HOPE IN GOD, NOT STUFF
Opening Prayer
“Set your minds on things above” (Col. 3:2) as you come to God in prayer.
Read 1 Timothy 6:17–21
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.
20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.
Grace be with you all.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Spend some time reflecting on heaven—that one day you will be with Jesus, and everything will be made new.“Just a few short decades and then eternity with Jesus.” Wouldn’t that perspective change our lives?! And yet our hearts so easily get diverted to this world, and to wealth particularly. The Ephesian church was an economic mix, from slaves and poor widows to wealthy men and women overseeing large households. Paul identifies a problem the rich face—the temptation to arrogance. It stems from the sense of security and success that wealth brings. But, “You cannot serve both God and money,” said Jesus (Matt. 6:24). If our hope is in material things, it cannot be in God. If our sense of identity, security, status or purpose comes from the “stuff” we have, then we block God’s blessing in our lives. It prevents us from experiencing “the life that is truly life” (19).
How would you describe your attitude to wealth? Do you long for it? It’s not only the rich who make an idol out of wealth. Or do your possessions give you the sense you can look down on others? The antidote is to realize that everything we have comes from God (17c). So it can be enjoyed, but if we are growing to be like our Father, then we will also be growing in generosity.
Apply
Read verses 6 to 10 again: why is Paul content simply with food and clothing? Are you content with what you have? What are some ways you can choose contentment?
Closing prayer
God, help me to walk in contentment.
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