How can we ensure our possessions don't hinder our relationship with Christ? Context of Luke 18:22 • “When Jesus heard this, He said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.’ ” (Luke 18:22) • Jesus speaks to a sincere, moral, wealthy ruler whose possessions quietly rule him. • The Lord’s command is both literal for that man and illustrative for every disciple: anything we clutch can keep us from clasping Christ. What Jesus Confronts: The Heart Behind the Holdings • Ownership vs. stewardship: Scripture declares, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). • Competing loves: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). • False security: “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’ ” (Hebrews 13:5). Diagnostic Signs Our Possessions Are Becoming Chains • We resist generosity or delay obedience when prompted to give. • Anxiety rises or joy falls when assets dip. • Purchases crowd out giving; lifestyle inflates as income grows (Luke 12:15). • Time and mental space revolve around managing or expanding wealth more than serving Christ. Practical Steps to Keep Christ First 1. Regularly surrender ownership – Begin each day acknowledging everything belongs to the Lord (1 Chronicles 29:14). 2. Simplify intentionally – Set a lifestyle cap; direct surplus toward kingdom purposes (1 Timothy 6:17-19). 3. Practice percentage-based, priority giving – Decide firstfruits before spending; increase the percentage as God prospers (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). 4. Embrace spontaneous generosity – Keep a “mercy fund” ready for Spirit-prompted needs (Proverbs 19:17). 5. Cultivate contentment – Memorize Philippians 4:11-13; rehearse God’s sufficiency when discontent whispers. 6. Engage accountable community – Share financial goals and giving plans with trusted believers (James 5:16). 7. Periodic liquidation – Evaluate storage spaces, closets, accounts; convert excess into blessing for others (Luke 12:33). Promises Attached to Open-Handed Living • “Treasure in heaven” (Luke 18:22) outlasts earthly markets. • “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). • “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). • Cheerful givers experience “all sufficiency in all things” for “every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). Encouragement from the Early Church • Acts 4:32-35 portrays believers freely sharing, meeting needs, and testifying to great grace. • Their example shows gospel-rooted generosity, not forced equality but Spirit-led love. A Closing Challenge Hold everything loosely so you can hold Christ tightly. Wealth becomes worship when it moves through open hands toward eternal purposes. Open the grip, follow the Savior, and find the freedom and joy He promises. |
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