HOW ARE WE TO VIEW POSSESSIONS?

BIBLE READING: Leviticus 25:1-55
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Remember, the land must never be sold on a permanent basis because it really belongs to me. You are only foreigners and tenants living with me. (Leviticus 25:23)

POSSESSIONS ARE ONLY TEMPORARY

The people would one day possess land in Canaan, but in God’s plan, only God’s ownership was absolute. He wanted his people to avoid greed and materialism. If you have the attitude that you are taking care of the Lord’s property, you will make what you have more available to others. This is difficult to do if you have an attitude of ownership. Think of yourself as a manager of all that is under your care, not as an owner.

BIBLE READING: Matthew 6:19-34
KEY BIBLE VERSE: No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Matthew 6:24)

POSSESSIONS CAN UNDERMINE OUR ALLEGIANCE TO GOD

Jesus says we can have only one master. We live in a materialistic society where many people serve money. They spend all their life collecting and storing it-only to die and leave it behind. Their desire for money and what it can buy far outweighs their commitment to God and spiritual matters. Whatever you store up, you will spend much of your time and energy thinking about. Don’t fall into the materialistic trap, because “the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Can you honestly say that God, not money, is your master? One test is to ask which one occupies more of your thoughts, time, and efforts.

POSSESSIONS MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO POSSESS US

Jesus contrasted heavenly values with earthly values when he explained that our first loyalty should be to those things that do not fade, cannot be stolen or used up, and never wear out. We should not be fascinated with our possessions, lest they possess us. This means we may have to do some cutting back if our possessions are becoming too important to us. Jesus is calling for a decision that allows us to live contentedly with whatever we have, because we have chosen what is eternal and lasting.

BIBLE READING: Philippians 4:10-20
KEY BIBLE VERSE: I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. (Philippians 4:12-13)

POSSESSIONS WILL NOT BRING CONTENTMENT

Are you content no matter what circumstances you face? Paul knew how to be content when he had plenty and when he was in need. The secret was drawing on Christ’s power for strength. Do you have great needs, or are you discontented because you don’t have what you want? Learn to rely on God’s promises and Christ’s power to help you be content. If you always want more, ask God to remove that desire and teach you contentment in every circumstance. He will supply all your needs, but in a way that he knows is best for you.

POSSESSIONS CAN NEVER FILL OUR EMPTINESS

Paul was content because he could see life from God’s point of view. He focused on what he was supposed to do, not what he felt he should have. Paul had his priorities straight, and he was grateful for everything God had given him. Paul had detached himself from the nonessentials so that he could concentrate on the eternal. Often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in a person’s life. To what are you drawn when you feel empty inside? How can you find true contentment? The answer lies in your perspective, your priorities, and your source of power.

GOD’S WORD ON POSSESSIONS

Some have great possessions and live in fear of losing them. Others share liberally and joyfully of their possessions. Some, possessing little, are consumed with envy of those who have more-while others voluntarily live with few possessions and do so with joy. Although the Bible contains examples of each of these approaches to material possessions, it does not present any one approach as an absolute standard for all believers. Rather, we are encouraged to take a perspective that allows us to treat our possessions as gifts from God, not to be hoarded, but used for his glory.

ARE POSSESSIONS BLESSINGS OF GOD, OR IS THE POSSESSION OF GREAT MATERIAL WEALTH SINFUL?

• Deuteronomy 28:7-8, 11 . . . The Lord will bless everything you do and will fill your storehouses with grain.  Although we are not promised material wealth, the Lord wants to bless his people with abundance.
• Psalm 49:6-20 . . . No one can ever pay enough to live forever.  Material wealth offers much that is good but cannot redeem the soul.
• Luke 12:13-21 . . . Real life is not measured by how much we own.  A life dedicated to the accumulation of material goods is a life foolishly lived.
• Mark 10:17-27 . . . At this, the man’s face fell, and he went sadly away because he had many possessions.  We must not allow our material possessions to take the place of God.
• Acts 2:42-47 . . . All the believers met together constantly, and shared everything they had.  As believers we must see our possessions as something to be shared in ministry.
• 1 John 3:17 . . . If one of you has money enough to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help-how can God’s love be in that person?  We demonstrate our love for God when we give of our possessions to those in need.

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