SERIES OVERVIEW
How many of you, when were a kid, you hoped to be rich when you grew up? In this series, Pastor Greg wants us to realize that, as Christians, and especially as American Christians, we ARE rich in many different ways. This series focuses on teaching that instead of trying to GET rich financially, we must realize that we already ARE rich financially AND with God’s help we can ALSO be rich in what matters most.
MESSAGE NOTES
Are you rich? Do you know anyone who is rich? How do we know what is rich and what is “almost rich?” Where is the “rich line?” What I want to do, over the next few weeks, is guide many of you to wake up one day and realize “I’ve already crossed the line. I’m actually rich already and since God has blessed me with more than I need, I want to be rich in what matters most. I want to be rich in a way that honors God.”
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. ~ 1 Timothy 6:17
Every blessing that we don’t turn back to praise has the potential to turn into pride.
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. ~ 1 Timothy 6:18-19
GALLOP POLL FROM SEVERAL YEARS AGO
“How much would you need to earn to be rich?”
The average response for those making $30,000 a year was $74,000 a year.
The average response for those making $50,000 a year was $100,000 a year.
The average response for those making $200,000 a year was a net worth of $5 million.
If you asked the guy with $5 million “Are you rich?” He would say no as well. He needs more to be “rich.” The “rich line” continues to move. Perception is reality.
SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS
You are already rich!
Furthermore, as for every person to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also given him the opportunity to enjoy them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. ~ Ecclesiastes 5:19
If you make $33,000 or more, you are in the top 1 percent of wage earners in this world, alive today. You’re a 1-percenter – maybe not an American 1 percenter, but you are a 1 percent of the world. If you earn $80,000 a year or more, you are in the top .1 percent of wage earners in the world. You are richer than 99.9% of the people on the planet right now! If you don’t feel rich it is because you consume everything God gives you.
SAY: “God has blessed us with more than we need. We’re rich.”
SOME BAD NEWS
The bad news is you’re rich.
That’s exactly right. The good news is you are rich. The bad news is ALSO you’re rich. It is both good news and it is bad news because this is one of the greatest spiritual disadvantages that you have in life. You can see it all through scripture; God gives wealth. God is not opposed to us having nice things. What God does not want is for the things to have us.
How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God! ~ Luke 18:24b-25
THREE OF MANY SPIRITUAL CHALLENGES FOR RICH PEOPLE
- It’s harder for us to depend on God.
- Our wealth distracts us from true priorities.
- Wealthy people have a greater responsibility.
The bad news is there is more expected of us because more has been given to us, and we need to internalize that.
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. ~ 1 Timothy 6:17-19