It’s been a fast seven years since you’ve been a part of LivingStone Church. The speaker expresses their gratitude for the opportunity and the people in the ministry. They mention a Facebook page called StreetWise that showcases the devastation of drugs in cities, highlighting the stark contrast between drug-affected areas and affluent areas like Rodeo Drive. The speaker questions whether the wealthy people on Rodeo Drive are truly better off and discusses the dangers of wealth. They mention a passage in Luke 18 that reveals how wealth can create independence and insulate individuals from God and the kingdom of heaven. Jesus advises individuals to sell their possessions and give to the poor in order to have treasure in heaven. The story warns about the dangers of wealth but also mentions that some wealthy individuals use their money to build God’s kingdom and help others. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes that nothing can be done to earn a right standing before God, it is only possible through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Observing the Lord’s table is a way to celebrate our free position before God and our eternal life with Him.
I. Reflections on 7 Years at LivingStone Church
A. Gratitude for the Opportunity
As you reflect on your 7 years at LivingStone Church, a deep sense of gratitude fills your heart. You are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful community of believers, to serve alongside them, and to grow in your faith. LivingStone Church has provided you with a platform to live out your calling and make a positive impact on the lives of others. You thank God for the doors He has opened and the experiences He has given you during this time.
B. Appreciation for the People in the Ministry
One of the greatest joys of your time at LivingStone Church has been the people you have had the privilege to work with in ministry. From the pastors and staff to the dedicated volunteers, everyone has played a vital role in creating a welcoming and vibrant church community. The love, support, and encouragement that you have received from your fellow ministry workers has been invaluable. You truly appreciate their passion, dedication, and heart for serving others.
C. Feeling of Having the Best Job
When you think about your role at LivingStone Church, you can’t help but feel like you have the best job in the world. Being able to lead and shepherd a congregation, to guide them in their spiritual journey, and to witness lives being transformed by the power of God is incredibly fulfilling. Every day, you wake up excited to go to work, knowing that you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those you serve. Despite the challenges that come with ministry, the joy and fulfillment it brings far outweigh any difficulties.
II. Prayer for the Worship Gathering
A. Praying for a Meaningful Worship Experience
As you prepare for the upcoming worship gathering at LivingStone Church, your heart is filled with a deep desire for it to be a meaningful and impactful experience for everyone in attendance. You pray that God’s presence would be tangible, that hearts would be open and receptive to His word, and that lives would be transformed through worship. You ask God to speak through the music, the prayers, and the message, touching the deepest parts of people’s hearts and drawing them closer to Him.
B. Seeking God’s Guidance and Teaching
In your prayer for the worship gathering, you also seek God’s guidance and teaching. You acknowledge that as a leader, you need His wisdom and discernment to effectively lead the congregation in worship. You ask God to grant you the words to speak, the songs to sing, and the actions to take that will lead individuals into a deeper understanding and experience of His love and truth. You surrender your plans and desires to Him, asking that He would be glorified in every aspect of the worship gathering.
III. Contrasting Realities: Drugs and Affluence
A. Mention of StreetWise Facebook Page
Recently, you came across the StreetWise Facebook page, an initiative that brings attention to the devastating effects of drugs in cities. This eye-opening experience has prompted you to reflect on the stark contrast between the affected areas and the affluent neighborhoods near your church. This sharp divide in living conditions and opportunities has deeply impacted your perspective on wealth and the true value it holds.
B. Describing the Devastation of Drugs in Cities
As you delve deeper into the StreetWise Facebook page, you are confronted with heartbreaking stories of individuals and families who have been torn apart by the devastating effects of drugs. The images and narratives portray lives filled with pain, addiction, and loss. You cannot help but feel a sense of compassion and empathy for those who are caught in the grip of substance abuse. It is a grim reality that exists right in the same city where your church is located.
C. Contrasting Affected Areas with Affluent Areas
The contrast between the affected areas and the nearby affluent neighborhoods is stark. While some are struggling to survive amidst the devastation caused by drugs, others are living in luxurious homes, enjoying financial security, and seemingly insulated from the hardships faced by their less fortunate neighbors. This contrast raises questions about the distribution of wealth and the responsibility that comes with abundance. It challenges your perspective on what it means to truly have the best quality of life.
D. Questioning the True Value of Wealth
The stark realities you have witnessed prompt you to question the true value of wealth. Is wealth truly the indicator of a good life, or does it blind individuals to the suffering and needs of those around them? While material comfort and financial stability are not inherently bad, they can become dangerous if they insulate individuals from the realities of the world and prevent them from investing in the well-being of others. This realization invites a deeper examination of priorities and values.
IV. Wealth as a Dangerous Drug: Insights from Luke 18
A. Setting the Context: The Kingdom of God
To gain insights into the relationship between wealth and the Kingdom of God, you turn to the teachings of Jesus in Luke 18. The context in which Jesus shares this message is important, as it helps to understand the weight and significance of His words. Jesus is addressing a wealthy ruler who is seeking eternal life, but is caught up in the trappings of wealth and possessions.
B. Jesus’ First Offer of the Kingdom
In response to the ruler’s inquiry about inheriting eternal life, Jesus first offers him the opportunity to follow the commandments. The ruler confidently claims to have kept all of them since his youth. Jesus, seeing into the depths of the ruler’s heart, tells him that there is still one thing he lacks and advises him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor. This instruction exposes the ruler’s attachment to his wealth and reveals the challenge that wealth presents in entering the Kingdom of God.
C. Types of People God is Populating His Kingdom With
Jesus’ encounter with the rich ruler provides valuable insights about the types of people God is populating His Kingdom with. It is not that wealth is inherently incompatible with entering the Kingdom, but rather the attachment to wealth and the self-reliance it often breeds that becomes a hindrance. God is looking for individuals who are willing to put Him first, give up their earthly attachments, and trust in Him alone for their security and provision.
D. Focus on Those Who Have Difficulty Entering
The focus of Luke 18 is not to condemn the wealthy or to undermine the value of their contributions, but rather to bring attention to the challenges faced by those who have grown dependent on their wealth and affluence. Jesus recognizes the difficulty that the rich ruler and others like him face in entering the Kingdom of God, as their wealth has become an idol that hinders their complete surrender to God. Jesus uses this encounter to challenge societal norms and expose the potential dangers of wealth.
V. The Encounter with the Rich Ruler
A. The Ruler’s Inquiry about Inheriting Eternal Life
In Luke 18, a rich ruler approaches Jesus with a question about inheriting eternal life. The ruler’s inquiry is rooted in a genuine desire to secure his place in God’s Kingdom. However, his understanding of eternal life is limited, as he still clings to his wealth as a source of security and fulfillment. His question sets the stage for a profound exchange between him and Jesus, illuminating the potential pitfalls of material wealth.
B. Jesus’ Reflection on the Term ‘Good’
In response to the ruler’s question, Jesus first reflects on the term ‘good.’ He challenges the ruler to consider what it means for someone to be truly good, pointing him to God as the ultimate source of goodness. Jesus emphasizes that only God possesses perfect goodness, highlighting the need for individuals to submit to God’s authority and perfect standard.
C. Following the Commandments
After addressing the ruler’s understanding of goodness, Jesus instructs him to follow the commandments. The ruler confidently states that he has kept all of the commandments since his youth. Jesus does not refute the ruler’s claim, demonstrating that adherence to the commandments is considered righteous in the eyes of society. However, Jesus goes on to expose the ruler’s attachment to his wealth, which serves as a stumbling block in fully surrendering to God.
D. Selling Possessions and Giving to the Poor
In addressing the ruler’s attachment to his wealth, Jesus instructs him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor. This command comes as a shock to the ruler, as his immense wealth is deeply intertwined with his identity and sense of security. Jesus is not prescribing this as a universal requirement for salvation, but rather highlighting the ruler’s specific need to detach himself from the grip of materialism.
E. The Ruler’s Sadness and Departure
Upon hearing Jesus’ command to sell his possessions, the ruler becomes exceedingly sad. He is faced with a choice between his earthly wealth and eternal life. The ruler’s response underscores the deep struggle between his desire for eternal life and his attachment to material possessions. Ultimately, he chooses to cling to his wealth, departing from Jesus with a heavy heart.
F. Jesus’ Commentary on the Challenge for the Wealthy
Observing the ruler’s response, Jesus comments on the challenge faced by the wealthy in entering the Kingdom of God. He declares, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (Luke 18:24, NIV). This statement highlights the unique difficulties faced by those who have abundant material resources, as their wealth can often become a barrier to surrendering to God and fully embracing His Kingdom.
VI. Understanding the Role of the Law
A. The Law as an Expression of God’s Character
To gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ teachings on wealth and the Kingdom of God, it is crucial to explore the role of the law. The law is not just a set of rules to be followed, but rather an expression of God’s character and His desire for His people to reflect that character. It serves as a guide for righteous living and reveals the attributes and values that God esteems.
B. Law Keeping and Eternal Life
Throughout the encounter with the rich ruler, Jesus references keeping the commandments as a means of obtaining eternal life. This emphasizes the importance of righteous living and obedience to God’s commands. However, it also serves as a cautionary reminder that outward observance of the law without inner transformation and surrender to God is insufficient for entering the Kingdom of God.
C. Trusting in Self-Righteousness
The rich ruler’s confidence in his ability to keep the commandments reflects a self-righteousness that blinds him to his dependency on God’s grace. This attitude of self-sufficiency prevents him from recognizing his need for a Savior and leads to his reluctance in surrendering his wealth. Jesus highlights the importance of recognizing our inadequacy and embracing our need for God’s mercy and grace.
D. The Man’s Sense of Incompleteness and Eternal Life
By instructing the rich ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor, Jesus exposes the man’s sense of incompleteness in his pursuit of eternal life. Despite his outward display of righteousness, the ruler’s attachment to his wealth reveals the inner void and longing for something beyond material possessions. Jesus invites him to find true fulfillment by relinquishing his dependence on wealth and embracing a life characterized by selflessness and generosity.
E. Insufficiency of Self-Righteousness
The rich ruler’s interaction with Jesus serves as a powerful reminder of the insufficiency of self-righteousness in the pursuit of eternal life. Despite his obedience to the commandments, the ruler’s attachment to his wealth impedes his ability to fully surrender to God and experience the true riches of the Kingdom. This interaction challenges all individuals, not just the wealthy, to examine their hearts and recognize their need for God’s grace and forgiveness.
VII. The Role of Wealth in Kingdom Entrance
A. Jesus’ Advice on Selling Possessions
Jesus’ advice to the rich ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor illuminates the potential pitfalls of wealth in entering the Kingdom of God. While this instruction was specific to the ruler’s unique situation, it carries broader implications regarding the role of wealth in the pursuit of eternal life. The call to sell possessions represents a call to release attachments to material wealth and prioritize the values and principles of God’s Kingdom.
B. The Story of the Rich Man’s Sadness
The rich ruler’s response to Jesus’ advice, marked by sadness, allows us to reflect on the emotional weight of parting with material possessions. It reveals the strong grip that wealth can exert on individuals and the difficulty in releasing its hold. This story serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to examine our own attachments to wealth and consider the extent to which it may hinder our willingness to fully surrender to God.
C. Wealth’s Potential for Independence and Insulation
One of the dangers associated with wealth is its potential to foster independence and insulation from the realities faced by others. The accumulation of financial resources can create a false sense of security, leading individuals to rely on their own capabilities rather than trusting in God. This self-reliance can prevent a genuine reliance on God’s provision and hinder a deep engagement with the needs of others.
D. Challenges Faced by the Wealthy
Jesus’ teachings on wealth highlight the unique challenges faced by the wealthy in entering the Kingdom of God. The allure of wealth can distract individuals from seeking a close relationship with God and hinder their willingness to fully surrender. It can foster a sense of self-sufficiency and disconnect from the needs of others, hindering the kind of sacrificial love and generosity that characterizes God’s Kingdom.
E. Warning about the Dangers of Wealth
While wealth itself is not inherently evil, Jesus warns of its potential dangers. He cautions against allowing wealth to become an idol and a barrier to entering the Kingdom of God. His teachings remind us to be vigilant in guarding our hearts against the allure of material possessions and to prioritize eternal treasures over the fleeting riches of this world.
F. Using Wealth for God’s Kingdom
Contrary to popular belief, Jesus does not condemn wealth or discourage its acquisition. Instead, He challenges individuals to view wealth as a resource to be used for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. The call to sell possessions and give to the poor is not a rejection of wealth, but rather an invitation to steward it wisely and sacrificially for the benefit of others and the glory of God.
G. Relationships and Following Christ
Throughout His teachings, Jesus emphasizes the importance of relationships and the sacrifices that may be required to follow Him. The call to surrender wealth is ultimately a call to prioritize God and others above material possessions. It is an invitation to invest in relationships and use resources for the betterment of those in need. Jesus models a life of selflessness, humility, and sacrificial love, and challenges His followers to do the same.
VIII. Salvation Through Jesus’ Sacrifice
A. Inability to Earn Right Standing with God
The encounter with the rich ruler serves as a reminder that no one can earn their right standing with God through their own efforts or possessions. Despite the ruler’s commitment to keeping the commandments, Jesus reveals the ruler’s deeper need for a Savior. This encounter underscores our universal need for salvation and the futility of relying on our own achievements for eternal life.
B. Dependence on Jesus’ Sacrifice
In light of our inability to earn our salvation, the focus turns to Jesus’ sacrifice as the means by which we are made right with God. Jesus’ death and resurrection provides the atonement and forgiveness necessary for our reconciliation with God. It is through faith in Jesus and dependence on His redemptive work that we can experience true and eternal life.
C. The Significance of the Communion Table
The significance of Jesus’ sacrifice is commemorated through the observance of the communion table. As believers partake in the communion elements, they remember and proclaim the saving work of Christ. The communion table serves as a reminder that our salvation is not achieved through our own merit or wealth, but through the undeserved grace and sacrifice of Jesus.
D. Celebrating Our Free Position Before God
The celebration of our free position before God is an integral part of our faith. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer bound by the weight of sin or the allure of material wealth. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that our salvation is secure and that our worth is not defined by our possessions or achievements. This freedom allows us to embrace a life of joy, generosity, and genuine love for others.
IX. Conclusion
A. Summary of Key Points
Reflecting on your 7 years at LivingStone Church, you are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve in ministry and the incredible people you have had the privilege to work alongside. Your experiences have deepened your understanding of wealth, its potential dangers, and the challenges faced by the wealthy in entering the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ teachings on wealth and the rich ruler serve as a reminder of the importance of surrender, sacrificial love, and dependence on Him for eternal life.
B. Encouragement for Reflection and Application
As you conclude this article, you encourage readers to reflect on their own perspectives on wealth and their relationship with God. Take time to examine the role of wealth in your life and consider whether it is hindering your ability to fully surrender and embrace the values and principles of God’s Kingdom. Seek to use your resources, whether abundant or limited, as a means to bless and serve others, and to prioritize relationships and sacrificial love above material possessions.
Remember that salvation cannot be earned through wealth or self-righteousness but is a gift freely given through Jesus’ sacrifice. Embrace the freedom and joy that comes from knowing your worth is not determined by your possessions, but by your relationship with God. Let your life reflect the love and generosity of Christ, shining a light into a world that is often divided by wealth and insulated from human suffering. Trust in God’s guidance and teaching as you continue to serve and impact the lives of others in your ministry journey.