The Real Prosperity Gospel

FULL SERVICE: *See SERMON ONLY below

SERMON ONLY:

Please click on link below to download and print Lifegroup questions.

Message 27 Questions: The Real Prosperity Gospel (Matthew 6:19-21)

Matthew 6:19–21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

1. I began this message by saying that a passage like this reveals the love and wisdom of Jesus. And yet, it looks quite negative! Why would I say that this is steeped in love and wisdom?
2. “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:27-38 Answer Jesus’ question. What does that mean?
3. When I talked about misplaced values, I began by saying that it is possible that in today’s church, we can hold two things at the same time (1) We can believe the doctrines of the Bible, and at the same time (2) Live as if the material world is all there is! Do you think I was exaggerating? Discuss this asking “why?” or “why not?”
4. It’s fair to say that a crass materialism (“Whoever has the most toys, wins!”), is really not the whole story today. People are far more open to things that are not material. Why is that?
5. The prosperity gospel is false teaching. I said, sarcastically, “God wants to provide all the health, wealth, and happiness and candy I can carry, this side of the grave! And yet, I believe is the incredible blessing of God, materially and spiritually! Is this a contradiction? What do you think?
6. “The precise persistence of all advertisement is to generate envy.” Are you discerning about the philosophy of advertising? Have you ever bought something on a whim? How did that happen?
7. “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:10) Lets ask some obvious questions. (1) Is money itself evil? (2) So, if the love of it is evil, why would Jesus trust us with it? (3) Have a think about “all kinds of evil.” What kinds do you think was in mind? (4) The passage lists two consequences with the love and desire for wealth. Describe them, and then ask yourself, “how does that happen?”
8. Donald Carson’s quote is excellent and worthy of thought. He said, “Is what I’m doing have a flavor of that which is of good and eternal significance that comes out of what is done on earth.” It broadens the idea of treasures. I especially liked the twin elements (1) good (2) eternal significance. In 3what ways does it really call for deep stewardship without become “penny pinching.”?
9. Lastly, I gave the motivation of the heart to be centered in two things. (1) Ask: Is it Centered in Christ Himself? And (2) Ask: Is it Centered in the Gospel of the Kingdom? Colossians 2:2-3; Matthew 13:44) The first focuses on Christ Himself, and the second on the joy of knowing Christ. So, how should that affect the joy and freedom of rejecting a “this-worldly” storing up of treasure, and storing up “treasures in heaven’?