Jesus & Money

- 16 of Jesus’ 38 parables deal with money.

- 15% of everything he said relates to money, more than his teachings on heaven & hell combined

1. Even though money and privacy usually go together, money goes public when Jesus arrives.

2. Money naturally seeks to bless its holder, but it gets released to others when Jesus comes.

“Let’s create an atmosphere in which confession is possible. Much of our preaching on money has been either to condemn it or praise it but not to help each other relate to it. Many of us feel isolated and alone, as if we were the only ones who count our gold in the night.

How much better it would be to create a climate of acceptance in which we can talk about our mutual problems and frustrations, confess our fears and temptations.

If we can listen with empathy to the confession of someone who has been seduced by sex; let us also do the same with money.” 

-Richard Foster, The Challenge of the Disciplined Life

How Deep Idols are Connected with Money

Approval- money is used to look a certain way or to access a group.

Power- money is used manipulate or coerce others to get them to do what you want, either by restricting the other person or by spending or giving in such a way where people feel compelled to give you influence.

Security- money is kept, and held tight … scarcity.

Comfort- money is used to make sure life is enjoyable or easy.

Money will never satisfy our deepest longings. It cannot make our wildest hopes and dreams certain. Only Jesus can satisfy our deepest longings.

When you see how much you are treasured by Jesus, money will cease to be the currency of your significance and security and you will want to bless others with what you have.

- Tim Keller

Jesus provides us with:

• Security because he never leaves us or forsakes us.
• Significance because our identity and value are found in his love.
• Satisfaction because we were made for him.  -Kyle Idleman

Two habits to dethrone money from your heart:

1.Talk to someone about your money (if married, not your spouse!).

-Name a fear you have to them.

-Tell them what you give.

-Tell them what you make.

2. Practice Generosity

-Give regularly (weekly or monthly)

-Sacrificially (allow your giving to   stretch you)