Bible Study - Possessions - How Much is Enough - 1 Timothy 6 and Philippians 4 - June 19, 2011

Bible Study – Possessions – How Much Is Enough? – June 19, 2011
This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Putting Possessions in Perspective.”
Our scripture is 1Timothy 6:6-8 9-12; Philippians 4:10-20.

How much is enough? How much do we need to accumulate? How much is enough to give and how much is enough to hold back to pass on to your spouse, children, grandchildren, church, Christian organizations, charities, schools and the list goes on.

As mentioned in last week’s lesson, the Bible is clear that we are to leave an inheritance when we leave this earthly life. We can leave material possessions but the greatest thing we can leave behind is a Godly life - A life that has honored CHRIST through obedient service - A life that has grown and matured Spiritually through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT – A life that leaves a legacy of faithfully walking with CHRIST. There are many more things Christians can leave behind such as ______, _____ and you fill in the blanks. Our lives are the keyhole through which others see CHRIST and GOD.

That is an awesome responsibility. That is why we must have the right relationship with CHRIST in order to walk each day pleasing to HIM. When we are in right relationship with HIM, we will have the right influence upon others who are observing our lives. It is an awesome and overwhelming responsibility.

When we speak of possessions we generally think of money, wealth and stuff. Besides a personal relationship with CHRIST, GOD gives to each one of us, Christian and non-Christian alike, the greatest possession of all. HE gives each of us 24 hours every day – rich or poor. How we use them is important. Do we share them with those we love and care about? Do we use them to build relationships and mentor others, especially our family? Do we idle them away? Or ?

As I write this, my wife and I spent the day at Dollywood. We heard a story about the difference between whittling and carving. Whittling is making something into nothing. Carving is taking nothing and making something. Often we begin whittling and end up carving. GOD can see the results and when we allow HIM to lead us as we whittle, then the end result will be something of value. GOD often whittles on us and trims away that which is of no value until something of value begins to emerge.

When we invest in the lives of others, often it is hard to see the result of our time and effort but one day we may. We must trust the leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT to lead and guide us in all things.

Let’s read 1Timothy 6:6-8:
6 But godliness with contentment is a great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and[3]we can take nothing out. 8 But if we have food and clothing,[4] we will be content with these.

The Apostle Paul was writing to Timothy. Paul connected Godliness with contentment. As humans, we brought nothing into this world when we were born. All of us were, as I heard when growing up, born “Naked as a jaybird.” Oh, some may have been born into a wealthy family but that wealth belonged to the baby’s parents or grandparents.

Paul stated that we need the basics, food and clothing. Included with clothing
is shelter. So Paul was saying food, clothing and shelter. These provide physical contentment.

Let’s read 1Timothy 6:9-12:
9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root[5] of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

Compete for the Faith

11 Now you, man of God, run from these things; but pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life, to which you were called and have made a good confession before many witnesses.

Paul continued by focusing upon an attitude regarding riches. Those who pursue getting rich set themselves up to be trapped like an animal. Those who hunt animals dig a hole and place spears or sharp pointed sticks in the bottom. Then they place a cover over the hole to camouflage it. Then the animal is lured toward the pit. When it falls into the pit, the sharp sticks pierce its body through and all around with deep gashes.

Paul was painting a picture of what happens to those who focus upon getting rich. Satan uses that passion to lead them into a lifestyle that will destroy them. Notice what Paul says in verse 10. It is the “love” of money. It is not having money but it is the “love of money” that is the problem. This can be extended to many other things that take the place of loving GOD with all your heart, mind and soul – drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling, house, career, cars and the list goes on.

Paul addressed the effects of having the wrong focus on riches. It leads a person away from GOD. Often those who have riches believe they are self-sufficient and do not need to rely upon GOD. Those who fall into the trap of craving riches become trapped in the hole and pierced on all sides with devastating wounds.

Paul urges Christians to flee from making riches your first love but focus upon pursuing - righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. The Christian is to make CHRIST his/her first love. Keep in mind that CHRIST said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (KJV) Riches are not wrong. It is the place they occupy in our lives. It is vital that Christians focus upon their relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

Christians are in a race. So much tries to occupy our minds, energy and divert us from winning. Christians are to stay focused on the heavenly goal as led by the HOLY SPIRIT. Christians know that they have been saved from sin and death via the shed blood of JESUS. They know they have eternal life, have been born-again; their citizenship is in heaven and are indwelled by the HOLY SPIRIT. Satan does not want Christians to focus upon what they know but some fantasy.

Let’s read Philippians 4:10-20:
Appreciation of Support
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me, but lacked the opportunity [to show it]* . 11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret [of being content]* —whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through Him[2] who strengthens me. 14 Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship. 15 And you, Philippians, know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent [gifts]* for my need several times. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that is increasing to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, a welcome sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. • Amen.

In Paul’s letter to the Christians in Ephesus, he thanked them for supporting him in his time of need. He wanted them to know that he had learned the secret to be content with plenty or poverty. He had discovered that CHRIST was his sufficiency. When tough times hit his life he had experienced that CHRIST provided through HIS strength.

Even though CHRIST was Paul’s sufficiency, he was grateful that they had provided for his needs. Paul was delighted that they had supported him along his missionary journeys. In essence he was saying, “I am not thanking you because of the gift, which was much appreciated, but because of what I know it will mean to you Spiritually.” Their giving reflected their hearts. He knew that their relationship with CHRIST was sound because they were listening to the HOLY SPIRIT, WHO guided them to meet his needs.

Are we listening to the HOLY SPIRIT to meet the needs of others? GOD can meet the needs of others any way HE chooses but often it is through fellow Christians.

Paul considered their gift as a sacrifice. It was a sweet smelling fragrance because it represented who they were Spiritually. Their gifts were from their hearts. As a result, GOD would return to them many fold that which they have generously given to him. This abundant return could be physical, Spiritual or both. Paul knew that their gifts came from their hearts and GOD knew their hearts. From pure hearts, GOD rewards according to the givers needs.

Being content is an attribute which is learned from experience and trusting GOD in all things. It is difficult to be content. Most of us want just a little bit more. Paul stated that he had learned the secret of being content. Being content is not a natural attribute of being a human being. Paul said that it is learned in secret. Our physical surroundings cause us to turn inward to process our physical circumstances Spiritually. It is in the eyes of our hearts where contentment is given birth. This does not mean to relish in bad circumstances and refuse the help of others. It means that you know that CHRIST will take care of your needs. Therefore, when you have abundance or little your sufficiency is in CHRIST.

Greed in America has been rampant. We saw greed in many CEO’S in the past years. I hope and pray that our younger generations will have integrity, moral values and use their well trained minds for the benefit of the institution, company, its employees, community and customers in which they serve. I also pray that our political system will demand and breed ethical, honest, God fearing politicians who work for the benefit of our nation and not a party. To me, once a person is elected to serve in our political system, he/she needs to do the will of the people and not the will of the party unless it reflects the will of the people.

How is this accomplished? All of our hearts must be brought into harmony with the heart of GOD through CHRIST. It is all about having the right relationship with GOD through CHRIST. This means all of us. How we use our possessions is a reflection of our hearts. Are our hearts in tune with the heart of CHRIST? DO we understand and acknowledge that all that we have came from GOD to be used according to HIS direction. Do we use our time wisely? We all have 24 hours how do we use them?

In verse 19, Paul writes that GOD will supply all your “needs” according to HIS vast capability. Notice, HE provides our “needs” not our wants or desires but our needs – food, clothing and shelter. Our greatest need is to really know HIM through a loving, intimate relationship.

JESUS put it best in Matthew 7:9-11: 9 What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

How much is enough? When it comes to material wealth, most of us have a goal to obtain all we can get. When it comes to Spiritual wealth, the goal is to be made into the image of CHRIST. Which goal do you have your heart set upon? This life upon earth is temporary but eternity never ends. Where should we place our focus – the Bank of Earth or the Bank of Heaven?