Skip to main content

How do we respond to Materialistic World? 

INTRODUCTION

1. We live in a very materialistic society...
   a. As evidenced in our popular culture (music, TV, etc.)
   b. As expressed in the desire for an affluent lifestyle

2. Materialism is dangerous foe to the Christian...
   a. The deceitfulness of riches can render the Christian fruitless
      - Mt 13:22
   b. The desire for riches can ensnare the Christian, leading him
      astray - 1Ti 6:9-10

3. What can we do as Christians, and as the church?  Consider God's use
   of Isaiah...
   a. Sent to a corrupt and materialistic society - Isa 1:21-23
   b. Offering that which truly satisfies - Isa 55:1-3

[Today, Jesus has a similar response, which we can offer to a world that
is starving for what truly satisfies...]

I. JESUS' RESPONSE TO MATERIALISM

   A. EXPOSES THE DEFICIENCY OF RICHES...
      1. Many think of "the good life" in terms of material prosperity
      2. Jesus taught there is more to life than material possessions
         a. Man's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions
            - Lk 12:15
         b. As illustrated in the parable of the rich fool - Lk 12:16-21
      3. Jesus taught the insecurity of riches - Mt 6:19-20
         a. They are susceptible to corruption
         b. They are open to theft
      4. Jesus taught the danger of riches - Mt 6:21-24
         a. They can dominate our affections
         b. They can blind us to the true light
         c. They can prevent us from being able to serve God
      -- Thus the message of Jesus is one of correcting our
         misconceptions; riches do not make one happy!

   B. EXTENDS THE TRULY ABUNDANT LIFE...
      1. Jesus offers a life filled with peace - cf. Jn 14:27
         a. Peace with God through justification - Ro 5:1-2
         b. Peace with man through reconciliation - Ep 2:14-16
         c. Peace with self through supplication - Php 4:6-7
         -- The peace Jesus offers "surpasses all understanding" - Ph
            4:7
      2. Jesus offers a life filled with love - cf. Jn 15:9
         a. Love patterned after the Father's love for the Son - Jn 15:9
         b. Love that can be fervent, yet pure between brethren - 1 Pe
            1:22
         c. Love that can be extended even toward enemies - Mt 5:43-45
         -- The love Jesus offers "passes knowledge" - Ep 3:9
      3. Jesus offers a life filled with joy - cf. Jn 15:11
         a. His commandments, His promises, all are designed to impart
            joy - Jn 15:11
         b. A joy that can abound in any circumstance - e.g., Php 2:
            17-18; 4:4; 1Pe 1:6
         -- The joy Jesus offers is "inexpressible" - 1Pe 1:8
      -- By offering such peace, love, and joy, perhaps we can
         appreciate why Jesus said He offers an "abundant" life - cf. Jn
         10:10

[To communicate this response to a materialistic society, Jesus calls
upon His church.  While it certainly entails proclaiming the gospel, let
me suggest some additional thoughts about...]

II. OUR RESPONSE TO MATERIALISM

   A. EXEMPLIFY JESUS' RESPONSE AS INDIVIDUALS...
      1. As individuals we must possess the peace, love, and joy Jesus
         offers
         a. Which comes through heeding His words - Jn 15:10-11
         b. Which comes through spending time in prayer - Php 4:6-7
         -- If we fail to spend the time necessary in such activities,
            how convincing can we be that we have a more "abundant" life
            to offer?
      2. As individuals we must not depend on material things for true
         happiness
         a. If poor, learn the secret of contentment - cf. 1Ti 6:6-8;
            Php 4:11-13
         b. If rich, trust not in riches but be quick to help those in
            need - cf. 1Ti 6:17-19
         -- Being content and willing to share goes a long way toward
            demonstrating that Jesus' response to materialism really
            means something!

   B. EXEMPLIFY JESUS' RESPONSE AS A CONGREGATION...
      1. The value of a congregational demonstration cannot be taken
         lightly
         a. Jesus stressed the value of brotherly love and unity - Jn
            13: 35; 17:20-21
         b. His church illustrated the value of congregational love and
            joy - cf. Ac 2:46-47; 6:7 (in light of 6:1-6)
      2. We should make sure that our fellowship and worship
         demonstrates...
         a. The love we have found in Christ (e.g., by the way we greet
            one another)
         b. The joy of being Christians (e.g., by the way we praise God)
         c. The peace Jesus made possible (e.g., by the way we work
            together)
      3. We should be careful as a congregation not to fall into a
         materialistic trap
         a. By placing too much concern over such things as:
            1) The physical facilities in which we meet
            2) The physical appearances of the members or visitors
         b. Not that is wrong to have comfortable facilities or to look
            nice
            1) But that should not be our primary concern
            2) But not to the neglect of truly important matters (like
               saving souls)!
         c. Otherwise we could be guilty of being like the Laodiceans
            - Re 3:17
            1) Who thought they were "rich, wealthy, and have need of
               nothing"
            2) Who were unaware they were "wretched, miserable, poor,
               blind, and naked"

CONCLUSION

1. The rampant materialism in our society provides us with an
   opportunity...
   a. For materialism leaves one in a state of spiritual malnutrition
   b. Therefore often ripe for the true feast Jesus has to offer

2. What does Jesus offer...?
   a. Rest for a weary soul - Mt 11:28-30
   b. Rivers of living water for a thirsty soul - Jn 7:37-39
   -- Which He provides through His cleansing blood and life-quickening
      Spirit - Ac 2:38-39

3. But if those trapped in materialism are going to believe such is
   possible...
   a. We need to make sure that we are offering the "abundant life" as a
      viable alternative
   b. Both individually and as a congregation of God's people!

Are we experiencing the peace that "surpasses all understanding," the
love which "passes knowledge," and the joy that is "inexpressible"?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Aspects of Information as Found in the Bible

by Dr. Werner Gitt on May 28, 2009 God is shown as the source or sender of biblical information. 14.1 God as Sender—Man as Recipient The five aspects of information—statistics, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and apobetics—were discussed in chapter 4 , and it was stated that all five are indispensable for both the sender and the recipient. It is highly instructive to view the Bible in this way. Figure 27: God as sender; man as recipient. When God speaks in the Bible, He is the Sender of information. The message of the Bible, transmitted to us as recipients, can be analyzed according to the aspects of information, namely syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and apobetics. Only when we cover all the levels, will we achieve the purpose intended by God. Sender: In Figure 27, God is shown as the source or sender of biblical information. His Word is available to us today in completed ( Revelation 22: ) and written form (e.g., Exodus 17:14 ;...
Post a Comment
Read more

Five Powerful Communication skills to Effectively Manage and Nurture Relationships

Every relationship, even with someone we've just met, begins with how we communicate.   Communication is the foundation of any relationship, reflecting the depth of our concern, joy, or other inner feelings toward the other person. Clear, affectionate, understanding, and honest communication strengthens bonds, potentially lasting a lifetime. In some friendships, there's a unique way of expressing wishes that deeply resonates with us, affirming the connection.   Others may communicate in a straightforward manner, signifying a relationship of convenience rather than depth. The way we communicate reveals how much we value the relationship—if we truly care, it will be evident in our words; if not, our communication will be limited to what is necessary.   Your relationship begins with your intent and your words. The right words can heal like a balm or cut like a knife. Your words matter.   Here are five powerful communication skills to effectively man...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hudson Taylor's Testimony

Hudson Taylor’s Testimony There is nothing like reading salvation stories. Hudson Taylor’s (a British missionary to China who lived from 1832-1905) testimony is one of the greatest and most exciting salvation stories that I have read. Below you will see an excerpt from his autobiography where he tells the details of how God rescued him by His grace through the prayers of his mother. What a glorious Savior is Jesus! Here is the account: Let me tell you how God answered the prayers of my dear mother and of my beloved sister, now Mrs. Broomhall, for my conversion. On a day which I shall never forget, when I was about fifteen years of age, my dear mother being absent from home, I had a holiday, and in the afternoon looked through my father’s library to find some book with which to while away the unoccupied hours. Nothing attracting me, I turned over a little basket of pamphlets, and selected from amongst them a Gospel tract which looked interes...
Post a Comment
Read more