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M

Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

A Word For The Rich in This Life - Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Pastor Daniel BatarsehTuesday, June 8, 2021

Scripture References

1 Timothy 6:17-21Romans 12:16Deuteronomy 8:17-18Psalms 62:10Proverbs 17:1Genesis 2:9Ephesians 4:282 Corinthians 8:3-4Matthew 27:57-60

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores Paul's final instructions to the wealthy in 1 Timothy, warning against pride and false security. He emphasizes that while God provides for our enjoyment, we are called to be rich in good works and generous stewards.

Key Takeaways

  • 1Wealth is not condemned in Scripture, but it carries unique spiritual seductions like pride and false security that must be actively resisted.
  • 2Every talent, creative idea, and bit of strength used to acquire wealth is a gift of God's grace, not a product of human cleverness alone.
  • 3God is not a cosmic killjoy; He provides material blessings for our righteous enjoyment so that they might lead us to deeper worship.
  • 4The primary motivation for labor and income for a Christian should be the ability to share with those in need and advance the Kingdom of God.
  • 5Giving is a spiritual discipline that serves as a 'reality check' to ensure our hearts are not enslaved to money.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

  1. 1Why do you think Paul follows a high moment of worship (doxology) with very practical instructions about money?
  2. 2Pastor Daniel stated that by world standards, everyone in the room is rich. How does that shift your perspective on these warnings?
  3. 3In what ways can financial stability actually make us 'pray less frequently' or feel less dependent on God?
  4. 4How can we distinguish between 'enjoying what God provides' and the 'love of money' that Paul warns about earlier in the chapter?
  5. 5Looking at the example of Joseph of Arimathea, what did it cost him socially to associate with Jesus, and how did he use his wealth to serve?
  6. 6What does it look like for our specific church to 'guard the deposit' against the pressures of modern culture today?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

  • Audit your heart for pride by reflecting on whether you credit your career success to your own 'hustle' or to God's intervening grace.
  • Intentionally seek out and associate with people in your church community who are in different socio-economic brackets to combat social haughtiness.
  • Practice 'enjoying things with God' by pausing to offer a prayer of gratitude during a good meal, vacation, or moment of rest.
  • Evaluate your financial planning to see if 'Kingdom advancement' is a primary goal or an afterthought in your budget.
  • Determine your giving not by a rigid percentage, but by prayerfully asking God how much of 'His' money He wants you to distribute to others.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

  • Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
  • Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
  • Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

Maranatha Bible Church Chicago

mbchicago.org | Proclaiming God's Unchanging Word

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