What does the bible teach about money and possessions? Presentation by Chick Lane

Themes of an ongoing biblical conversation God is the owner of all that is – “The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.” (Psalm 24:1-2)

Themes of an ongoing biblical conversation God is a God of abundance – When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:3-9)

Themes of an ongoing biblical conversation We are stewards “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you have received.”(I Peter 4:10)

Themes of an ongoing biblical conversation Money and possessions are a threat to a person’s relationship with Jesus “Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing: go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.” (Mark 10:21-22)

Themes of an ongoing biblical conversation Generous giving is joy-filled He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much. Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house….’” (Luke 19:1-8)

Themes of an ongoing biblical conversation Generous giving is a duty – The rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) – “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”(Acts 4:34-35)

My own money autobiography “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” --Luke 12:34 A (true) story from my first call

Some practical applications Move the money conversation Focus on the need of the giver to give, not the need of the congregation to receive. Talk about money when people least expect it and when you aren’t asking for any. What are your success stories?