Investing in a Solid Foundation for the future

Our faith in Jesus isn’t just about going to heaven when we die it is about living the new life Jesus has given us right now. Even though we are imperfect people, with the help of his Spirit, we are learning to live as God’s people in this world today - which is why we look at the scriptures together, because it is God’s word, the Spirit’s word to us - what Jesus and his apostles have passed down to us so that we might know and love Jesus and live for him.

So today a chunk of our time together will involve some discussion at your table to get you thinking about how you can live by the principles we look at in the scriptures today. We know that for some this is uncomfortable – or something you’re not used to – If you really don’t want to talk you can just tell the people at your table that you just want to listen..

In this series we are looking at what Jesus and his disciples taught about pursuing true success…and investing in our future…

As human beings we naturally invest in the things we think will bring us success – we’re just wired that way…

And our hearts always follow our investments – you will love whatever it is you cling to for success…

So this is really important stuff, that impacts our daily lives, how we relate to God and each other, the kind of future we will have, and what we are leaving behind for the next generation!

Last week we looked at a parable that Jesus told of a rich man who was foolish. He was foolish not because he was rich, but because he was not rich toward God!

Last week we looked at a parable that Jesus told of a rich man who was foolish. Even though this man was materially successful Jesus calls him foolish because he was not rich toward God!

“True success is far deeper and more comprehensive than financial success or enjoyment of this life. True success involves being ‘rich toward God’.”

And being rich toward God is really about your wealth, your energy, your investments being poured into Christ and his Kingdom…

Usually when we think about investing and laying a foundation for the future we think of finances and material wealth. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, managing your money well and being prepared for the future is both wise and something taught in the bible. God encourages us to invest in and prepare for the future.... However, Jesus and his disciples challenge us to think radically different about our wealth and how we are investing for the future...

True success is far deeper and more comprehensive than financial success and enjoyment of this life. True success is found in knowing Christ and being invested in his eternal kingdom! In other words, ‘being rich toward God.’

Usually when we think about investing and laying a foundation for the future we think of finances and material wealth. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, managing your money well and being prepared for the future is both wise and taught in the bible. However, Jesus and his disciples challenge us to think radically different about our wealth and investing for the future...

Which requires a radically different view of our own wealth and investing for the future.

In we find an important bit of instruction that contains a set of core principles regarding the proper use of our wealth for successfully laying down a solid foundation for the future.

Throughout ch 6 there is a focus on true success and future inheritance for the faithful. But ironically in Timothy’s church, it is Christians who are blessed with material wealth who are the ones getting off course, and not finish well.... in fact some had already wandered from the faith…

So before we look at the passage I have to ask you, Are you materially rich? Because this teaching begins with the phrase ‘As for the rich’ Which means some of us will look at this passage and think - well this is for someone else… or if I ever make a lot of money then maybe this is something I need to pay attention to this teaching.... BUT hold on … Are you Rich?

some wealthy people have lost sight of!

Are you Rich?

80% of Ontario welfare recipients receive $23,039 per year.

Source: Ministry of Community and Social Services (https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/publications/social/sarac/recipients_sarac.aspx)

80% of Ontario welfare recipients receive $23,039 per year.

Source: Ministry of Community and Social Services (https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/publications/social/sarac/recipients_sarac.aspx)

Compare with the rest of the world (see: http://www.globalrichlist.com/) We are rich!

Which requires a radically different view of our own wealth and investing for the future.

I don’t want to diminish the real financial problems that some of us may be facing here this morning, you may be in a very difficult situation this morning - But we ARE are among the wealthiest people in the world, we have material wealth - this teaching is for us...

And because we live in a culture that is materially successful, we have a strong temptation to get off course, to become foolish — so listen carefully to this instruction....

1 Timothy 6:17–19 NLT

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

1 Timothy 6:17–19 ESV

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

This teaching is about laying down A good foundation for the future = it is about investing wealth - storing up treasure for the future = it doesn’t say for eternity, just the future in general which I’m sure includes eternity…But ‘The future’ has to do with true success in this life as well - it is related to taking hold of that which is truly life!

The verb means to physically GRAB HOLD of - This is how you grab a hold of true life and invest in a solid foundation for the future…

How are we to use our wealth? Use your wealth to do good! Increase your good works - become rich in good works…

Use your wealth to do good! Increase your good works - become rich in good works…

“be generous and ready to share”

Generous = giving freely to others

80% of Ontario welfare recipients receive $23,039 per year.

Share = perspective of viewing one’s possessions as sort of available to the community - a common sharing (koinonia).

Source: Ministry of Community and Social Services (https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/publications/social/sarac/recipients_sarac.aspx)

Compare with the rest of the world (see: http://www.globalrichlist.com/) We are rich!

the Focus of 1 Timothy chapter six is the future inheritance that both Paul and Timothy and any faithful believer in Jesus -

Really. How does that make any sense for investing in the future?

“He doesn’t tell the rich to become poor, but he doesn’t allow them to stay rich either, he warns them of the dangers of wealth and then tells them to be generous with their wealth which will inevitably lower their own standard of living.” - Pastor and Teacher John Stott

Really downgrading your standard of living? This seems like the opposite of building a solid foundation for the future.... It only makes sense if God is in it…

”God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy“

Really downgrading your standard of living? This to many of us seems like the opposite of building a solid foundation for the future....

NLT - “Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.”

“He doesn’t tell the rich to become poor, but he doesn’t allow them to stay rich either, he warns them of the dangers of wealth and then tells them to be generous with their wealth which will inevitably lower their own standard of living.” - Pastor and Teacher John Stott

- A lower standard of living! there it is -the exact opposite of materialism …

Let’s face it Living this way - Using our wealth wisely to do good works, living generously and sharing what we have with others does come naturally…

-” God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy “

Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

We instinctively tend to hang on to and try to keep our wealth – especially if God is not part of the equation – if our future depends all on us, and what we are able to achieve…

English Standard Version Chapter 6

God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy

Laying down a truly solid foundation for the future is hanging on to or trying to keep your wealth - it is about wisely using whatever wealth you have to do good...

1 Timothy 6:17 ESV

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Laying down a truly solid foundation for the future is about wisely using your wealth to do good instead of simply stockpiling it for yourself or your family?

So this is key…

look how God is described in this passage… ”God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy“

”God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy“

In the passage last week Jesus said, ‘the Father takes pleasure in giving us the kingdom’

Here it is again – God is for us not against us – he is richly providing us with everything to enjoy.

The NLT words it this way - “Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.”

Living this way is an act of faith, an act of trust in God – it is not a suggestion, or an optional good idea, it is faith in Jesus lived out - It requires that we trust God… and at the same time living this way also is part of cultivating greater trust in God.

In stead of hanging on to, and trying to keep your wealth –This is the way Jesus want’s us to live…. This is normal for Christians… this is how we Lay down a truly solid foundation for the future…. Knowing that God is richly supplying us with everything to enjoy….

STORY: Brian from - Mustard Seed Foundation...

Laying down a truly solid foundation for the future is about wisely using your wealth to do good instead of simply stockpiling it for yourself or your family?

It is about using your wealth wisely instead of stockpiling it

“He doesn’t tell the rich to become poor, but he doesn’t allow them to stay rich either, he warns them of the dangers of wealth and then tells them to be generous with their wealth which will inevitably lower their own standard of living.” - Pastor and Teacher John Stott

STORY: Brian from - Mustard Seed Foundation...

I don’t want to diminish the real financial problems that some of us may be facing here this morning, you may be in a very difficult situation this morning - But we ARE are among the wealthiest people in the world, we have material wealth - this teaching is for us...

STORY: Brian from - Mustard Seed Foundation...

Father started a power generation company - from the beginning he told his kids don’t wait for an inheritance because our goal is to give away our profits.... Company soon became a an international fortune 500 company worth millions - through thier family foundation ‘Mustard Seed’ they used their profits to give grants to church planting and outreach projects all over the world.

Most foundations have investments that keep generating funds - but not Mustard Seed - everything that came in was given away… Through a series of events the power company voted Brian's Father off the board of his own company - they had already promised millions of dollars in grants to churches and church ministries - instead of going back on their promises they sold some personal assets, cashed in some stocks, and honored their commitment.

Even though they had less to work with they continued to use their personal investments to keep giving grants. Then the stock market crashed and they lost major money again… so the family got together and decided to sell properties and downgrade their standard of living so they could honor the grants they had promised.

And just a few months ago I met with Brian - who is still giving away money to fund church plants and outreach projects all over the world - the grants are smaller but last year alone they pumped thousands dollars into church plants in our city - including a couple of churches in our own network…

How is this laying a foundation for the future? Brian is part of a rich family heritage - - their children and grandchildren look at the world differently - whole network of friends all over the world – they will leave behind churches who are caring for their communities in Jesus name that will last for generations!

Generously using wealth to meet needs in your family, your church family, your local community, the work of churches worldwide - will lay a good foundation for the future = will provide and do things that money can not do!

but Paul seems to know the strong temptation that wealthy people have - to get off course, to fail to finish well - and on the other hand the enormous kingdom opportunity the rich have!

You and I may never be as wealthy as Brian’s family but how are we using the wealth we do have?

Generously using wealth to meet needs in your family, your church family, your local community, the mission of churches worldwide - will lay a good foundation for the future = will provide and do things that money can not do! Things that are longer lasting and more valuable!

There is a strong temptation that wealthy people have - to get off course, to fail to finish well - to short circut their pursuit of true success.

Generously using whatever wealth you do have to meet needs in your family, your church family, your local community, the mission of churches worldwide - will lay a solid foundation for your future = it will provide and do things that money can not do! Things that are longer lasting and more valuable!

but we have material wealth - this teaching is for us

How is this passage instructing us to use our wealth? What does it mean ‘to be generous’ with your wealth? Really generous?

And because we live in a culture that is materially successful, we have a strong temptation to get off course, to not finish well, to become foolish —

How does this help us build a more solid foundation for the future? What are some future things these kinds of investments could produce in a person’s life and family? What might such investments leave behind for future generations?

John Stott - In the context of western affluence there are only three options for believers: Become poor, stay rich, or cultivate generosity, simplicity, and contentment.

He doesn’t tell the rich to become poor, but he doesn’t allow them to stay rich either, he warns them of the dangers of wealth and then tells them to be generous with their wealth which will inevitably lower their own standard of living - Stott

Even if you have little wealth, what are some ways you could begin contributing to a true and lasting inheritance?

If your goal is to become rich or to maintain a certain standard of living you will never be truly successful = laying down a truly solid foundation for your future… grabbing hold of what is truly life involves cultivating, generosity, simplicity, and contentment - as you use your wealth to do good.

Who is God? the one who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy !

Acts 2:45 ESV

And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

The leveling of mountains and valleys is an image of God’s justice in the bible.

yet in a culture that is materially successful brings with it a whole host of pressures and problems. There is a strong temptation to get off course, to not finish well, to become foolish… but

1 Timothy 6:17–19 NLT

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

But

He doesn’t tell the rich to become poor, but he doesn’t allow them to stay rich either, he warns them of the dangers of wealth and then tells them to be generous with their wealth which will inevitably lower their own standard of living - Stott

BONUS MATERIAL: Not used for this series....

Sounds like communism - the difference however is that it is- it’s not being legislated from the outside by some external utilitarian system of rules - it is calling for willing participation out of love and submission to Jesus - this is the way of Jesus - for his followers/his people/ it is how his kingdom works - as God “Richly supplies everything for our enjoyment”

1 Timothy 6:17 ESV

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Two problems we face: a) thinking our material wealth makes us more valuable than those with less resources (wealth can infect our attitude toward other people) b) thinking our future, our personal security as well as the welfare of our families, is determined by our wealth.

two problems rich people have: a) thinking they are worth more than the poor (wealth can infect our attitude toward other people) b) their future is determined by their wealth, personal security as well as the welfare of their families (wealth can infect our attitude toward God) .

two problems rich people have: a) thinking they are worth more than the poor (wealth can infect our attitude toward other people) b) their future, their personal security as well as the welfare of their families, is determined by their wealth (wealth can infect our attitude toward God) .

we can richly supply for good works because God richly supplies us.. this is about God’s character - in us

there is also enormous opportunity the rich have!

Share = perspective of viewing one’s possessions as sort of available to the community - a common sharing (koinonia).

1 Timothy 6:18–19 ESV

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Share = perspective of viewing one’s possessions as sort of available to the community - a common sharing (koinonia).

A good foundation for the future = he doesn’t say eternity - he’s not just talking about eternity… ‘The future’ has to do with true success in this life as well - because it is related to taking hold of that which is truly life!

‘The future’ has to do with true success in this life - because it is related to taking hold of that which is truly life!

Generously using wealth to meet needs in your family, your church family, your local community, the work of churches worldwide - will lay a good foundation for the future = will provide and do things that money can not do!

Brian from - Mustard Seed Foundation...

80% of Ontario welfare recipients receive $23,039 per year.

Source: Ministry of Community and Social Services (https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/publications/social/sarac/recipients_sarac.aspx)

Compare with the rest of the world (see: http://www.globalrichlist.com/) We are rich!

We are among the wealthiest people in the world yet this material success brings with it a whole host of pressures and problems.

but Paul seems to know the strong temptation that wealthy people have - to get off course, to fail to finish well - and on the other hand the enormous kingdom opportunity the rich have!

How is this passage instructing us to use our wealth? What does it mean ‘to be generous’ with your wealth? Really generous?

How does this help us build a more solid foundation for the future? What are some future things these kinds of investments could produce in a person’s life and family? What might such investments leave behind for future generations?

Even if you have little wealth, what are some ways you could begin contributing to a true and lasting inheritance?

1 Timothy 6:9–10 ESV

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 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.

Wealth can make us forget God and despise our fellow man - loving God and loving our neighbor simply can not happen if we are not cultivating generosity and contentment ---

John Stott - In the context of western affluence there are only three options for believers: Become poor, stay rich, or cultivate generosity, simplicity, and contentment.

He doesn’t tell the rich to become poor, but he doesn’t allow them to stay rich either, he warns them of the dangers of wealth and then tells them to be generous with their wealth which will inevitably lower their own standard of living - Stott