Avoiding the Love of Money: A Sermon on Matthew 6:19–34
Introduction:
In today’s sermon, we delve into the timeless teachings of the Bible to explore the topic of avoiding the love of money. This sermon is inspired by Matthew 6:19–34, where Jesus warns against the dangers of storing up treasures on earth and encourages us to seek treasures in heaven. Additionally, we will refer to 1 Timothy chapter 6 to further expand on this crucial matter. As we embark on this journey, let us open our hearts and minds to the wisdom contained within these sacred texts.
I. The Perils of Earthly Treasures:
Jesus begins by cautioning us against the allure of earthly treasures. He reminds us that material possessions are temporary and vulnerable to destruction. Moth and rust can corrode our possessions, and thieves can easily steal them. By focusing solely on accumulating wealth, we risk losing sight of the eternal treasures that truly matter.
II. The Value of Heavenly Treasures:
Contrasting earthly treasures, Jesus urges us to store up treasures in heaven. These treasures are imperishable and secure, beyond the reach of decay or theft. Heavenly treasures encompass spiritual growth, acts of kindness, love, and service towards others. By investing in these virtues, we align ourselves with God’s purpose and experience true fulfillment.
III. The Danger of Loving Money:
Building upon Matthew’s teachings, we turn to 1 Timothy chapter 6, where the apostle Paul provides further insights into the love of money. He emphasizes that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. It can lead to destructive behaviors such as greed, dishonesty, and a disregard for the well-being of others. Paul urges us to cultivate contentment and gratitude, recognizing that godliness with contentment is great gain.
IV. Practical Steps to Avoid the Love of Money:
Having understood the perils of loving money, we now explore practical steps to avoid falling into this trap:
1. Seek God’s Kingdom First: Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33 to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom above all else. By placing God at the center of our lives, we shift our focus away from material possessions and align ourselves with His will.
2. Cultivate Generosity: Generosity is a powerful antidote to the love of money. By sharing our resources with those in need, we break the grip of materialism and demonstrate our trust in God’s provision.
3. Practice Contentment: Contentment is a state of mind that transcends material possessions. By cultivating gratitude for what we have and finding joy in simple blessings, we guard against the desire for excessive wealth.
4. Develop a Kingdom Perspective: Remembering that our ultimate citizenship lies in heaven, we gain a broader perspective on wealth and material possessions. By viewing our resources as tools to advance God’s kingdom, we can use them wisely and responsibly.
Building upon Matthew’s teachings, we turn to 1 Timothy chapter 6, where the apostle Paul provides further insights into the love of money. He emphasizes that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. It can lead to destructive behaviors such as greed, dishonesty, and a disregard for the well-being of others. Paul urges us to cultivate contentment and gratitude, recognizing that godliness with contentment is great gain.
IV. Practical Steps to Avoid the Love of Money:
Having understood the perils of loving money, we now explore practical steps to avoid falling into this trap:
1. Seek God’s Kingdom First: Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33 to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom above all else. By placing God at the center of our lives, we shift our focus away from material possessions and align ourselves with His will.
2. Cultivate Generosity: Generosity is a powerful antidote to the love of money. By sharing our resources with those in need, we break the grip of materialism and demonstrate our trust in God’s provision.
3. Practice Contentment: Contentment is a state of mind that transcends material possessions. By cultivating gratitude for what we have and finding joy in simple blessings, we guard against the desire for excessive wealth.
4. Develop a Kingdom Perspective: Remembering that our ultimate citizenship lies in heaven, we gain a broader perspective on wealth and material possessions. By viewing our resources as tools to advance God’s kingdom, we can use them wisely and responsibly.
Conclusion:
As we conclude this sermon on avoiding the love of money, let us reflect on the teachings of Jesus and the apostle Paul. Material wealth, though enticing, can never satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Instead, let us store up treasures in heaven by investing in our relationship with God and demonstrating love and compassion towards others. By following these principles, we can break free from the love of money and experience the abundant life that God intends for us.
Remember, the journey to avoiding the love of money is not a solitary one. Let us support and encourage one another as we strive to live in alignment with God’s teachings. May we find fulfillment in seeking heavenly treasures and may our lives reflect the love and grace of our Heavenly Father.
Timothy 6:3-103 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions
Timothy 6:3-10 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
Paul wrote, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Maybe you’ve heard, “Money is the root of all evil.” Is money the root of all evil? Read or listen to this chapter from Your Finances God’s Way to learn why the love of money (versus money itself) is the problem.
Money is amoral, but our relationship with money is moral. This means the way we feel about money is moral. Consider how many verses condemn loving money:
- Luke 16:14 criticizes the Pharisees for being lovers of money.
- First Timothy 3:3 says one of the qualifications for elders is they don’t love money.
- Second Timothy 3:2 says one of the behaviors characterizing the wickedness of the last days will be love for money.
- Hebrews 13:5 commands us to keep our lives free from the love of money.
