Bible Study: The gospel and materialism
1 Timothy 6:3-10
Click here to read the passage, 1 Timothy 6:3-10.
Click here to read the notes and questions for 1 Timothy 6:1-2: What about slavery, Paul?
The Gospel and Materialism
Main Idea: For the sake of urgent physical and spiritual needs around the world, and for the sake of your own soul, be satisfied in God instead of material things.
Key verse: 1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
Note that it is the LOVE of money that is “a root of all kinds of evils,” not money itself.
1 Timothy 6:3–10 shines a light on one of the glaring sins of many Christians and churches in America today—materialism.
Paul gives us three serious cautions when it comes to materialism in Verse 9:
Materialism is deceptive: Some things may look desirable, but if we indulge in them in an unhealthy way, they will kill our souls.
Materialism is dangerous: Materialism is a breeding ground for many other sins. Are you foolish enough to think you are immune to these temptations?
Materialism is damning: A love for money and possessions will drown you eternally. Heaven and hell are at stake in how we view our possessions.
There are multiple reasons why we should care about living a less materialistic lifestyle. One, of course, is that we can use our “extra” money to help the physical needs of people in our neighborhoods and around the world.
But just as important, we can use our “extra” to help missions spread the Gospel so that even the poor in Africa (or wherever) will be able to hear the Good News and live eternally with God.
Pastor David Platt writes:
“A materialistic world will not be won by a materialistic church for two reasons.
“First, we will not show the world that Christ is all satisfying as long as we are on the path of materialism. How will we lead people to abandon the things of this world if we in the church are attached to the same things? We will be communicating that Christ plus our stuff equals satisfaction, but that is not the gospel.
“Even our church services can evidence a lack of satisfaction in Christ. Brothers and sisters in Christ who live in difficult places around the world gather together not because they like the worship band or the sound system or smooth transitions in the service; they gather because they want to hear the Word of God. Is that enough for us?
“The second reason a materialistic world will not be reached by a materialistic church is that the resources needed to win the world to Christ will be kept in our second homes and in our nicer possessions. We’ll continue to give our pennies to the Great Commission.”
Questions
Why do people have a tendency to look to materialism for satisfaction rather than to God? How do we fight against this tendency?
How does Satan use materialism to blind Christians to the needs of the world?
What steps do you take to maintain a proper attitude toward material things while living in this culture?
Where does a person get the idea that he or she is immune to the deception and danger of materialism?
What is holding you back from giving radically of your money, time, and family to God’s work?
How much does your church give to world missions? What percentage is that of the total budget? Is Good Shepherd doing well in this area? If not, how can it do better?
Convicting