LOVE OF MONEY – 1 Tim. 6:9

1) In life there are many “tests.” Money is one of the “acid” tests. Jesus faced this test (Mt. 4:8-9).

2) We are tested in how much we want it, how much we desire, and how we use it (spend/save/share).

3) Some people “love money” (define what “money” is and is not). A symbol of status and achievement.

4) “Successful people have wealth” and resources (world’s view).

5) In basic terms, money represents a wide variety of resources.

6) For many, “who they are” is wrapped up in “what they have.” Examples?

7) List examples of “loving money” (i.e. greed). Gambling is a prime illustration.

8) What kinds of problems come from this approach to life? What might we lose/forsake?

9) Giving is called a “grace” (2 Cor. 8:7). This suggests God has a will about money.

10) Part of His will is not loving money (1 Tim. 6:9). Solomon expressed this same thought.

11) Eccl. 2:23 what does a man get for all his hard work? Days full of sorrow and grief, and restless, bitter nights. It is all utterly ridiculous

a) We are to learn from the past (Rom. 15:4).

b) We can learn plenty from those who loved money.

c) Josh. 7:19-21, 25. Rom. 1:29 (associated with other sins such as “murder”).

d) With money, many think they will be the exception – if they get enough, they will be happy.

e) Eccl. 5:10.

f) Christians struggle with this sin – Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1 Tim. 3:3.

12) Let’s consider how money can distract us (give examples).

13) In the Old Testament money was a distraction – Hag. 1:1-4.

14) God’s work and temple were being neglected so the people could concentrate on houses/wealth.

15) Does this problem still exist? How does God respond to it? Hag. 1:9-11.

16) Why was God so concerned about people loving money and possessions? Mt. 6:24.

17) Jesus knew what was in the hearts of people.

18) One of the things He found was a love of money.

a) Mk. 10:17, 21-23; Lk. 9:25 (some love money so much they will accept Hell for it).

b) Lk. 16:13-14 and Isa. 56:11 – Even “religious people” can love money.

c) See other examples of this in Jn. 2:13-16.

d) Lk. 20:47 – Who was doing the “devouring”? Why?

e) Mk. 14:1-11; Jn. 12:1-6.

19) We refer to the “good Samaritan story” for many reasons.

20) One of the lessons in it is not loving money (Lk. 10:30-36) – money was given to help a stranger.

21) Jesus once had His teaching interrupted because of a money dispute, Lk. 12:13-15.

22) This suggests money matters can consume the mind.

23) A love of money destroys relationships (husband/wife, parents and children, and with God).

24) Prov. 15:27 and 28:25.

25) Consider too Lk. 14:12-14 – Many would not “waste money” on these kinds of people.

26) The final word of wisdom – Prov. 23:4-5; Ps. 62:10; Heb. 13:5.