The Valley of the Unrighteous Mammon

 Temple Baptist Church - 8-9-2020

Luke 16:10-13; Matthew 6:19-24

 

Introduction:

 

A.  This morning, I want to introduce each of us to a valley of our making: The Valley of the Unrighteous Mammon.

 

Luke 16:9  And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

 

1.  The word “mammon” is only found in two portions of Scripture: Matthew, chapter 6, and Luke, chapter 16.

 

2.  “Mammon” is a Chaldean word which means to have confidence in wealth or greed. 

 

3.  In Luke 16:10-13, mammon is coupled with the word unrighteousness: unjust or wrongfulness of character.

 

Luke 16:10-13  He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.  (11)  If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?  (12)  And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?  (13)  No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

 

4.  In Matthew 6:19-24, we find listed a series of contrasts.

 

a)  Treasure on earth vs. treasure in heaven.  Verses 19-20

 

b)  Temporal loss vs. heavenly gain.  Verses 19-20

 

c)  Darkness vs. light.  Verses 22-23

 

d)  Two masters:  mammon vs. God.  Verse 24

 

e)  Two conditions:  hate and despise vs. love and hold.

 

B.  This is the most giving church that I have ever been in so, for the most part, I will be “preaching to the choir” this morning.  Then, the question may be asked, “Why preach on finances to such a church?”

 

C.  Because we have young families and teenagers sitting here who need to learn the commandment, responsibility, testing, and blessing of giving.  Often, we fail to remember that our youth will never know the blessings of what we have learned if we fail to pass them one to the next generation.

 

D.  One of the most devastating valleys that the child of God will ever enter is the Valley of the Unrighteous Mammon!  It is a valley of our own making, from the pulpit to the pew, we will own it.

 

E.  Our nation, to this point, has been one of capitalism, not socialism. 

 

1.  Socialism destroys one’s opportunity to succeed in life as the majority become dependent upon the minority for handouts instead of giving the poor the opportunity to achieve personally.  Nothing is free!  I do not know of one socialistic nation that I would want to live in. 

 

2.  Capitalism allows anyone to become someone as you are limited only by your desire to achieve.  You can be what you want to be, and small business is big business in America.  BUT capitalism has its price also.  It generates greed which changes money from a tool to be used to a “god” to be served!

 

ONE CANNOT SERVE BOTH GOD AND MAMMON!

 

Matthew 6:21-24  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  (22)  The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.  (23)  But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!  (24)  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

 

1.  You will hate one and love the other.  You do not want to hate God and love money.

 

2.  You will hold one and despise the other.  You do not want to hold money and despise God.

 

3.  There can be no MIDDLE GROUND!  When you serve money, God cannot be served.  It is as simple as that.

 

THE UNRIGHTEOUS MAMMON

 

1.  The Love of Money.

 

1 Timothy 6:6-11  But godliness with contentment is great gain.  (7)  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  (8)  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  (9)  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  (10)  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  (11)  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

 

2.  The Uncertainty of Money.

 

1 Timothy 6:17  Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

 

3.  The Corruption of Money.

 

James 5:1-3  Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.  (2)  Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.  (3)  Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

 

4.  The Deception of Money.

 

1 John 2:15-17  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16)  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  (17)  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

 

5.  The Destruction of Money.

 

Luke 12:16-21  And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:  (17)  And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?  (18)  And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.  (19)  And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.  (20)  But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?  (21)  So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

 

THE TRUE RICHES

 

1.  The Honor of Tithing.

 

Proverbs 3:9-10  Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:  (10)  So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.  (It honors the Lord!)

 

2.  The Promise of Tithing.

 

Malachi 3:10-12  Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.  (11)  And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.  (12)  And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

 

2.  The Blessing of Tithing.

 

a.  The Blessing of an Inward Joy.  2 Corinthians 9:6-7  But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.  (7)  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

 

b.  The Blessing of an Outward Reaping.  Philippians 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 

c.  The Blessing of an Eternal Reward.   Philippians 4:15-19 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.  Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.  For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Godliness With Contentment

Temple Baptist Church - 3-3-2013

 

1 Timothy 6:3-6:11a

 

Introduction:

A. In our Laodicean society, we find discontentedness on every hand.

1. Everyone wants everything without working for anything.

2. Everyone wants everything now without being able to afford anything.

3. Too many place their trust and hope in these perishable things.

B. This Laodicean Church Age has affected God’s children in the same ways. We have been and are blessed! We must be careful not to let these blessings becoming cursing’s by:

1. Misplaced values. Placing things above our relationship with and work for Christ.

2. Misplaced trust. Placing our trust in these temporal things instead of in our loving Lord.

C. Then we have the reality and effects of Prosperity Preaching across our land. (6:5) “supposing that gain is godliness”

1. God’s faithful people have hard times financially.

2. Prosperity or the lack of it is not a sign of either God’s approval or disapproval of our lives.

1. We need to have a right perspective of finances.

a. There is nothing wrong with hard work and the financial rewards that go with it. 2 Thessalonians 3:10, 2 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. … (12) Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. (Notice the reward of work is that THEY eat! In today’s politics, people are demonized for success in business. The laborer is worthy of his hire and these people who have excelled should be properly rewarded. Those who will not work (notice I said “will not”) should not eat.)

b. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the fruit of one’s labors. Ecclesiastes 8:15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. (The Bible has no problem with people enjoying the fruit of their labors. That enjoyment should be done according to biblical principles.)

2. Material things are temporal while the eternal are just that: eternal. 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. ("He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." ~ Jim Elliot)

3. Material things can be a recipe for disaster. Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (As many strange women stole the heart of Solomon, too many things cause our hearts to turn from our God. Where our treasure (things that we value) are is where our hearts will be.)

Matthew 6:31-34 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Philippians 4:10-13 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. (11) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (12) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

The Root Of All Evil

Temple Baptist Church - 8-5-2010

1 Timothy 6:6-10

Introduction:

A. In these verses, I find one of the most intriguing of all Bible statements: “the root of all evil.” When I think of “all evil,” there are so many wicked things in this world that automatically enter my mind: murder, rape, lying, robbery, perverted sex, etc. I could give a very long list of things that are evil but these things are simply the results or fruits of an evil tree and the root of that tree is the love of money. Greed is destroying our nation.

B. Every one of us will certainly agree that money in itself is not evil. It is a necessity. Money of some sort has always been around from simply exchanging necessities through the barter system to the actual currency or coins that we have in our pockets right now. Money has no morality. It is like a loaded gun. You can load a gun, place it on the bed, and walk off and leave it with no fear. It has no morality. It cannot do either good or bad unless it is in the hands of a person.

C. Things only have the morality that we give to them. Be they computers, TV sets, radios, guns, knives, automobiles, or anything else—they are only as good or as evil as we personally make them. Men who preach against the TV set own computers and internet. Men who preach against computers have TV sets and radios. That is why I do not attempt to legislate things because things are not the problem. They can be used for either good or bad. People are the problem and, if they love God, they will neither use nor misuse things in the fulfillment of their lusts.

D. Money in any form is not different. It is a wonderful tool to be used to meet our personal needs as well as to carry on the work of the Lord. When I speak of money as the “root of all evil,” I am speaking of more than just the actual currency or coins in your pocket or in your bank. I am speaking of both the means of getting as well as the way in which money is used. Jobs can become evil when they are put in place of the Lord. Money can become an evil device when it is used to purchase things that are evil. These things are driven by a lust for money.

E. Our text verses speak of the gain of contentment, not the gain of money. Contentment is a rarity in our days. Everyone has so much that nothing satisfies and there is a continual push in society to have more than enough. What is enough? That is a good question that needs to be answered. Our Lord said, “Having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” Not even the mention of lodging. The Apostle Paul quoted the Lord in verse 6 of our text.

F. What constitutes “enough” in the Bible? Food and clothing! There is not one of us here who does not have not only those things but a multitude of other things to go along with it. I want to keep this simple but we need to understand that the “love of money” will destroy us! Verses 9-10 give a vivid description of what can and will happen when money becomes our “god” and God becomes secondary in our lives. Let me give “US” some things that will help.

1. Realize that greed always brings about trouble! Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. (Read verses 9-10 again with me. Less is better, more is worse, and enough is best! Do not love money! It will ultimately destroy your life and family.)

2. Make money a “means to an end” instead of an end! Ecclesiastes 2:24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. (There is nothing wrong with enjoying the fruit of your labor as long as pleasure does not become your “god.” Learn to “take a day off” occasionally are enjoy life. When life comes to an end, money is a cold comfort to those who have lived for it. Your faithfulness to the Lord, family, friends, and fond memories are all that will matter then.)

3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3. Learn to be content with what God (not “god”) gives to you! Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (To the greedy, “how much is enough” is “just a little more!” The sleep of a hardworking man is sweet but riches cause sleep to flee from those who live for them. God has promised to supply all our need and all our need is all that we need.)

4. Learn to live within your means! Proverbs 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (If you cannot afford it, do not buy it! Wait until you get the money to buy it with! If it will take away from the peace and joy of life, leave it alone! I had rather drive an older model car and be able to buy a hamburger or ice cream cone than to drive a new car and scrape by financially.)

5. Realize that life does not consist of the abundance of things that we possess! Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (I used this verse when I preached my mother’s funeral. Learn to have real fun. Take your family on an old-fashioned picnic instead of to dome theme park where you have to spend a fortune. Learn to cook a hot dog over a fire in the back yard instead of having to eat in a fine restaurant. Spend quality time with your children while they are at home. Spend time with the “wife of your youth” so that she will become the “wife of your old age.”)

6.Spend time laying up for eternity as well as enjoying the temporal! Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (When your eternity begins, it will no longer matter what size home you had or what model and year auto you drove. It will no longer matter what brand name clothes or shoes that you wore. The only thing that will matter is what you did for Christ! What you did for your family! What you did for your church! What you did for souls!)

7. Learn to make God your confidence and security! Proverbs 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: (Learn to tithe, give to missions, give to those who have needs, help the poor and God will take care of you! Many earn wages and put them into a “bag with holes.” God blows upon it and it is gone. Take care of God’s’ business and He will take care of yours. It is as simple as that!)

8. Be careful to treat rich and poor equally! James 2:1-9 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. (2) For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; (3) And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: (4) Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (5) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (6) But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? (7) Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (8) If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: (9) But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. (Respect of person is sin. Love people for who they are and not for what they can do for you! You will make more good friends and a lot few enemies in this life.)