How can we ensure our trust remains in God, not wealth, as Job did? Job 31:24—A Clear Confession “If I have put my trust in gold or called pure gold my security.” Why Wealth Attracts Our Trust - Promises instant comfort and pleasure - Seems to grant independence from others—and from God - Offers an illusion of future safety - Feeds pride by letting us measure worth in numbers Lessons from Job’s Integrity - Owned vast resources (Job 1:3) yet said, “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away” (Job 1:21) - Refused to charge God with wrong in loss (Job 2:10) - Declared in chapter 31 he would rather lose everything than shift allegiance - Valued righteousness above assets Supporting Scriptures that Echo Job’s Stand - Proverbs 11:28 — trust in riches leads to a fall - Psalm 62:10 — “if riches increase, do not set your heart on them” - Matthew 6:19-21, 24 — treasure in heaven; cannot serve God and money - 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19 — love of money pierced many; hope in God, not wealth - Hebrews 13:5 — be content, for God Himself is our helper Guarding Our Hearts Today 1. Remember Source and Stewardship - Acknowledge daily that everything belongs to God (Psalm 24:1) - View money as a tool, not a trophy 2. Cultivate Contentment - Give thanks for present provision - Meditate on 1 Timothy 6:6 — godliness with contentment is great gain 3. Give Generously - Regular, cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7) loosens money’s grip - Support church, missions, and the needy (Proverbs 19:17) 4. Practice Simplicity - Set spending boundaries; distinguish needs from wants - Periodically fast from non-essential purchases 5. Seek Accountability - Share financial goals with a mature believer - Invite honest questions about spending and motives 6. Pray for Daily Bread - Jesus’ model prayer (Matthew 6:11) keeps dependence fresh 7. Invest in Eternity - Time in Scripture, service, and relationships yields lasting returns (Matthew 6:20) A Tale of Two Men—Job and the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21) - Both had abundance; one praised God, the other praised himself - Job held possessions loosely; the fool hoarded and faced sudden judgment - Lesson: life does not consist in an abundance of possessions Living with Open Hands Job shows the safest place for trust is God’s unchanging character, not fluctuating balances. As we steward gratefully, give generously, and anchor hope in Christ, we echo Job’s confession and prove our security rests in the Lord alone. |
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