May 2015: Where our treasure is…?

Have a look at this article from Kevin DeYoung entitled: Money and Possessions in Proverbs.

Scripture

Read the following passage from Matthew 6 and the selection of verses from Proverbs (perhaps read round the table, each taking a proverb and reading it out) – and then discuss the five “Truths Held in Tension” that DeYoung mentions in his article (see below).

Matthew 6:19-24
Proverbs 3:9-10; 6:6-11; 8:10-11; 10:4; 10:15; 11:7; 11:24; 11:28; 13:7; 14:21; 14:31; 15:16; 21:6; 21:17; 22:4; 23:4-5; 28:20; 30:7-9

Discussion

Discuss each of these statements from the perspective of a Christian man seeking to store up treasure in heaven, rather than on earth.

1. "You’ll probably acquire more money if you work hard and are full of wisdom. But if all you care about is getting more money, you are the biggest fool"
   
2. "Money is a blessing from God, but you’ll be more blessed if you give it away"
3. "God gives you money because he is generous, but he is generous with you so that you can be generous with others. And if you are generous with your money, God will likely be more generous with you"
4. "It is wise to save money, but don’t ever think money gives you real security"
5. "Wealth is more desirable than poverty, but wealth is not as good as righteousness, humility, wisdom, good relationships, and the fear of the Lord"