WHAT’S HURTING US RIGHT NOW?
MATERIALISM
It is no secret that we live in a very materialistic society. Success is often associated with the possessions one have. Television leaves this impression as it praises wealth. Commercials tell you that you have to have this or that. You deserve it they say. And far too many are living their lives more concerned about the things they possess than things that we know to be far more important.
In Matthew 19:16-22 we read of a young man who comes to Jesus inquiring about salvation. He did not like the answer Jesus gave him and we are told why – “for he had great possessions” What a tragedy it truly is when someone will trade eternity for things on this earth. But that is exactly what this rich, young ruler did and that is what many are doing today.
This evening as we examine what’s hurting us right now, we want to talk about the dangers of materialism. We will notice what it is, what the Bible has to say about this subject, how it can affect us – even as Christians, and some suggestions to help us avoid becoming materialistic.
A.
Defined by Webster, “1) a theory that physical
matter is the only or fundamental reality and that all being and processes and
phenomena can be explained as manifestations or results of matter… 2) a
preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual
things.” (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, 1981)
The 1st definition has to do with origins (e.g. – evolution,
humanism, etc.) and the 2nd has to do with what one’s priorities
are. Our primary focus today will be upon the 2nd definition.
B. In practical terms it is one who puts his physical possessions before God. An attitude that temporal things are more important than the eternal. The world is more important than God AND one who believes. It is the attitude, “he who finishes with the most toys wins”
C. Scriptures that help identify materialism
1. Matthew 6:24 – “You cannot serve God and mammon.” Mammon refers to wealth and riches, usually with a negative connotation (Louw and Nida)
2. Luke 8:14 describes the thorny ground that the seed of the word of God fell upon. It is being choked with the “cares, riches and pleasures of life”
3.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 – The love of money is the root of
all kinds of evil. It is the attitude of one who desires to be rich
VS. 17 – it is those who trust in uncertain riches
4. Colossians 3:5 – covetousness, which is idolatry. There is much to be said about covetousness.
a. The word covetous means, “the desire to have more.” It describes one who is not satisfied with what he possesses. His pursuit in life is things, and he doesn’t care how it affects others.
b. Ephesians 5:3,5 – it is not to even be named among you
c. 1 Corinthians 5:11 – it is one of the few specific sins singled out for disfellowship. When was the last time we heard of a church withdrawing from someone guilty of covetousness?
5. Luke 12:13-15 – The parable of the rich fool is identified with covetousness and materialism. Notice the warning of Jesus, THEN the parable – 16-21.
A. Things are not wrong within themselves
1.
God created this material world – Genesis 1:1.
1 Timothy 4:4 – Every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if
it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and
prayer.
2.
Material things are a blessing from God -
God gives us all things richly to enjoy – 1 Tim. 6:17
James 1:17 – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes
down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of
turning”
As a blessing of God they are there for our enjoyment.
3.
But the key to remember is this - material things
are NOT as important as spiritual things.
Matthew 6:33 – seek first the kingdom of God
Matthew 16:26 – what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world…?
4. And therein lies the danger: While we know spiritual things are to be first, we have to be careful to make sure that they are not choked out by the physical things (even those things that might be good within themselves)
B. Understanding Wealth and Poverty
1.
Understand there is NO virtue in poverty. Quite
often in Proverbs the poor are condemned as foolish and lazy.
Note the wisdom of Agur, Proverbs 30:7-9 – give me neither wealth nor poverty.
2.
However, quite often the Christian life WILL lead
to poverty
In the first century, Christians lost their homes, their jobs, their families
and their possessions
At times, Paul was in poverty – Philippians 4:11-13; 2 Corinthians 11:27
3.
Being poor CAN be a blessing -
Throughout scripture we find it is the poor who have the better chance of
salvation
James 2:5 – the poor can be rich in faith. Quite often when one does not have
much there is less to distract him from serving God
Proverbs 13:7 – “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one
who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.”
Proverbs 19:1, “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is
perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”
Ecclesiastes 4:6, “Better a handful with quietness Than both hands full,
together with toil and grasping for the wind”
Ecclesiastes 5:12, The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little
or much; But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep.
4.
BUT, the poor can also be materialistic
They can covet what their neighbors have
They can refuse to work and demand handouts from everyone else – 2
Thessalonians 3:10
The poor can despise the rich, an increasing problem in our society. We
have a class envy mentality that cuts both ways.
They can gamble with what they have, often at the expense of their
families and needs. Why is the lottery wrong? Because of the covetousness
involved – a greedy desire to have more
They can get into trouble with credit. While credit may not be wrong
within itself, it can be a danger to both the poor and the rich.
5.
There is no virtue in being rich either.
Concerning wealth let it FIRST be understood that being rich is NOT sinful
within itself. Many Biblical characters were wealthy and righteous. Abraham,
David, Job, Barnabas, Joseph of Arimathea, etc.
However, with wealth comes responsibilities
Jesus said that the rich would have a more difficult time making it to heaven –
Matthew 19:23-24. Note that it does NOT say it is impossible, but it requires
the help of God.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 – with wealth comes great responsibilities
C. Attitudes that lead to materialism
1.
It is my hope that we have established that it is
not the amount of wealth that one has that makes them materialistic. IT is the
ATTITUDE we have toward things.
Let us consider some attitudes that lead toward materialism
2. Discontentment – when we are not satisfied with what we have, we often compromise what is right to obtain what we want. Proverbs 27:20 says, “Hell and destruction are never full; So the eyes of man are never satisfied.”
3.
Selfishness – we are
living in the “me” generation. We want everything to go our way and we want
everything ! When we don’t get our way we grumble and pout. Many of the
problems we are experiencing as a society are a result of selfishness.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 describes the selfish person. Notice that we are supposed to
turn away from such people.
4.
Covetousness – we
mentioned this SIN earlier. When we have a covetous attitude, not only are we
guilty of sin, unless we repent, we are going to be materialistic.
What is a covetous attitude? Consider the classic example of Achan who in
Judges 7:21 admitted that he coveted while taking from Jericho some of that
which belonged to God.
5.
Misconceptions about Credit Cards
– our “buy now, pay later” mentality encourages materialism. It is far too easy
to get credit and when you get in trouble, you may have some trinkets to show
for it, but it is far to difficult to get out of debt. Our credit card industry
is at least partially to blame for the materialism our society is overwhelmed
with: They have granted far too many in our society the opportunity the
opportunity to pursue things that they really CANNOT AFFORD!
While credit within itself may not be wrong, we need to seriously heed the
warnings of Solomon. He wrote “He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, But
one who hates being surety is secure” (Proverbs 11:15).
Paul said it this way, “owe no one anything, except to love one another…”
(Romans 13:8)
6.
Lack of self-control –
one reason some become materialistic is because they have not learned to live
disciplined lives. Not only do they have to have something, they have to have
it NOW. And the credit card mentality feeds their cravings. Christians need to
learn self-control.
Galatians 5:23 – it is a fruit of the Spirit
2 Peter 1:6 – it is a Christian “virtue”
7.
Our addiction to things
– when we think of addictions, we think of drugs, alcohol,
cigarettes, etc. But there are other things that can be equally addicting –
pornography, gambling and the pursuit of things – materialism. Have you ever
seen someone who is driven by the pursuit of things? Do you find yourself
craving things? What are you willing to do to get what you want?
WHEN you consider addictions, you usually think shame or stigma or how tragic it
is. BUT when it comes to those addicted to things, we tend to praise them as
being “successful”
· Nevermind the debris from broken families because mom and dad are never home
· Ignore the lives trampled in pursuit of the “almighty” dollar
· Don’t consider the selfish and greedy attitudes such persons usually have.
· Don’t think of the sinful things one will “invest” in just to get a quick buck, etc.
IF we find that these attitudes are affecting us, we better watch out!
A.
It affects our character – rather than trusting in
God, we learn to trust in things
For some it affects their honesty or other godly virtues
A good example of this was Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus for a mere 30
pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15-16)
B.
It affects our families – as it takes time away
from families as more time is spent at work.
Parents who go into debt buying everything they want are damaging their futures
Children who get everything they want are learning unhealthy lessons about
righteous living
Eventually, God is crowded out of the picture
C.
It affects the church – materialism takes time away
from serving God and being with your brethren. Many times Christians don’t
give as they ought to because they are spending it on material possessions
instead.
If a church is filled with the materialistic they can become more concerned with
the material aspects of the church (appearance, numbers, social standing, etc)
than they are with their spiritual health.
A.
It starts with a healthy examination about what is
really important to you. 2 Corinthians 13:5. Honestly ask yourself what you
would be willing to give up to serve God.
Examine your attitude – do you have attitudes that will lead toward materialism?
B.
If you determine that you are guilty of materialism
– REPENT! This is always the first step in getting right with God. 2
Corinthians 7:10-11
For example: If you are having problems with credit – take steps to correct your
problems.
C. Change your focus in life – are you “other-worldly”? Colossians 3:2 – set your mind on things above
D.
Learn contentment – Philippians 4:11. This is
difficult, but it is the KEY to a proper attitude.
Learn to live in moderation – remember that things are not wrong within
themselves, it is your attitude toward them.
E. Make a conscious effort to spend more time pursuing godly things – Philippians 4:8, etc. This is important because it will replace the craving for things.
F. Pray to God for strength and wisdom. We need God’s help in overcoming the world. Learn to trust Him. Remember, 1 John 4:4 – God is greater than he who is in the world.
Truly, materialism is a great concern in our society and something we constantly need to be aware of as God’s people. If we are not careful, Satan will use the things of this world to drive a wedge between us and God. Again remember, you CANNOT serve God and mammon.