Good At Being Rich | Week 1 | Pastor Ben Pierce
Good At Being Rich: Embracing Generosity and Trusting God
In the first week of the series ‘Good At Being Rich’, Pastor Ben Pierce of Generation Church explores the significance of generosity and the spiritual principles behind managing wealth. This message challenges us to examine our relationship with money and to trust in God’s provision.
Welcome and Church Updates
Welcome to Generation Church! We are thrilled to have you with us this weekend, whether you’re joining us in person or online. It’s a joy to see new faces among our church family, and we want to extend a warm welcome to everyone. Recently, we’ve witnessed a remarkable revival of salvation. In just the past few weeks, we’ve seen nearly 300 decisions for Jesus, with many individuals finding hope and purpose in their lives.
Honouring Veterans and Baby Dedications
This past week, we celebrated Veterans Day, and it’s essential to honor those who have served our country. If you are a veteran, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your service. Additionally, we love dedicating babies to the Lord, a significant milestone in the lives of families. If you missed our last dedication, don’t worry—there will be more opportunities coming soon to ensure every family can participate.
The Church’s Journey: Rise Campaign
In 2017, Generation Church embarked on a transformative spiritual journey called the Rise Campaign. We had outgrown our previous location at that time and were ready to expand our reach. This campaign was not just about physical growth; it was about laying a foundation for the future of our church and community. God impressed upon us the word “rise,” symbolizing our call to step out and shine brightly in our city.
Vision for 2022: Run to Win
As we move forward, God has given us a new word for 2022: “run.” This vision encourages us to take action and strive for excellence in our mission. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, we are reminded that everyone runs in a race, but only one receives the prize. Our goal is to run to win, focusing on the eternal impact of our efforts. We are committed to expanding our outreach and creating opportunities to serve our community effectively.
Introduction to the Series: Good At Being Rich
Today, we kick off a new series titled “Good At Being Rich.” This series will dive into the importance of generosity and the role of wealth in our lives. We often hear the phrase “money can’t buy happiness,” yet many of us struggle with our relationship with money. Throughout this series, we will explore biblical principles that guide us in using our resources wisely and generously.
Understanding Wealth and Perspective
We must recognize that living in America places us in a unique position regarding wealth. According to global standards, most Americans are among the wealthiest individuals in the world. However, our perspective can become skewed by our desires and societal pressures. It’s crucial to understand that prosperity can cloud our judgment, leading us to believe we are not blessed. In reality, we are called to be grateful stewards of what God has entrusted us with.
The Rich Young Ruler: A Lesson from Mark 10
In Mark 10, we find the story of the rich young ruler who approaches Jesus seeking eternal life. Despite his adherence to the commandments, he feels something is missing. Jesus tells him to sell all he has and give to the poor, revealing that his wealth has a hold on his heart. This story illustrates that surrendering our possessions is often the key to true discipleship. We must examine our own lives and identify what we may be holding onto that prevents us from fully following Christ.
Surrendering Wealth to Follow Jesus
Surrendering our wealth is a profound act of faith. It is not merely about giving up material possessions; it is about prioritizing our relationship with Jesus above all else. The rich young ruler’s story illustrates this perfectly. His unwillingness to part with his wealth prevented him from fully embracing the calling Jesus offered. When we hold on tightly to our possessions, we risk missing out on the true blessings that come from following Him wholeheartedly.
To truly follow Jesus, we must be willing to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with Him. This includes our wealth and the security it provides. It’s essential to remember that God does not want us to live in poverty; rather, He desires us to be generous stewards of what He has blessed us with. When we surrender our wealth, we open ourselves to receive blessings far beyond what we could ever imagine.
It Will Work If You Work It
Many of us desire financial blessings, but the key to unlocking those blessings lies in the principles God has set forth. If we are willing to apply these principles diligently, we will see the fruits of our labor. The phrase “it will work if you work it” encapsulates the essence of faith in action. We must commit to living out God’s financial principles in our daily lives.
It’s not just about accumulating wealth; it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s will. This alignment allows us to experience peace, purpose, and fulfillment in every aspect of our lives. When we prioritize our relationship with God over our financial pursuits, we discover that true wealth comes from being in sync with His plan.
The Spiritual Nature of Money Management
Money management is inherently a spiritual issue. The way we handle our finances reflects our relationship with God. In Matthew 6:21, we learn that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. This scripture highlights the spiritual implications of our financial decisions. When we view money through a spiritual lens, we begin to understand that it is not merely a tool for our gain but a means to serve God and others.
Understanding the spiritual aspect of money management helps us overcome the pitfalls of prosperity. We must recognize that wealth can be a double-edged sword; it can lead us to a deeper relationship with God or distract us from Him. By prioritizing our spiritual health, we can manage our finances in a way that honors God and serves our communities.
Overcoming the Pitfalls of Prosperity
Prosperity can often lead to complacency. When we experience financial success, it’s easy to forget the principles that got us there. To overcome this pitfall, we must remain diligent and intentional in our financial stewardship. Jesus warned that it is difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God, not because wealth is inherently evil, but because it can create a false sense of security.
To stay grounded, we need to regularly assess our relationship with money. Are we using our resources to serve others? Are we prioritizing generosity? These questions can help us remain humble and focused on God’s calling. Remember, it’s not about how much we have but how we choose to use what we have for His glory.
Five Principles of Tithing
Tithing is a foundational principle that helps us cultivate a generous heart. Here are five essential principles of tithing:
- Return the Tithe to God: The tithe belongs to God. By returning it, we acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives and finances.
- Tithe to Your Local Church: Your tithe should support the place where you are spiritually fed. This is where you contribute to the overall mission of the church.
- Test God: God invites us to test Him in our tithing. He promises blessings that extend beyond finances, including peace and purpose.
- Give First: The tithe should be the first thing you give. Prioritizing it ensures that God is at the forefront of your financial decisions.
- It’s a Trust Transaction: Tithing is not merely a financial transaction; it’s about trusting God with our resources and allowing Him to bless the rest.
Conclusion: Trusting God’s Principles
In conclusion, trusting God’s principles regarding wealth and generosity is essential for spiritual growth. When we align our financial decisions with His will, we open ourselves to experience His abundant blessings. Remember, it’s about the condition of our hearts and our willingness to surrender our desires to Him.
As we navigate the complexities of wealth and stewardship, let us remain committed to working God’s principles. It will work if you work it, and the rewards will far exceed any temporary sacrifices we make. Trust in God, and allow Him to guide you on this journey of faith and generosity.