Summer on the Mount - Money Danger: Matthew 6:19-24

Money Danger - Matthew 6:19-24Pastor Alex KennedyJesus moves from speaking about the private life we should have (giving, praying, fasting) to the public business we have with the world (possessions, food, drink, clothing).
The Pharisees believed the Lord materially blessed all He loved, so they were intent on building great treasures on earth. Jesus specifically begins this portion of His message with "do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal". Everything we have in our physical possession will eventually deteriorate and be thrown away. If our happiness depends on possessions, they could be gone at any moment. (Luke 12:15)
In reality, we must remember, "It's not what you own, but what owns you". 1 Timothy 6:10 says, "For the LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil."
Jesus shows us a better way when He says, "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." Use your money now to send ahead into heaven treasures waiting for you and your heavenly reward. Use your money now for kingdom purposes by doing God's work. (1 Tim 6:17-19)
Your heart will follow your treasure,and Jesus was denouncing a lifefocused on hoarding and selfishness.
When we make wealth our master, we'll be lured deeper and deeper into blind loyalty to it. It will change us.
He goes on to talk about having a good eye vs a bad eye (vs22-23). In Jewish writings, a good eye represented a generosity and a bad eye represented a stingy, miserly attitude.
Finally, Jesus speaks of loyalty in vs 24, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
It is estimated that half of the population in the Roman Empire were slaves, so they would have definitely understood what Jesus was talking about. If you were a slave, you were completely, utterly, and totally controlled by another will. In other words, you cannot be a part-time Christian.
Having a lot of money was/is not the problem. The danger is when money has you-that's when the physical becomes more important to you than the spiritual.
Remember, when you understand that you own nothing, but steward everything, all of this becomes easier. None of it...from your heartbeat to your breath to your family to your 401K is yours. It is all His, and you have a responsibility to use it and enjoy it for His glory!
Questions to consider:

1. Are you living an unselfish lifestyle? Why?
2. How do you demonstrate care and generosity for others?
3. Do you know when enough is enough in acquiring possessions?
4. Where is the danger for you that can lure you into a materialistic lifestyle?
5. Are you content with what God has given you and satisfied with His provision for your simple needs? How does your life reflect this?

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