Category C: Money & Possessions

Jesus talked about money constantly. Why? Because money is a test of lordship. Whatever you serve with your money is your true god.

1. Don't Store Treasures on Earth

"Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

— Matthew 6:19–21 (NET)

What this means: Don't make accumulating wealth your life goal. Don't find security in your bank account. Invest in eternity, not just in temporal comfort.

The test: If you lost everything tomorrow, would your heart be destroyed? If yes, your treasure is in the wrong place.

Application: Where is your treasure? What do you think about most — money or God? What do you spend most on — yourself or the kingdom? Redirect your treasure toward eternity.

2. You Cannot Serve God and Money

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

— Matthew 6:24 (NET)

Money is a harsh master. When you serve it:

• It's never enough (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
• It controls your decisions
• It shapes your priorities
• It becomes your functional god

The test: Do you make decisions based on what honors God or what maximizes income?

Application: Examine your last five major decisions. Were they driven by money or by obedience to God? If money is winning, repent. Make God your master.

3. Give to Those Who Ask

"Give to the one who asks you, and do not reject the one who wants to borrow from you."

— Matthew 5:42 (NET)

"Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for your possessions back from the person who takes them away."

— Luke 6:30 (NET)

What this means: Generosity is your default posture. Not stinginess. Not suspicion. Generosity.

What this does NOT mean: This is not a command to enable destructive behavior. If someone is begging for drug money, don't give it. But if someone genuinely needs help, help them.

Application: When someone asks for help, your first instinct should be: How can I help? Not: How can I avoid this?

4. Sell Your Possessions and Give to the Needy

"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves purses that do not wear out — a treasure in heaven that never decreases, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys."

— Luke 12:33 (NET)

To the rich young ruler (Mark 10:21): "You lack one thing. Go, sell whatever you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

Was this command universal or specific to the rich young ruler? The rich young ruler's problem: His wealth was his god. Jesus exposed it by commanding him to give it all up. He couldn't. He walked away.

The principle applies universally: You must be willing to give up anything that competes with Jesus for lordship.

The early church: "All who believed were together and held everything in common, and they began selling their property and possessions and distributing the proceeds to everyone, as anyone had need" (Acts 2:44–45 NET).

They sold possessions not because Jesus commanded every person to sell everything, but because people had needs and they loved each other enough to meet those needs.

Application: What possession do you love more than Jesus? What would you refuse to give up if He asked? Be willing to release it. Hold everything loosely.