buying the new will never satisfy

• "Great gain" is a relationship with God

• We aren't going to take anything with us

• If we have food and clothing we should be content

Discontentment (I Tim 6:9-10)

• The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil

• A desire for money leads to destruction and ruin

• Love of money will cause you to lead away from God

Contentment (Philippians 4:11-13)

• "I have learned to be content"

• Contentment has to be learned

• Contentment is NOT about our circumstances

• Contentment is not a feeling but a way of thinking

• I have strength through Christ who gives me strength

Pathway to Contentment

I Tim 6: 11-12 But you, man of God FLEE from all this, PURSUE righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. FIGHT the good fight of faith, TAKE HOLD of the eternal life to which you were called……

Command those who are rich in this world: (I Tim 6:17-18)

• 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 then to do good

• To be rich in good deeds and

• To be generous and

• Willing to share

You ARE wealthy:

Will you be generous?

Will you share what you have?

Will you trust God for your needs

Midweek Moment - February 21, 2010

Midweek Moment

February 21, 2010

Financial Freedom: God’s Power to Deliver

Pastor R. Greene

Financial Freedom (Proverbs 22:6,7)

• The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Desire of the Heart: Greed vs. Generosity

Greed: The Rich Fool (Luke 12:20-21)

• His plans didn’t include God.

• His focus was on accumulating wealth.

• God called him a “fool”. (v. 20)

• He was not “rich toward God” (v. 21)

• Rich toward God is about gratitude, contentment.

Desires of the Heart (Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 12:22-31)

• Store up riches in heaven that can’t be lost or stolen.

• Invest in heavenly wealth.

• “For where you treasure is there your heart will be also” (v. 21)

• You’re not taking it with you!

• Don’t worry about your life, your stuff, your future---God will take care of you!

• God cares for even the least of his creatures (Luke 12: 24) so how much more will He take care of you.

• Doesn’t help to worry; doesn’t change a thing.

• Don’t worry, pray first! Then slow down and be patient! The act! Do something!

• Don’t be a stewer, be a doer!

• Seek His kingdom first and God will supply your needs.

God’s Power for Freedom (Isaiah 61:1)

• We are to preach the Good News to the poor.

• To bind up the broken-hearted.

• To proclaim freedom to the captives

• To comfort all who mourn

What do you need God to free you from?

Are you storing up wealth in heaven or here on earth?

Where is your treasure?

Do you trust that God can supply all your needs?