The Gospel and Your Wealth
Tim Keller | November 6, 2005
Overview
Money will always reveal what you truly worship. As God’s money managers, we are called to share the money he has provided to us with those who do not have as much. However, money exercises great power over us and we are often oblivious to this power. If you feel unable to part with your wealth, meditate upon the radical generosity of Christ on the cross and he will become the treasure of your heart.
Outline
Malachi 3:1–4, 8–10; 4:1–6
Studying the book of Malachi helps us understand the role of money in our lives. The idea of creating a welcoming city through the power of the gospel requires us to rethink how we relate to money. It’s noteworthy that the Bible talks about money a lot more than it does about sex, showing us that money can greatly influence our lives and teaching us how to free ourselves from its grip.
1. How money has power over us
Malachi 3:8-9 talks about the idea of stealing from God, which shows how people can become greedy and stingy, especially when it comes to money matters. It’s important for us to remember that we are only managers of the wealth God has given us, and we need to be responsible and accountable. The passage also touches on the harmfulness of materialism, the importance of giving a portion of our wealth back to God (tithing), and the need for guidance on how to be generous. It highlights the need for fairness and love in how we handle money.
2. Why does money have power over us?
When the Bible talks about the “temple” and “storehouse” in relation to giving, it challenges the idea that we should give a strict 10 percent of our income to just one church or group. Instead, the concept of tithing encourages us to spread our giving to different charities and ministries that align with our beliefs. It’s crucial to remember that money, despite its appeal, cannot provide true security or fulfill our deepest needs – only God can do that.
3. How do we break money’s power over us?
The prophecy about the temple and how Jesus fulfilled it shows Him as the ultimate link between God and man, taking on the roles of priest, sacrifice, and temple. Unlike worldly riches, Jesus is unique because He gave His life to save us, while other treasures demand our sacrifice. The passage emphasizes the importance of extreme generosity, like Jesus showed, and how even small donations can contribute to a larger vision. It ends with a prayer for guidance to spread such generosity and love.
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