"RESPONDING TO MATERIALISM"
INTRODUCTION
- We live in a very materialistic society...
- As evidenced in our popular culture (music, TV, etc.)
- As expressed in the desire for an affluent lifestyle
- Materialism is dangerous foe to the Christian...
- The deceitfulness of riches can render the Christian fruitless
- Mt 13:22
- The desire for riches can ensnare the Christian, leading him
astray - 1Ti 6:9-10
- What can we do as Christians, and as the church? Consider God's use
of Isaiah...
- Sent to a corrupt and materialistic society - Isa 1:21-23
- Offering that which truly satisfies - Isa 55:1-3
[Today, Jesus has a similar response, which we can offer to a world that
is starving for what truly satisfies...]
- JESUS' RESPONSE TO MATERIALISM
- EXPOSES THE DEFICIENCY OF RICHES...
- Many think of "the good life" in terms of material prosperity
- Jesus taught there is more to life than material possessions
- Man's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions
- Lk 12:15
- As illustrated in the parable of the rich fool - Lk 12:16-21
- Jesus taught the insecurity of riches - Mt 6:19-20
- They are susceptible to corruption
- They are open to theft
- Jesus taught the danger of riches - Mt 6:21-24
- They can dominate our affections
- They can blind us to the true light
- They can prevent us from being able to serve God
-- Thus the message of Jesus is one of correcting our
misconceptions; riches do not make one happy!
- EXTENDS THE TRULY ABUNDANT LIFE...
- Jesus offers a life filled with peace - cf. Jn 14:27
- Peace with God through justification - Ro 5:1-2
- Peace with man through reconciliation - Ep 2:14-16
- Peace with self through supplication - Php 4:6-7
-- The peace Jesus offers "surpasses all understanding" - Php 4:7
- Jesus offers a life filled with love - cf. Jn 15:9
- Love patterned after the Father's love for the Son - Jn 15:9
- Love that can be fervent, yet pure between brethren - 1 Pe
1:22
- Love that can be extended even toward enemies - Mt 5:43-45
-- The love Jesus offers "passes knowledge" - Ep 3:9
- Jesus offers a life filled with joy - cf. Jn 15:11
- His commandments, His promises, all are designed to impart
joy - Jn 15:11
- A joy that can abound in any circumstance - e.g., Php 2:17-18; 4:4; 1Pe 1:6
-- The joy Jesus offers is "inexpressible" - 1Pe 1:8
-- By offering such peace, love, and joy, perhaps we can
appreciate why Jesus said He offers an "abundant" life - cf. Jn
10:10
[To communicate this response to a materialistic society, Jesus calls
upon His church. While it certainly entails proclaiming the gospel, let
me suggest some additional thoughts about...]
- OUR RESPONSE TO MATERIALISM
- EXEMPLIFY JESUS' RESPONSE AS INDIVIDUALS...
- As individuals we must possess the peace, love, and joy Jesus
offers
- Which comes through heeding His words - Jn 15:10-11
- Which comes through spending time in prayer - Php 4:6-7
-- If we fail to spend the time necessary in such activities,
how convincing can we be that we have a more "abundant" life
to offer?
- As individuals we must not depend on material things for true
happiness
- If poor, learn the secret of contentment - cf. 1Ti 6:6-8;
Php 4:11-13
- If rich, trust not in riches but be quick to help those in
need - cf. 1Ti 6:17-19
-- Being content and willing to share goes a long way toward
demonstrating that Jesus' response to materialism really
means something!
- EXEMPLIFY JESUS' RESPONSE AS A CONGREGATION...
- The value of a congregational demonstration cannot be taken
lightly
- Jesus stressed the value of brotherly love and unity - Jn
13: 35; 17:20-21
- His church illustrated the value of congregational love and
joy - cf. Ac 2:46-47; 6:7 (in light of Ac 6:1-6)
- We should make sure that our fellowship and worship
demonstrates...
- The love we have found in Christ (e.g., by the way we greet
one another)
- The joy of being Christians (e.g., by the way we praise God)
- The peace Jesus made possible (e.g., by the way we work
together)
- We should be careful as a congregation not to fall into a
materialistic trap
- By placing too much concern over such things as:
- The physical facilities in which we meet
- The physical appearances of the members or visitors
- Not that is wrong to have comfortable facilities or to look
nice
- But that should not be our primary concern
- But not to the neglect of truly important matters (like
saving souls)!
- Otherwise we could be guilty of being like the Laodiceans
- Re 3:17
- Who thought they were "rich, wealthy, and have need of
nothing"
- Who were unaware they were "wretched, miserable, poor,
blind, and naked"
CONCLUSION
- The rampant materialism in our society provides us with an
opportunity...
- For materialism leaves one in a state of spiritual malnutrition
- Therefore often ripe for the true feast Jesus has to offer
- What does Jesus offer...?
- Rest for a weary soul - Mt 11:28-30
- Rivers of living water for a thirsty soul - Jn 7:37-39
-- Which He provides through His cleansing blood and life-quickening
Spirit - Ac 2:38-39
- But if those trapped in materialism are going to believe such is
possible...
- We need to make sure that we are offering the "abundant life" as a
viable alternative
- Both individually and as a congregation of God's people!
Are we experiencing the peace that "surpasses all understanding," the
love which "passes knowledge," and the joy that is "inexpressible"?