1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:06,540 Well, please open your Bible at the book of Proverbs. This is the last in our series wisdom for life 2 00:00:06,540 –> 00:00:12,520 We’ve been looking at the main themes of the book of Proverbs what God has to say about fear 3 00:00:12,960 –> 00:00:17,660 about friends and about family about our words and about our work and 4 00:00:17,920 –> 00:00:25,660 Today one of the major themes of the book of Proverbs what God has to say about wealth 5 00:00:25,920 –> 00:00:32,380 I want to make four observations today from the book of Proverbs about money and 6 00:00:33,060 –> 00:00:38,660 They boil down to four words. Here’s everything you need to know about money from the book of Proverbs in four words 7 00:00:39,340 –> 00:00:45,119 Blessing danger priority and opportunity. That’s the range of what is covered in this 8 00:00:46,099 –> 00:00:50,040 marvelous book of scripture on this very important and very 9 00:00:50,360 –> 00:00:52,200 practical subject 10 00:00:52,200 –> 00:00:57,540 So let’s jump into it together and we begin first with blessing the book of Proverbs 11 00:00:57,880 –> 00:01:02,759 Celebrates the blessing of money as a good and gracious gift 12 00:01:03,259 –> 00:01:04,739 from the Lord 13 00:01:04,739 –> 00:01:08,220 Proverbs chapter 10 in verse 22 the blessing of 14 00:01:08,779 –> 00:01:11,279 the Lord makes rich and 15 00:01:11,959 –> 00:01:14,080 He adds no sorrow 16 00:01:14,779 –> 00:01:16,379 with it 17 00:01:16,379 –> 00:01:18,980 Now alongside that statement in the book of Proverbs 18 00:01:19,000 –> 00:01:21,919 we need to put another one that is very similar and 19 00:01:22,400 –> 00:01:29,059 Stands alongside and that is Proverbs chapter 10 and verse 4 that says the slack hand causes poverty 20 00:01:29,720 –> 00:01:33,360 But the hand of the diligent makes 21 00:01:34,040 –> 00:01:36,540 Rich now put these two together 22 00:01:37,239 –> 00:01:43,500 Solomon is affirming the importance and the value and the reward of hard work 23 00:01:43,519 –> 00:01:48,360 And so on the one hand he says it is the blessing of the Lord that makes rich 24 00:01:48,440 –> 00:01:53,860 On the other he says it is the hand of the diligent that makes rich 25 00:01:53,860 –> 00:02:00,120 And this reminds us of a very important principle that runs throughout the Bible 26 00:02:00,120 –> 00:02:03,120 and it’s this that God works through 27 00:02:03,879 –> 00:02:05,879 means and 28 00:02:06,120 –> 00:02:10,720 The normal means by which he prospers us is 29 00:02:11,199 –> 00:02:14,880 through the diligent work of our own hands 30 00:02:16,139 –> 00:02:18,139 but while our own 31 00:02:18,479 –> 00:02:22,160 Work may be the means by which blessing has come 32 00:02:22,759 –> 00:02:26,160 Proverbs is reminding us that God is the source of that 33 00:02:26,820 –> 00:02:30,880 blessing that comes through the work of our hands the 34 00:02:30,979 –> 00:02:37,500 Blessing of the Lord makes rich and you find this how God works through means all over the Bible for example psalm 35 00:02:38,300 –> 00:02:39,979 127 36 00:02:39,979 –> 00:02:42,820 Unless the Lord builds the house 37 00:02:43,880 –> 00:02:46,080 The laborers are working in vain 38 00:02:46,619 –> 00:02:51,899 So who’s doing the building? Well, the laborers are building the house. Yes, but it’s the Lord who builds the house 39 00:02:51,899 –> 00:02:58,020 he works through means and he works through the means of these laborers, but it is God who is 40 00:02:58,660 –> 00:03:00,660 building the house 41 00:03:00,960 –> 00:03:04,380 now notice the wonderful statement that’s made here the 42 00:03:04,860 –> 00:03:12,259 blessing of the Lord makes rich all that we have is a blessing from the Lord a gift from his hand and 43 00:03:12,960 –> 00:03:17,179 He adds no sorrow to it 44 00:03:18,800 –> 00:03:24,320 There’s a great tragedy when someone has a great deal of money and is not able to enjoy it 45 00:03:26,119 –> 00:03:28,619 sorrow came with it and 46 00:03:29,960 –> 00:03:36,600 it may have come because of guilt as they look back on how they got it or 47 00:03:36,800 –> 00:03:43,759 The sorrow may come because of fear that they have about how and where and when they might lose it 48 00:03:45,419 –> 00:03:47,419 But when you know 49 00:03:48,300 –> 00:03:53,919 That what you have really has come as a blessing from God through the work of your hands 50 00:03:54,960 –> 00:03:59,000 then you have the freedom and the peace to enjoy it and 51 00:04:00,100 –> 00:04:02,100 No, sorrow is 52 00:04:03,080 –> 00:04:04,500 added and 53 00:04:04,500 –> 00:04:07,759 This is a major theme in the book of Proverbs that 54 00:04:08,279 –> 00:04:12,339 proverbs celebrates the blessing of money as a good and 55 00:04:12,839 –> 00:04:14,399 gracious gift 56 00:04:14,399 –> 00:04:20,799 From the Lord, so all you have give thanks to God for it because every good gift comes from his hand 57 00:04:20,820 –> 00:04:24,980 That’s the first thing blessing never forget. This is a blessing from 58 00:04:25,779 –> 00:04:27,779 the Lord second 59 00:04:28,299 –> 00:04:30,299 Danger danger 60 00:04:30,619 –> 00:04:32,619 Now if money is a blessing 61 00:04:32,980 –> 00:04:40,059 how can it also be a danger and the answer to that as we all know is that money is a 62 00:04:40,140 –> 00:04:45,160 Power it lures us almost as a rival to God himself 63 00:04:46,459 –> 00:04:53,619 remember Jesus said no man can serve two masters you cannot serve God and 64 00:04:54,260 –> 00:04:58,679 Money in other words Jesus makes it very clear that money is a master 65 00:04:58,679 –> 00:05:02,640 And it will seek to gain control of your life 66 00:05:03,119 –> 00:05:07,220 It will lure you by offering great benefits 67 00:05:07,660 –> 00:05:12,019 but then it will hide from you its increasing demands and 68 00:05:13,000 –> 00:05:15,899 Money is a marvelous servant 69 00:05:16,739 –> 00:05:18,739 But it is a terrible 70 00:05:19,459 –> 00:05:20,559 master 71 00:05:20,559 –> 00:05:22,619 By the way, here’s an encouragement 72 00:05:23,359 –> 00:05:25,359 Never envy 73 00:05:25,820 –> 00:05:28,859 Someone who has more money than you do never 74 00:05:30,059 –> 00:05:31,859 Never envy 75 00:05:31,859 –> 00:05:37,779 Someone who has more money than you do. Here’s why because that person 76 00:05:38,459 –> 00:05:43,720 Has more responsibilities than you do in this regard that person has more 77 00:05:44,279 –> 00:05:50,220 temptations than you do in this regard and that person has more to account for to God for 78 00:05:50,480 –> 00:05:55,000 Than you do in this regard so never envy someone 79 00:05:55,579 –> 00:05:59,559 who has more money than you do because Jesus said 80 00:05:59,820 –> 00:06:04,299 Everyone to whom much was given off him much will be required 81 00:06:04,299 –> 00:06:08,220 there’s a lot that is required with all that we are given and 82 00:06:08,299 –> 00:06:12,739 trusted from the hand of the Lord and that is why proverb said better a little 83 00:06:13,220 –> 00:06:17,359 With the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it 84 00:06:18,119 –> 00:06:20,440 We must all give an account 85 00:06:21,440 –> 00:06:28,519 For what we did with what God has trusted to us and the more that you have there for the greater your 86 00:06:29,119 –> 00:06:36,079 Responsibility in that regard and therefore every one of us whatever we have been trusted with whether it be much or whether it be 87 00:06:36,079 –> 00:06:42,559 Little we need to be very familiar with the dangers that come with money the dangers money brings 88 00:06:43,399 –> 00:06:46,119 Now what dangers does money bring? 89 00:06:46,799 –> 00:06:54,339 Let me point out three from the book of Proverbs. The first is that money can ruin you it are two proverbs on that 90 00:06:55,040 –> 00:06:57,519 first Proverbs 20 in verse 21 an 91 00:06:58,619 –> 00:06:59,760 inheritance 92 00:06:59,760 –> 00:07:01,760 gained hastily 93 00:07:02,179 –> 00:07:04,179 in the beginning 94 00:07:04,519 –> 00:07:06,720 Will not be blessed in the end 95 00:07:07,619 –> 00:07:12,420 Or chapter 13 and verse 11 similar wealth gained hastily 96 00:07:13,739 –> 00:07:15,739 will dwindle 97 00:07:15,839 –> 00:07:18,640 But whoever gathers little by little 98 00:07:20,119 –> 00:07:23,799 Will increase it now. You see that these two Proverbs are 99 00:07:24,559 –> 00:07:28,640 Warning us particularly about the dangers that come especially 100 00:07:29,359 –> 00:07:32,679 When money is gained quickly gained 101 00:07:33,799 –> 00:07:35,799 hastily I 102 00:07:36,480 –> 00:07:39,040 remember still with great sadness a 103 00:07:40,000 –> 00:07:44,500 Man in the church that I pastored in London before we came here 104 00:07:45,640 –> 00:07:48,119 Who told me with great joy one day? 105 00:07:49,359 –> 00:07:57,200 that he had been headhunted for a prestigious job in the City of London and he had quadrupled his salary overnight and 106 00:07:57,579 –> 00:07:59,500 I rejoiced with him 107 00:07:59,500 –> 00:08:02,399 marvelous marvelous what a blessing and 108 00:08:03,260 –> 00:08:05,260 And within a year 109 00:08:06,480 –> 00:08:10,600 He had left his wife, and he had abandoned the faith that he had professed 110 00:08:13,059 –> 00:08:15,059 Very simply as I saw it 111 00:08:15,839 –> 00:08:21,859 The money went to his head and it ruined him within a year 112 00:08:23,940 –> 00:08:30,540 Now parents who have money should observe the teaching of these important proverbs and 113 00:08:31,059 –> 00:08:33,059 Inheritance gained hastily 114 00:08:34,200 –> 00:08:36,539 In the beginning will not be blessed in the end 115 00:08:39,380 –> 00:08:47,340 What would be the effects on your children of landing suddenly a large amount of money as an inheritance on them 116 00:08:49,280 –> 00:08:54,960 Money is a blessing, but it also brings a huge responsibility before God and 117 00:08:55,979 –> 00:08:57,979 Those who are wise 118 00:08:58,400 –> 00:09:02,659 Will think about the capacity of a person to handle 119 00:09:03,559 –> 00:09:05,020 the 120 00:09:05,020 –> 00:09:07,020 responsibility that comes with it 121 00:09:08,659 –> 00:09:10,659 Wealth gained 122 00:09:10,840 –> 00:09:16,380 hastily twice Proverbs warns us about this how else does that happen? Well, it can happen through an inheritance 123 00:09:17,299 –> 00:09:19,299 It can happen. Of course 124 00:09:19,320 –> 00:09:25,880 Well, this is what the lotteries thrive on, isn’t it? I mean you drive down the the interstate you see these 125 00:09:26,619 –> 00:09:28,619 flashing billboards with 126 00:09:29,119 –> 00:09:31,119 multiple millions and 127 00:09:32,119 –> 00:09:36,200 When it is one what will happen it will drop a massive 128 00:09:36,840 –> 00:09:38,580 responsibility on 129 00:09:38,580 –> 00:09:42,320 Someone who may not be able to handle it. Well at all and 130 00:09:43,619 –> 00:09:49,599 The same of course applies to another way in which in our culture people gain fabulous wealth 131 00:09:49,979 –> 00:09:52,460 hastily and that is through lawsuits and 132 00:09:53,159 –> 00:09:54,400 And 133 00:09:54,400 –> 00:09:55,799 instead 134 00:09:55,799 –> 00:10:02,359 Proverbs commends to us something different the great value of money. That is saved 135 00:10:03,719 –> 00:10:05,719 little by little 136 00:10:06,140 –> 00:10:12,940 little by a little wealth gained hastily will dwindle but whoever gathers little by little will 137 00:10:13,520 –> 00:10:15,359 increase it so 138 00:10:15,359 –> 00:10:17,400 begin to save and 139 00:10:18,559 –> 00:10:20,859 As the money that you save grows 140 00:10:21,700 –> 00:10:25,599 Your wisdom to handle it will grow 141 00:10:26,500 –> 00:10:28,260 alongside 142 00:10:28,260 –> 00:10:34,200 So that’s the first warning that money can ruin you. We need to take that seriously and especially if it comes hastily 143 00:10:35,440 –> 00:10:38,140 Second money can’t save you 144 00:10:38,659 –> 00:10:43,859 Proverbs 11 and verse 4 riches do not profit in the day of Wrath 145 00:10:44,619 –> 00:10:46,859 but righteousness delivers from 146 00:10:47,900 –> 00:10:48,940 death 147 00:10:48,960 –> 00:10:54,859 Very simply the principle here is that money makes us more comfortable in this world 148 00:10:54,859 –> 00:10:58,099 And because it makes us more comfortable in this world 149 00:10:58,099 –> 00:11:03,500 They’re four distracts us from the plain reality that none of us are going to be here for very long 150 00:11:03,940 –> 00:11:10,940 it is appointed to man once to die and after that comes the judgment and 151 00:11:11,780 –> 00:11:14,140 So Jesus said what will it profit a man? 152 00:11:14,900 –> 00:11:17,320 if he gains the whole world and 153 00:11:18,039 –> 00:11:21,119 Then loses his own soul 154 00:11:22,200 –> 00:11:26,599 And you remember that Jesus told a story about a rich man 155 00:11:26,599 –> 00:11:30,760 He was already rich and then he got a bumper harvest. There’s going to be even richer and 156 00:11:31,179 –> 00:11:35,599 He said what shall I do? I don’t have a place to store my crops. I’ll tear down my barns 157 00:11:35,599 –> 00:11:40,080 I will make bigger ones and I will say to my soul soul you have ample goods 158 00:11:40,340 –> 00:11:44,039 Laid up for many years, wouldn’t that be wonderful by the way? 159 00:11:44,760 –> 00:11:48,280 To have ample goods for many years 160 00:11:50,320 –> 00:11:53,539 But God said to him you fool 161 00:11:55,359 –> 00:11:57,359 This night 162 00:11:58,219 –> 00:12:00,799 Your soul will be required of you 163 00:12:02,599 –> 00:12:07,159 You see this man had money to enjoy for many years 164 00:12:07,940 –> 00:12:10,059 But he did not have many years 165 00:12:10,919 –> 00:12:12,919 To enjoy his money 166 00:12:13,739 –> 00:12:17,200 So this is the thing money seems so solid 167 00:12:18,260 –> 00:12:20,260 It seems so real 168 00:12:21,320 –> 00:12:25,979 Your folder with your investment reports. This is real and 169 00:12:28,340 –> 00:12:35,659 Eternity all the Pastor talks about that and it seems so vague and it seems so distant 170 00:12:38,179 –> 00:12:42,340 But actually the reality is exactly the opposite way around 171 00:12:43,760 –> 00:12:45,280 So 172 00:12:45,280 –> 00:12:51,239 Proverbs says chapter 23 verses four and five do not toil to acquire wealth. Don’t make that your goal in life 173 00:12:52,979 –> 00:12:57,520 Be discerning enough to desist when your eyes light on it 174 00:12:57,520 –> 00:13:01,460 That’s in other words when that’s the thing that you go after it is gone 175 00:13:02,679 –> 00:13:05,559 For suddenly it sprouts wings 176 00:13:07,820 –> 00:13:09,820 Flying like an eagle 177 00:13:10,760 –> 00:13:12,760 toward heaven 178 00:13:12,919 –> 00:13:17,239 So Proverbs is saying to us remember this. It’s actually money that is fleeting 179 00:13:18,179 –> 00:13:20,179 That’s the thing that is passing away 180 00:13:21,440 –> 00:13:27,780 Because one of these two things is absolutely certain either you will be taken from your money or your money will be taken from you 181 00:13:28,760 –> 00:13:29,780 so 182 00:13:29,780 –> 00:13:33,140 Setting your heart on making money is simply the wrong goal 183 00:13:33,140 –> 00:13:38,239 The only things that are solid and real and lasting in this world are the things that are unseen 184 00:13:38,239 –> 00:13:40,239 So 185 00:13:40,619 –> 00:13:44,280 Set your heart on things above where Jesus Christ is 186 00:13:45,280 –> 00:13:48,299 Seated because riches do not profit in the day of wrath 187 00:13:49,159 –> 00:13:54,500 But righteousness, that’s what delivers from death so going after 188 00:13:55,200 –> 00:13:57,280 righteousness, that is far wiser 189 00:13:58,479 –> 00:14:00,479 Than going after 190 00:14:01,440 –> 00:14:02,780 Riches 191 00:14:02,780 –> 00:14:06,179 Go for righteousness, not riches verse 28 192 00:14:06,179 –> 00:14:11,080 That was read to us whoever trusts in his riches will fall but the righteous will flourish 193 00:14:11,640 –> 00:14:13,640 like a green 194 00:14:14,020 –> 00:14:15,580 leaf 195 00:14:15,580 –> 00:14:18,119 So we’re on the dangers money is a great blessing 196 00:14:19,039 –> 00:14:22,280 Gift from the Lord, but it brings with it certain inherent dangers 197 00:14:23,520 –> 00:14:27,000 the danger that it can ruin you especially if it comes quickly the 198 00:14:27,799 –> 00:14:34,479 Reality that it cannot save you and then here’s the third thing that money has this inherent danger that it will tempt you 199 00:14:34,799 –> 00:14:36,799 it will tempt you and 200 00:14:37,299 –> 00:14:44,340 Proverbs identifies for particular ways in which money will tempt you the first is it will tempt you to control 201 00:14:44,760 –> 00:14:48,440 This feeling that if you have money you can use it as a means of control 202 00:14:50,400 –> 00:14:52,760 Look at Proverbs 11 in verse 26 203 00:14:53,559 –> 00:14:55,820 the people curse him 204 00:14:56,539 –> 00:14:58,539 Who holds back grain? 205 00:14:59,799 –> 00:15:03,640 But a blessing is on the head of him 206 00:15:04,580 –> 00:15:06,580 Who sells it? 207 00:15:06,859 –> 00:15:12,619 Now what’s happening here is very simple. There are people a community that needs food and 208 00:15:13,380 –> 00:15:16,239 there is a merchant who has grain 209 00:15:17,380 –> 00:15:20,599 God has blessed this farmer with a 210 00:15:21,700 –> 00:15:23,700 good crop 211 00:15:23,700 –> 00:15:26,080 But instead of bringing it to the market 212 00:15:26,080 –> 00:15:32,619 he holds it back and the reason that he holds it back is in order to drive up the price and 213 00:15:34,320 –> 00:15:40,000 The people can’t make himself. Of course. There’s no law that can compel a man to sell what he owns and 214 00:15:40,820 –> 00:15:47,640 so the people are helpless to get this grain that is there onto the market so that they can be fed and 215 00:15:48,640 –> 00:15:50,799 Because the man’s motive is pure selfishness 216 00:15:50,840 –> 00:15:57,659 he’s holding it back to drive up the price that people curse him, they curse him, but a 217 00:15:59,539 –> 00:16:02,799 blessing is on the head of him who sells it 218 00:16:03,979 –> 00:16:07,799 So here’s another farmer, and he also has a bumper crop 219 00:16:09,679 –> 00:16:15,719 And he says to himself, you know if I held this back off the market I could get more in the longer run for it 220 00:16:15,719 –> 00:16:17,440 but 221 00:16:17,440 –> 00:16:20,559 There’s a community that really needs grain right now 222 00:16:21,200 –> 00:16:23,200 So I will sell it 223 00:16:24,099 –> 00:16:26,640 He figures that into his calculation 224 00:16:28,200 –> 00:16:29,640 Charles Bridges 225 00:16:29,640 –> 00:16:32,440 Makes this comment to him that 226 00:16:33,080 –> 00:16:35,080 subordinates his own interest 227 00:16:35,559 –> 00:16:37,559 to the public good 228 00:16:38,320 –> 00:16:40,799 Blessings will be upon his head and 229 00:16:41,780 –> 00:16:46,440 Remember the cursing came from the people who curse the one who withheld 230 00:16:46,840 –> 00:16:47,940 but 231 00:16:47,940 –> 00:16:51,979 here are the blessing is a blessing that comes from God Himself a 232 00:16:52,479 –> 00:16:58,799 Blessing will be on the head of him who sells it now you see what this is saying, and it’s very important and practical 233 00:16:59,919 –> 00:17:01,919 to only consider 234 00:17:02,960 –> 00:17:10,640 Your own bottom line and not to give weight for the needs and the good of others 235 00:17:12,119 –> 00:17:14,119 That is to be cursed 236 00:17:14,839 –> 00:17:22,199 But to subordinate your own interests to consider also the good of others that will be 237 00:17:23,119 –> 00:17:24,319 blessed 238 00:17:24,319 –> 00:17:31,500 Or as our Lord Jesus put it in the Sermon of on the mountain you do to others as you would have them do 239 00:17:32,199 –> 00:17:33,800 to you 240 00:17:33,800 –> 00:17:37,280 And that’s the first temptation. It’s in regards to control 241 00:17:38,040 –> 00:17:40,859 The second of course is the temptation to cheat 242 00:17:41,420 –> 00:17:43,420 Proverbs 20 and verse 23 243 00:17:43,920 –> 00:17:48,319 unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord and 244 00:17:48,739 –> 00:17:51,920 False scales are not good 245 00:17:52,760 –> 00:17:53,640 Now here 246 00:17:53,640 –> 00:18:01,660 we’re in the market place and a customer comes and wants to buy let’s say 10 pounds of Grain and 247 00:18:02,280 –> 00:18:09,439 So the merchant pours this grain into a bucket. That’s on one side of the scales and on the other side of the scales 248 00:18:09,500 –> 00:18:11,500 he places a weight and 249 00:18:12,000 –> 00:18:15,640 On the weight. There’s a marking that says ten pounds 250 00:18:16,780 –> 00:18:20,479 But it’s not ten pounds. It’s actually eight pounds and 251 00:18:21,060 –> 00:18:26,219 so when the scales balance the customer gets short 252 00:18:27,119 –> 00:18:28,599 changed and 253 00:18:28,599 –> 00:18:32,180 Proverbs says that unequal weights. That’s what’s being described here 254 00:18:33,040 –> 00:18:35,260 They are an abomination 255 00:18:35,880 –> 00:18:37,719 strong word 256 00:18:37,760 –> 00:18:39,599 to the Lord 257 00:18:39,599 –> 00:18:46,699 Now, of course there are so many ways in which we are under pressure in this regard in business today 258 00:18:46,719 –> 00:18:47,680 You know 259 00:18:47,680 –> 00:18:54,979 What’s hidden in the small print the added costs that are not mentioned in the sale and so forth and so on 260 00:18:55,260 –> 00:18:57,260 Money will tempt you to cheat 261 00:18:58,119 –> 00:19:04,420 and this would be a very good conversation for us in the life groups this week about the particular ways in which that 262 00:19:04,739 –> 00:19:10,079 Pressure is experienced in our working lives. It comes with the pressure 263 00:19:10,780 –> 00:19:12,780 that is upon us in 264 00:19:12,900 –> 00:19:17,939 business and then thirdly money may tempt you to credit yourself a 265 00:19:18,339 –> 00:19:21,500 Rich man is wise in his own eyes 266 00:19:22,459 –> 00:19:27,819 But a poor man who has understanding will find him out 267 00:19:29,439 –> 00:19:32,380 Now notice that proverb suggests 268 00:19:33,160 –> 00:19:36,540 That being wise in your own eyes is 269 00:19:37,380 –> 00:19:42,439 A temptation that particularly comes to who answer to a rich man 270 00:19:44,359 –> 00:19:47,099 This is a temptation that comes with any success 271 00:19:48,020 –> 00:19:54,280 With any kind of success the natural temptation that comes in its wake is that you credit that success to yourself 272 00:19:55,040 –> 00:19:56,560 and 273 00:19:56,619 –> 00:20:03,579 So you become overconfident and so you lose the ability to listen meaningfully to others 274 00:20:03,800 –> 00:20:06,800 I know I can do it. I’ve proved it 275 00:20:08,680 –> 00:20:12,260 And so the Lord says when God’s people come into 276 00:20:13,540 –> 00:20:15,540 the Promised Land 277 00:20:15,780 –> 00:20:20,060 Beware because there they’re going to prosper but where when you do 278 00:20:20,900 –> 00:20:24,699 lest you say in your heart my power and 279 00:20:25,280 –> 00:20:28,839 The might of my hand have gotten me this wealth 280 00:20:29,880 –> 00:20:36,040 You shall remember that the Lord the Lord your God for it is he who gives you the power 281 00:20:37,400 –> 00:20:39,400 to get the wealth 282 00:20:40,380 –> 00:20:46,520 So the temptation to credit yourself and then fourthly and this is surely the most dangerous of all 283 00:20:47,459 –> 00:20:53,819 Money may tempt you to deny the Lord and we have this in Proverbs chapter 13 verses 8 and 9 284 00:20:54,099 –> 00:20:56,540 Give me neither of poverty nor riches 285 00:20:57,579 –> 00:21:00,060 Feed me with the food that is needful for me 286 00:21:01,020 –> 00:21:04,839 Lest I be full and what deny you and 287 00:21:05,619 –> 00:21:12,180 say who is the Lord or Lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of 288 00:21:12,819 –> 00:21:14,300 my God 289 00:21:14,300 –> 00:21:19,540 Now this is the only prayer in the book of Proverbs, and it is a prayer of wisdom 290 00:21:20,260 –> 00:21:21,760 Lord I 291 00:21:21,760 –> 00:21:23,760 Don’t want to be poor 292 00:21:24,359 –> 00:21:26,359 And I don’t want to be rich 293 00:21:26,880 –> 00:21:29,199 All I want is to have 294 00:21:29,819 –> 00:21:35,959 what I need and notice why because if I’m poor I may be tempted to steal and 295 00:21:36,479 –> 00:21:38,479 If I prosper 296 00:21:38,619 –> 00:21:40,619 What might I be tempted to do? 297 00:21:41,479 –> 00:21:45,079 Well lest I be full and deny you and 298 00:21:46,219 –> 00:21:48,260 Say who is the Lord? 299 00:21:48,260 –> 00:21:56,020 lest I get to the place where I am tempted to say I really don’t need God anymore, and who is he anyway? 300 00:21:57,339 –> 00:22:03,880 Well, you see that is a distinctive temptation that success will bring to you 301 00:22:05,560 –> 00:22:07,400 So money 302 00:22:07,400 –> 00:22:11,060 Proverbs teaches us is a great blessing from God 303 00:22:11,680 –> 00:22:15,699 We should be thankful for it every good gift comes from his hand 304 00:22:16,540 –> 00:22:19,719 But it brings with it certain inherent 305 00:22:20,540 –> 00:22:25,359 dangers and these dangers are that money can ruin you especially if it comes quickly 306 00:22:25,959 –> 00:22:28,719 But it can’t save you and it does have the tendency 307 00:22:28,760 –> 00:22:32,959 To distract you from the reality that you really need to be concerned about 308 00:22:33,060 –> 00:22:40,199 Which is how are you going to be righteous on the last day when you stand before the Lord, and it may tempt you 309 00:22:40,680 –> 00:22:46,520 May tempt you to control it may tempt you to cheat it may tempt you to credit yourself 310 00:22:46,540 –> 00:22:51,020 And it may even tempt you to deny the Lord and feel that you no longer really need him 311 00:22:51,859 –> 00:22:53,859 That’s the power of money 312 00:22:55,339 –> 00:22:59,040 Now that takes us to the third thing because the question now then is 313 00:22:59,420 –> 00:23:04,000 All right. Money is a master and it brings temptations as well as blessing 314 00:23:04,800 –> 00:23:11,000 How can I master my money rather than have my money Master Me and 315 00:23:11,979 –> 00:23:14,400 The key to that lies in our third word 316 00:23:15,040 –> 00:23:17,040 Which is priority 317 00:23:17,439 –> 00:23:18,500 priority 318 00:23:18,500 –> 00:23:20,500 Proverbs chapter 3 319 00:23:20,760 –> 00:23:23,920 Honor the Lord with your wealth and 320 00:23:25,180 –> 00:23:28,420 With the first fruits of all your produce 321 00:23:29,619 –> 00:23:32,560 then your barns will be filled with plenty and 322 00:23:33,160 –> 00:23:35,959 Your vats will be bursting 323 00:23:36,979 –> 00:23:38,739 with wine 324 00:23:38,739 –> 00:23:40,739 honor the Lord 325 00:23:41,300 –> 00:23:45,979 now the word honor very simply means give weight to 326 00:23:46,959 –> 00:23:52,800 so give weight to God in regards to your money and 327 00:23:53,640 –> 00:23:57,640 The way that you give weight to God in regards to your money 328 00:23:57,640 –> 00:23:59,719 Is that you take a certain portion of? 329 00:23:59,800 –> 00:24:01,640 All that God has given to you 330 00:24:01,640 –> 00:24:04,760 And you set it aside, and you give it back to him 331 00:24:05,959 –> 00:24:11,359 what should we put aside the answer here is the first fruit of 332 00:24:12,119 –> 00:24:14,560 all your produce 333 00:24:15,780 –> 00:24:19,640 first fruits by definition are the first part of 334 00:24:20,079 –> 00:24:26,000 All that comes to you the first fruits of all your 335 00:24:26,719 –> 00:24:28,719 produce and 336 00:24:28,920 –> 00:24:35,640 God is honored when what we set aside for him is our first commitment 337 00:24:36,540 –> 00:24:38,540 not our last 338 00:24:39,119 –> 00:24:40,099 where 339 00:24:40,099 –> 00:24:46,880 When what we give is taken not from what’s left when we’ve dealt with everything else that we’ve given a higher 340 00:24:47,040 –> 00:24:48,520 importance to 341 00:24:48,520 –> 00:24:51,920 But when what we give to God and what we set aside for? 342 00:24:52,239 –> 00:24:53,560 him comes first 343 00:24:53,560 –> 00:25:00,719 We thereby honor him we say Lord you were first in regards to all that you have given to me in other words 344 00:25:00,719 –> 00:25:02,719 What we give to him is taken of 345 00:25:03,359 –> 00:25:05,359 the top 346 00:25:05,920 –> 00:25:08,579 When our family came to this country 347 00:25:10,699 –> 00:25:17,040 Saying goodbye to parents and both sides of the family was one of the hardest things we have ever done in our lives 348 00:25:18,140 –> 00:25:19,400 and 349 00:25:19,400 –> 00:25:21,400 we made a commitment and 350 00:25:21,739 –> 00:25:25,959 And that commitment was that we would go back each year 351 00:25:26,979 –> 00:25:28,979 so that our boys 352 00:25:29,239 –> 00:25:33,780 would be able to enjoy their grandparents the cousins and so forth and 353 00:25:34,439 –> 00:25:36,439 Their grandparents would be able 354 00:25:37,040 –> 00:25:39,040 to enjoy them 355 00:25:40,280 –> 00:25:45,180 So from the moment we landed in this country we had two financial commitments before we even began 356 00:25:46,400 –> 00:25:47,739 number one 357 00:25:47,739 –> 00:25:50,359 What we give to God which was first 358 00:25:51,160 –> 00:25:55,140 a number two four plane tickets to Britain each year 359 00:25:55,839 –> 00:25:58,780 We how much is that going to cost us? We’ve got to divide that by 12 360 00:25:58,800 –> 00:26:01,000 We’ve got to put that aside so that we have enough money 361 00:26:01,000 –> 00:26:03,540 We’re not worrying about whether we can do we made a commitment to do it 362 00:26:03,540 –> 00:26:04,479 We just have to do that 363 00:26:04,479 –> 00:26:09,959 So here are two commitments that are taken off the top before we began then there was a small matter of a mortgage 364 00:26:12,479 –> 00:26:14,479 Then 365 00:26:14,800 –> 00:26:17,920 Someone said to me your boys are 366 00:26:18,660 –> 00:26:20,660 Are 10 and 8 years old 367 00:26:22,640 –> 00:26:26,199 Now that you come to this country you really need to start thinking about college 368 00:26:27,000 –> 00:26:30,119 To which I said as a newly arrived immigrant. Oh 369 00:26:30,800 –> 00:26:33,160 How much is that likely to cost? Oh? 370 00:26:34,800 –> 00:26:38,739 Boy that quickly became item number four 371 00:26:40,880 –> 00:26:45,680 But you see the principle the principle of priority is 372 00:26:46,280 –> 00:26:47,520 it’s 373 00:26:47,520 –> 00:26:49,339 profoundly helpful 374 00:26:49,339 –> 00:26:50,800 to settle 375 00:26:50,800 –> 00:26:56,079 What you give weight to and the order in which you give weight to it? 376 00:26:56,979 –> 00:26:58,579 and 377 00:26:58,579 –> 00:27:01,119 You honor the Lord where you say Lord 378 00:27:01,719 –> 00:27:06,339 You’re first in my life, and that means your first in regards to everything that you gave to me 379 00:27:07,000 –> 00:27:09,000 to Stuart 380 00:27:09,979 –> 00:27:17,219 For some years the amount that we set aside for the Lord as the first piece the first cut as it were 381 00:27:17,479 –> 00:27:21,920 Was a portion of the paycheck that we received and then it dawned on me 382 00:27:22,439 –> 00:27:26,020 I’m saying that the Lord’s first but actually the government’s first 383 00:27:26,959 –> 00:27:29,000 they’re taking their cut off first 384 00:27:29,979 –> 00:27:34,859 Then like the feeling of that giving God a portion of what’s left after the government have had at it 385 00:27:35,839 –> 00:27:40,000 so we decided to put the Lord before the government had just felt right to me and 386 00:27:40,739 –> 00:27:42,739 before the other deductions 387 00:27:42,760 –> 00:27:44,339 as well 388 00:27:44,339 –> 00:27:46,339 now many of you 389 00:27:46,500 –> 00:27:51,339 have been doing what I’m describing here for many many years and you 390 00:27:51,819 –> 00:27:56,599 can testify to the blessing off it and you know 391 00:27:57,540 –> 00:28:01,839 That we sometimes wonder. How are we going to manage? 392 00:28:02,439 –> 00:28:08,040 And by God’s grace and with some discipline and some wise planning 393 00:28:09,040 –> 00:28:11,040 we do 394 00:28:11,280 –> 00:28:13,739 Honor the Lord with your wealth 395 00:28:15,140 –> 00:28:17,140 Honor him with it honor him 396 00:28:18,560 –> 00:28:20,239 and 397 00:28:20,239 –> 00:28:24,760 with the first fruits of all your 398 00:28:25,719 –> 00:28:27,560 produce 399 00:28:27,599 –> 00:28:33,699 Now one more question before we move on and it’s a question that is often and reasonably and 400 00:28:34,359 –> 00:28:39,160 Understandably asked how much then should you give what should you set aside 401 00:28:40,199 –> 00:28:47,040 Well in the Old Testament God’s people gave as most of you know very very well a tithe or 10% 402 00:28:47,199 –> 00:28:51,260 That’s what the word tithe means of all that God had given to them 403 00:28:51,420 –> 00:28:57,839 But there is no place in the New Testament where God’s tells us how much we should give 404 00:28:58,540 –> 00:28:59,520 and 405 00:28:59,520 –> 00:29:06,780 Charles Bridges says I think very helpfully the law dealt with us as children and prescribed the exact amount 406 00:29:07,339 –> 00:29:13,939 But the gospel treats us as adults as men as women and leaves us to circumstance 407 00:29:15,380 –> 00:29:19,599 To principle and to conscience 408 00:29:20,359 –> 00:29:25,880 That’s a very helpful. I mean with children. You do have to tell them what to do. You have to give them direction 409 00:29:26,599 –> 00:29:32,079 but as people come into maturity then there has to be a freedom of choice that is 410 00:29:32,479 –> 00:29:37,520 Exercised as before the Lord and that is why rather than setting a rule in the New Testament 411 00:29:37,959 –> 00:29:45,599 We have language like this second Corinthians chapter 9 in verse 7 each one must give as he has decided in his heart 412 00:29:46,359 –> 00:29:53,739 Not reluctantly or under compulsion, no one’s to be put under any pressure to give a particular amount 413 00:29:55,060 –> 00:29:58,099 For the Lord loves a cheerful giver 414 00:30:00,119 –> 00:30:04,699 Let me give you an analogy to try and throw light on this you see God does not 415 00:30:05,439 –> 00:30:11,719 Give you a command with regards to how much you should pray you have to pray as we must give 416 00:30:12,479 –> 00:30:15,439 But God doesn’t tell you how much you are to pray 417 00:30:15,439 –> 00:30:20,760 How long you’re to spend what time of the day you’re to do it the whole point of prayer is 418 00:30:21,680 –> 00:30:25,479 That it should arise from a heart that desires communion with God 419 00:30:25,479 –> 00:30:30,119 And if there was some kind of rule that said you’ve got to spend ten minutes thirty minutes or an hour and a half doing 420 00:30:30,119 –> 00:30:32,119 It it would kill the whole thing 421 00:30:33,479 –> 00:30:36,339 Now the same is true in regards to giving 422 00:30:37,040 –> 00:30:43,479 God does not want any of us here this morning to view giving in the same way as we view taxes 423 00:30:45,520 –> 00:30:48,699 He wants our giving to come out of love for him 424 00:30:50,500 –> 00:30:55,219 So the amount that you give is a matter of Christian Liberty 425 00:30:56,780 –> 00:30:58,660 it is a 426 00:30:58,660 –> 00:31:04,520 Decision on which all of us will make choices just as we make choices about how much we pray 427 00:31:05,000 –> 00:31:12,160 But here’s the deal the choices that you make will reflect your heart and 428 00:31:14,160 –> 00:31:21,719 As you grow in your love for Christ your desire to give will increase 429 00:31:23,920 –> 00:31:27,239 Growing up perhaps as many of you growing up I I 430 00:31:27,719 –> 00:31:29,959 had always thought of 431 00:31:30,520 –> 00:31:34,260 Tithing as a command and so for many years 432 00:31:35,000 –> 00:31:37,000 That’s simply what we did 433 00:31:38,560 –> 00:31:44,079 But in this season of our lives and there are different seasons of life where circumstances are different 434 00:31:44,479 –> 00:31:46,479 But in this season of our lives 435 00:31:47,160 –> 00:31:50,300 I’ve come to ponder this question and 436 00:31:51,239 –> 00:31:53,239 it has been helpful to me if 437 00:31:54,400 –> 00:31:55,739 I’d 438 00:31:55,739 –> 00:31:57,739 lived in 439 00:31:57,760 –> 00:32:02,640 The Old Testament time under the law of God and had been one of God’s people 440 00:32:02,640 –> 00:32:08,560 I would have given ten percent of everything that God gives to me and I hope I would have done it gladly 441 00:32:08,680 –> 00:32:15,239 I mean David says oh how I love your law and presumably, he means the whole of God’s law in that regard. I 442 00:32:16,660 –> 00:32:20,479 Don’t live under the Old Testament law. I 443 00:32:21,400 –> 00:32:23,540 live under grace 444 00:32:25,079 –> 00:32:27,500 And grace is way better than law 445 00:32:28,739 –> 00:32:31,060 So go figure if 446 00:32:32,040 –> 00:32:34,040 Grace is better 447 00:32:34,280 –> 00:32:37,500 Why would I not seek if I am able to? 448 00:32:38,040 –> 00:32:40,040 do more and 449 00:32:40,099 –> 00:32:42,060 then the last word is 450 00:32:42,060 –> 00:32:44,000 Opportunity, we’ve thought about 451 00:32:44,000 –> 00:32:45,020 blessing 452 00:32:45,020 –> 00:32:52,479 We have thought about dangers and then we have thought about the very important principle of priority 453 00:32:52,979 –> 00:32:55,560 that is made clear in the book of 454 00:32:56,520 –> 00:32:59,000 Proverbs, here’s the last thing, and it is 455 00:32:59,719 –> 00:33:00,719 opportunity 456 00:33:00,719 –> 00:33:03,439 proverbs 11 24 that was read to us 457 00:33:04,359 –> 00:33:05,839 one 458 00:33:05,839 –> 00:33:07,839 gives freely 459 00:33:08,599 –> 00:33:10,599 Yet grows all the richer 460 00:33:11,640 –> 00:33:14,959 Another withholds what he should give and 461 00:33:16,180 –> 00:33:18,180 only suffers 462 00:33:18,640 –> 00:33:20,640 want 463 00:33:20,880 –> 00:33:23,119 Now this seems counterintuitive 464 00:33:23,319 –> 00:33:25,300 counterintuitive 465 00:33:25,300 –> 00:33:28,680 Surely if I give freely I will have less 466 00:33:30,400 –> 00:33:36,099 Yet proverbs says one who gives freely grows all the richer. 467 00:33:36,099 –> 00:33:38,140 How does that work? 468 00:33:40,219 –> 00:33:42,219 Well think about farming 469 00:33:42,959 –> 00:33:46,160 the farmer has a sack of seed and 470 00:33:46,839 –> 00:33:49,739 What does he do with the seed? He scatters it 471 00:33:50,420 –> 00:33:53,880 He throws it out freely and 472 00:33:55,400 –> 00:33:59,119 When the harvest comes that which he has thrown out freely 473 00:33:59,300 –> 00:34:05,560 When the harvest comes the seed that he is scattered comes back to him in a more abundant measure 474 00:34:06,780 –> 00:34:10,199 Now the New Testament takes up tat picture 475 00:34:10,939 –> 00:34:12,939 whoever sows 476 00:34:12,979 –> 00:34:14,979 Spearingly will reap 477 00:34:15,580 –> 00:34:17,800 sparingly and whoever sows 478 00:34:17,899 –> 00:34:20,500 bountifully will reap 479 00:34:21,300 –> 00:34:22,699 bountifully 480 00:34:22,699 –> 00:34:24,260 So here are two farmers 481 00:34:24,260 –> 00:34:31,580 This is the contrast that’s being made and both of these farmers have a sack of seed and the first one says oh the seed 482 00:34:31,620 –> 00:34:33,919 Oh, it is very very precious 483 00:34:34,760 –> 00:34:40,159 And I need it to make bread. I can’t afford to go out throwing it on the ground 484 00:34:41,399 –> 00:34:44,520 So he holds back most of his seed 485 00:34:45,280 –> 00:34:49,899 He takes just a little off the top and throws it out in his field and 486 00:34:50,699 –> 00:34:54,860 When harvest comes there is not much for him to reap 487 00:34:56,300 –> 00:35:01,300 but now here’s a second farmer, and he has the same bag of seed and 488 00:35:02,179 –> 00:35:04,040 He says oh this seed 489 00:35:04,040 –> 00:35:10,100 it is very very precious and I need it to make bread, but I 490 00:35:10,699 –> 00:35:11,840 Know 491 00:35:11,840 –> 00:35:14,899 that if I sow this seed it will multiply 492 00:35:15,520 –> 00:35:21,080 So I’m only going to hold back what I need for making the bread and 493 00:35:21,760 –> 00:35:24,639 everything else I will sow and 494 00:35:25,939 –> 00:35:28,060 so he sews bountifully and 495 00:35:28,739 –> 00:35:32,419 Guess what when the harvest comes he reaps? 496 00:35:33,620 –> 00:35:35,040 bountifully 497 00:35:35,139 –> 00:35:40,239 Now that’s what Proverbs is getting at when it says one gives freely yet grows all the richer 498 00:35:40,620 –> 00:35:45,560 Another withholds what he should give and only suffers one 499 00:35:47,600 –> 00:35:53,520 No one ever gave more freely than our Lord Jesus Christ 500 00:35:55,320 –> 00:36:00,159 You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich 501 00:36:00,239 –> 00:36:08,540 Yet for our sakes, he became poor that we through his poverty might become rich 502 00:36:09,439 –> 00:36:12,879 the Son of God loved me the Apostle says and 503 00:36:13,419 –> 00:36:14,659 gave 504 00:36:14,659 –> 00:36:17,820 Himself not a bit of himself. He gave himself 505 00:36:19,320 –> 00:36:21,320 for me and 506 00:36:22,040 –> 00:36:26,580 What comes from Christ’s self giving? 507 00:36:28,060 –> 00:36:30,060 The Father is honored 508 00:36:31,120 –> 00:36:34,219 We are forever blessed and 509 00:36:36,540 –> 00:36:44,120 Jesus Christ will see of the fruit of the travail of his soul, and he will be satisfied 510 00:36:45,300 –> 00:36:47,300 He’s gonna have a great harvest 511 00:36:48,020 –> 00:36:49,919 That day has not come yet 512 00:36:49,919 –> 00:36:57,060 But it will the day is coming the Bible tells us when Jesus Christ will stand in the presence of the Father 513 00:36:57,340 –> 00:37:02,300 With a whole company of the redeemed around him and he will say Father here 514 00:37:02,300 –> 00:37:06,020 I am and here are the children that you have given me 515 00:37:08,159 –> 00:37:13,580 The fruit of the travel of Jesus soul will be reaped in heaven 516 00:37:14,239 –> 00:37:16,239 and 517 00:37:17,040 –> 00:37:24,000 What is true for Jesus will be true for us as well 518 00:37:24,060 –> 00:37:26,060 To 519 00:37:26,600 –> 00:37:30,439 Analogies and then we’re through for today. Very briefly. Here’s the first suppose 520 00:37:31,439 –> 00:37:36,679 That our revelation was given to you that at some point in your life 521 00:37:37,500 –> 00:37:42,679 Your home would be destroyed by fire and everything and it would be lost 522 00:37:44,199 –> 00:37:48,260 You don’t know which home this will be or when in your life it will happen 523 00:37:48,260 –> 00:37:50,919 You don’t know if it’s gonna happen early in life and your starter home 524 00:37:50,919 –> 00:37:55,659 You don’t know if it’s gonna happen in your family home. You don’t know if it’s gonna happen in your retirement home 525 00:37:56,800 –> 00:38:02,300 You don’t know when you don’t know where you don’t know exactly how all you know is that for sure 526 00:38:03,080 –> 00:38:04,280 at 527 00:38:04,280 –> 00:38:06,419 some point in your life a D will come 528 00:38:07,500 –> 00:38:13,159 When your house will be destroyed by fire and everything in it will be lost 529 00:38:13,840 –> 00:38:15,840 What would you do? 530 00:38:16,639 –> 00:38:18,639 Well, I know what I would do 531 00:38:19,560 –> 00:38:22,439 I’d move as much as I could to another place 532 00:38:24,260 –> 00:38:27,719 I’d only keep in my house what I absolutely need 533 00:38:29,320 –> 00:38:35,439 I’d look at things that I really value and I’d say do I really need to keep that here where it’s at risk 534 00:38:37,320 –> 00:38:40,800 I’d rather put it somewhere that it’s safe 535 00:38:42,879 –> 00:38:46,500 You think about your money in that regard 536 00:38:48,899 –> 00:38:50,899 And then here’s another analogy 537 00:38:50,899 –> 00:38:56,620 that Karn and I resonate. John Calvin speaks about this and Karn and I of course have experienced it as 538 00:38:57,040 –> 00:39:03,320 some of you have also and it’s this picture that if we truly believe that heaven is our home 539 00:39:04,600 –> 00:39:08,639 the we will be like those who emigrate to another country 540 00:39:09,159 –> 00:39:14,860 and send their goods ahead of them to the place where they can enjoy them for a longer time 541 00:39:14,860 –> 00:39:17,719 And I will never forget 542 00:39:18,719 –> 00:39:24,060 The day when we stood outside of the home that was owned by the church. We served in London 543 00:39:24,419 –> 00:39:27,020 we’d lived there for sixteen years and 544 00:39:27,780 –> 00:39:29,780 the truck left 545 00:39:30,219 –> 00:39:32,219 down the street 546 00:39:33,040 –> 00:39:38,800 Taking all that we possessed to bring it over here 547 00:39:39,719 –> 00:39:41,719 It was quite a day 548 00:39:42,040 –> 00:39:44,040 But you know what it was a very happy day 549 00:39:44,040 –> 00:39:49,100 because our hearts were here already and 550 00:39:50,500 –> 00:39:56,560 We were sending our belongings ahead of us saying they’re going to a place where we’ll enjoy them for a longer time 551 00:39:58,739 –> 00:40:05,979 So that is embedded in my mind from that experience and can you see how a Christian person might then say 552 00:40:06,320 –> 00:40:09,860 That’s how I should be thinking about all that God trusts to me 553 00:40:10,840 –> 00:40:14,419 That I have the opportunity to put that in a place 554 00:40:16,139 –> 00:40:19,939 Where it will be invested for a longer time 555 00:40:21,040 –> 00:40:22,800 Jesus said 556 00:40:22,800 –> 00:40:27,459 Do not store up for yourselves. Treasure on Earth 557 00:40:28,760 –> 00:40:32,919 Where moth and rust corrupt and where thieves break through and steal? 558 00:40:34,100 –> 00:40:36,100 No store up for yourselves 559 00:40:36,260 –> 00:40:39,419 Try yourselves treasures in where heaven 560 00:40:40,500 –> 00:40:46,199 Where moth and the rust do not corrupt and where thieves do not break in and steal for? 561 00:40:47,459 –> 00:40:49,459 Where your treasure is 562 00:40:50,199 –> 00:40:51,620 there 563 00:40:51,620 –> 00:40:54,620 Your heart will be 564 00:40:55,580 –> 00:40:57,100 also 565 00:40:57,100 –> 00:41:04,219 Father thank you for the blessing of all that you have entrusted to each one of us bowed before you here today 566 00:41:05,020 –> 00:41:11,500 Help us to Stewart what you have given wisely in a way that honors the Lord Jesus Christ 567 00:41:12,879 –> 00:41:14,879 alert us to days of 568 00:41:15,340 –> 00:41:19,159 opportunity in which we can make the best use of what we have 569 00:41:20,419 –> 00:41:24,379 Deliver us from falling into the dangers that money brings and 570 00:41:25,239 –> 00:41:27,659 Grandfather that we may count ourselves 571 00:41:28,379 –> 00:41:30,379 supremely rich in 572 00:41:30,379 –> 00:41:35,939 In and through our Lord Jesus Christ in whose wonderful name we pray. Amen