ADULT CONTENT: Rich is Better

Summary: Paul tells Timothy that if we will put our trust in God instead of our money, then He will richly bless us with everything we need for our enjoyment.  We are exposed here to "God's economy," in which we are shown how we can use our finances to make a difference in the world and experience true life through Jesus.

Text: 1 Timothy 6:17-19


1.  Our entire lives are heavily influenced by money: making it, earning it, saving it, spending it, and using it.  Why is money and our finances often the acid test for our faith in God?  Why is money oftentimes the variable used to measure our trust and faithfulness in Him?  If not money, can you think of a better indicator of what our heart and mind is dedicated to other than our finances and calendar?


2.  In vs 17a, we see the world's view of your economy.  In 17b, we see God's view of your economy.  a. What are the differences in what the 2 teach about money?
b. What are the 2 promises that the world gives you about money (the more you have the happier you'll be, and the people with more money are better than the people without money)?  What are the promises from God found in this verse about money?  (what will He provide, what is the word used to describe how much He'll provide, and what is the purpose behind His provisions?)


3.  In vs 18, we see 4 characteristics that should mark the financial lives of Christians.
a. Do good: Are you using your money for more than just yourself?  Share some ways.
b. Rich in good works: Are you giving faithfully with your finances, but neglecting the other areas of your life?  What about serving others?  What about volunteering?  What about your calendar outside of Sunday morning?
c. Be generous: Is "generous" a word that your friends and family would use to describe your lifestyle?  Are there certain areas of your life that are marked by generosity while other areas are more stingy?  What areas do you need to focus on giving more generously in?
d. Ready to share: so many Christians have a heart to meet needs and would love to give generously in all areas of their lives.  The breakdown is the failure to be ready to do so.  Is there margin in your life?  Your schedule?  Your budget?  If God called you to do something this week with your time and finances, would you be ready to share or would you be apt to say "I'd love to, but I just can't right now"?


4.  In vs 19, Paul urges Timothy and the Church to invest in what really matters.
a. What does it mean to invest in eternity?  What are investments that you need to focus on that are really going to last and will actually matter in the long run?
b. Paul says that investing in the eternal gives "true life."  Is what you are investing in bringing true life to you and others around you, or is it simply about temporary gains that will be soon forgotten?  Answer this question by pulling up your bank statement online.  Pull our your calendar on your smartphone and go down the list.  Is this item investing in the eternal or the temporary.

-Remember not every dollar you spend or hour you have can be spent on something of eternal significance, but hopefully you are building a foundation and leaving a legacy for something that will bring true life long after you are gone.