Definition and Overview:
Being materialistic refers to the excessive concern with and desire for material possessions and wealth. It is characterized by prioritizing material goods over spiritual, relational, and moral values. In a biblical context, materialism is often seen as a hindrance to spiritual growth and a distraction from one's relationship with God.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 6:19-21 : "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This passage highlights the transient nature of earthly possessions and encourages believers to focus on eternal values.

2. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 : "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." Here, the Apostle Paul warns against the dangers of desiring wealth, emphasizing that the love of money can lead to spiritual downfall.

3. Luke 12:15 : "Then He said to them, 'Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'" Jesus cautions against greed and reminds His followers that true life is not measured by material wealth.

4. Ecclesiastes 5:10 : "He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is futile." This verse from Ecclesiastes reflects on the insatiable nature of materialism and its ultimate futility.

Theological Implications:

Materialism is often seen as a form of idolatry, where material possessions take precedence over God. The Bible consistently teaches that reliance on wealth can lead to a false sense of security and distract from one's dependence on God. The pursuit of material wealth can also lead to ethical compromises and a neglect of spiritual responsibilities.

Practical Considerations:

Believers are encouraged to practice contentment and generosity as antidotes to materialism. Contentment involves recognizing and appreciating what one has, while generosity involves sharing resources with those in need. The Bible encourages believers to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) and to trust in His provision.

Historical Context:

Throughout history, the church has grappled with the challenge of materialism. Early Christians often lived communally, sharing their possessions (Acts 2:44-45). The monastic movements of the Middle Ages emphasized asceticism and the renunciation of worldly goods. In modern times, the prosperity gospel has sparked debate within Christianity, as it often equates material wealth with divine favor, contrary to traditional teachings on materialism.

Conclusion:

While material possessions are not inherently evil, the Bible warns against allowing them to dominate one's life. Believers are called to maintain a proper perspective on wealth, recognizing it as a tool for stewardship rather than an end in itself. By focusing on spiritual growth and eternal values, Christians can resist the pull of materialism and live lives that honor God.1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Topicalbible.org

1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
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Luke 12:15
And he said to them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.
Topicalbible.org

On Sandals and Simplicity
... that a perpetual talking about one's own simplicity leads to being less simple ... High
living will convince us that nothing is more materialistic than to despise a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/x on sandals and simplicity.htm

Concerning that Most Unhappy Time in which He, Being Deceived ...
... I."Concerning that Most Unhappy Time in Which He, Being Deceived, Deceived Others ...
doctrine to have been disclosed to him under their materialistic teaching as ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter i concerning that most unhappy.htm

Doctrine and Discipline of the Church
... His repudiation of this as soon as he got away from Rome began a long controversy,
the champion on the materialistic side being Lanfranc, then a monk of Bee in ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xi doctrine and discipline.htm

The Physician's Calling (Preached at Whitehall for St. George's ...
... The medical man is complained of at times as being too materialistic- -as caring
more for the bodies of his patients than for their souls. ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon ii the physicians calling.htm

The Fallacy of the Young Nation
... That our modern statesmen are materialistic is nothing against their being also
morbid. Seeing angels in a vision may make a man a supernaturalist to excess. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/xviii the fallacy of the.htm

Contemplation
... And in casting away the materialistic details of the conception we begin to enter ...
God is now regarded as a changeless and immaterial Being, possessing all the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolt/dionysius the areopagite/v contemplation.htm

The Conflict.
... of Christianity we must add Condillac, who originated the materialistic philosophy
of ... God being dethroned in France, we should naturally look there for the ...
/.../the conflict.htm

The Domain or Province of Science.
... The modern hypothesis of materialistic unbelievers is that there is but one substance ...
and the "organism is produced by the vital principle?" So, being at the ...
/.../the domain or province of.htm

Going Out and Going In
... Now no materialistic teaching has any right to come in and bar that clear faith ... the
voice which tells me that life can subsist, and that personal being can be ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/going out and going in.htm

The Powers of Darkness
... BEING A RECORD OF SOME OBSERVATIONS IN DEMONOLOGY. THE Chinaman, though perhaps
the most materialistic of Easterners, is no exception to his neighbours in the ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xii the powers of.htm

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