1 Timothy 6:3-10, 17-19

Most couples site financial troubles as the main source of marital strife.  Those money problems stem from these three things.  Money problems in marriage come from 1) the sin of covetousness, 2) bad money management, 3) miscommunication about money.  Today, we will look at the sin of covetousness, what the right attitude toward money is, and how to have the right attitude toward money.

Two Extreme Views of Money

1. Supposes that material wealth is godliness.
   • 1 Timothy 6:5
   • God sends the rain on the just and the unjust.  You are not the reason God has blessed you.  God is good.
   • God honors His words and so far as you abide by His words you reap the rewards of that.
   • Supposing that gain is godliness is a theology that produces covetousness.
   • Supposing that gain is godliness is a theology that produces pride.
   • Money is not a thermometer.  Money is a tool.  Money is not a basis of judgment.
2. Supposes that money is evil and should be shunned.
   • 1 Timothy 6:17-19
   • This leads to the bunker mentality that one needs cut all ties with society to avoid danger.  Christians are a light and a witness, so removing yourself from others is not what God has called you to do.
   • Second, Jesus Christ told the disciples one time that He sent them out as sheep among wolves, so removing the perceived danger is not a solution.
   • These folks don’t understand that when God provides, He provides through His people and removing yourself from an opportunity to be a vessel God can use is wrong.

Contentment is the Opposite of Covetousness

Inherent in these two extremes is the wrong place money is given.  Contentment is the most powerful financial tool.  1 Timothy 6:6  But godliness with contentment is great gain.

• Morally strong people are people with very few wants.
• Philippians 4:11-13 contentment is learned
• Notice the two basic needs and beyond that are blessings.

Covetousness Promises These Things

1 Timothy 6:9

• Temptation
• Snare
• Foolish and hurtful lusts
• destruction
• perdition

Misplaced Trust in Money

Revelation 3:14 – Your faith in God should not be affected by how much money or how little you have.  It is the same sin to worry when there is little as it is to kick back and relax when there is much.  Both sides prove that you are trusting your money instead of God.  That is like taking a step on a broken ankle.  Here are the reasons money is untrustworthy.

• It is untrustworthy because it is corruptible.  By nature it diminishes.  Matthew 6:19, Proverbs 23:5; look at your own bank account at the end of the month.
• It is untrustworthy because it is uncertain.
  • Investment risk
  • Government instability and intentional oppression.
• It is untrustworthy because it is limited in what it can do.
  • Wealth doesn’t equal health.
  • You are guaranteed to come to many points in your lives where money will have no value.

The Right Attitude About Money

• You’re Grateful.  You know where your blessings come from.  God giveth us all things
• You’re Gracious.  Rich in good works
• You’re a Giver.  Ready to distribute
• You’re Generous.  Willing to communicate