Week 3: Frivolity of Trusting in Wealth
Opening Discussion:
- Why are some Christians financially comfortable while others struggle financially?
- Are wealthy Christians more ‘spiritual’ than poor Christians?
- Is there a connection between your spiritual condition and your bank balance?
Let’s look at what the Bible says about wealth and poverty.
1 Sam. 2:7 The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.
Point 1: ___________________________________________________
James 1:9-11 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom fails and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
Point 2: ___________________________________________________
Psalm 49:16,17 Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him.
Point 3: ___________________________________________________
Prov. 28:6 Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
Point 4: __________________________________________________
Read 1 Tim. 6:17-19
What is the role of the wealth? _____________________________________________________
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Read James 2:5-6
What blessings does God promise the poor? _________________________________________
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Read the Parable of the Rich Fool Luke 12:13-21
What lessons can we learn from this parable?
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Additional Verses on the Frivolity of Wealth
Prov. 15:16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.
Prov. 13:8 A man’s riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat.
Prov. 11:4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
Eccl. 5:13-14 I have seen a grievous evil under the sun; wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him.
Prov. 27:24 Riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.
Life Application:
Prov. 23: 4, 5 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Susan's Reflections 