Reality Check ('Mentor' Series)

(My church notes from 3/4 at fbc ruston, message from Dr. Chris)

1 Timothy 6: 7-19

7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.
17 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. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 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.

Looking at the reality of our wealth and money.

1. You Are Not Taking It With You (7)

Back in the day, a family spokesman was asked how much money the late Rockerfeller left behind at his deaht: "All of it."

Money can be good or evil as it's used, but it's definitely temporary

2. Chasing Wealth And Money Can Lead You Down Bad Roads (9)
tempts us to begin to compromise

3. Can Lead You Away From God (10)

* The LOVE of money is a root of many problems
*Arrogance comes before a fall ... trouble comes as we put things before God
*** Positives of wealth

1. Used properly, wealth is a very positive tool -- 17,18
* Money is a terrible master and a great slave

** As a Christian...

a. Tithe --
Prov 3:9-10 ... give the firstfruits
Mal 3:10 -- bring tithes to the storehouse

God is my first creditor

* Tithing is not simply Ole Testament law ... Mt 23, Jesus commends the Pharasies for tithing
(Gen 14 -- Moses gives ten percent; Gen 28 -- Jacob gives ten percent)
*Avg church member gives 2.5 percent to church

b. Be generous 18-19
Be 'willing to share' .. Prov 11: 24-25 -- He who refreshes others is refreshed

c. God Will Reward You -- Mal 3:10 -- "I will pour out blessings'

Illustration: Two guys stranded on a desert island and one says, "I made $250,000 a year. I know I'll be rescued. I tithe. My preacher will come looking for me."

You can't outgive God; he has a big shovel
v 17 -- Put your hope in God

Whatever the issue -- sex, money, work -- it always comes back to this reality check: you and God. Will I trust and obey?

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