Big Idea: Don’t trust what wealth can give. Rather, trust the God who graciously gives.

Opening considerations:

1. Wealth is a gift; poverty is not a virtue.
2. Financial success is no indicator of God’s blessing on your life.
3. Money is not the root of all evil…but the love of it is.
4. Wealth does exert a pull on us. It beckons us to trust it.

Reasons not to put your hope in wealth:

1. Wealth can be taken by those who have power (5:8-9).
2. Wealth cannot satisfy the desires of those who love it (5:10).
3. Wealth fails to allow its fullness to be experienced (5:11).
4. Wealth does not guarantee peace or rest.
5. Wealth brings with it uncertainty and the threat of loss (5:13-15)
6. Wealth cannot cross the threshold of death (5:16)
7. Wealth can “bless” with anger and distress (5:17)

Trust the God who graciously gives:

1. God’s love in Jesus Christ is a safe haven that can never be taken.
2. Jesus can satisfy the desires of those who love Him.
3. Jesus offers fullness of joy.
4. Jesus offers rest for souls.
5. Jesus’ love is certain.
6. Jesus’ death and resurrection is the grounds for hope after death.
7. In Christ are the full blessings of life to come.