Reach4Life- Journey 3: LiveSample

DAY EIGHT: MONEY “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” 1 Timothy 6:10, NIV LISTEN You cannot see the stars properly when you’re surrounded by bright lights. In the same way, you easily drift from your devotion to God and your faith in him when you’re captivated by money and the privileges it brings. You then dream of making even more money, hoping it will bring good things into your life, and the respect of people. If this is a major goal in your life then you’re in real danger. You need to step back from the bright lights of money and things, and see God’s glory afresh. LOOK 1 Timothy 6:6-11, 17-19 LEARN Why is loving money (and what it can give you) dangerous? You can’t take it with you to heaven (v7). Money is not evil in itself, but love of it causes all kinds of evils (v10). Loving money will cause you to break God’s commandments in many ways, because you will do anything to have it – even lie, cheat, steal or use others for personal gain. It can make you turn from God (v10). It promises happiness but it brings pain, ruin and destruction in the long-run (v9). It’s uncertain, temporary and easy to lose (v17). How can you use money in a God-pleasing way? Realise that you can be content with very little (v8). Put your hope in God not money (v17). Enjoy all God gives you, seeing it as a generous gift (v17). Ask God for what you need. Give generously (v18) to needy people and to the church you’re part of, underwriting the God-given vision of the church. Focus on the eternal riches that come from obedience to Christ in this life (v19). You can’t take money with you to heaven, but when you invest it in the advance of God’s kingdom, you send it on ahead of you! Don’t run after wealth. Rather, run after God and use any money he entrusts you with in a way that pleases him. LIVE · In your life, or in others, have you seen how love of money can be dangerous? · How can you better use money and things to bring praise to God? LINK For more on Money , read: Matthew 6:19-34