Money
—Matthew 6
This page continues to study Matthew chapter 6 and the Sermon on the Mount.
1 Money Matters
Riches (Matthew 6:19-21)
Some people accumulate needlessly large savings and investments, never satisfied that they have sufficient, always wanting more, more, more. The Bible tells us not to"trust in uncertain riches" (1Timothy 6:17-19). While storing up some money against future needs is wise, our emphasis should be on storing up treasure in heaven.
Greed (Matthew 6:22-23)
Some people want whatever their eyes see, rather than those few things which are needful. This lust of the eye plunges people, body and soul, into darkness. The enlightened person understands what few things are really needful for the body and for life, and takes the attitude, to"If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content" (1Timothy 6:8-10). There is, of course, nothing wrong in being fortunate to enjoy more than these. But grasping for more than these leads us away from the light of eternal life and our treasure in heaven.
Debt (Matthew 6:24)
Some people get what they want by borrowing money, and soon find that they become the servants of Mammon. The Bible clearly says, to "Owe nothing to anyone" (Romans 13:8). Whilst there are other ways to serve Mammon, burdensome debt is by far the most common way. Remember that what everybody calls "credit" is really not credit at all. It is actually debit! Beware of it. Don’t become its slave.
Worry (Matthew 6:25-32)
Some people become worried and anxious about the necessities of life, especially in difficult times when something interrupts normal livelihood. The Christian can rest assured that the really necessary things will be provided by God. We should "not be anxious about anything, but in everything..." ask God to help us meet our needs (Philippians 4:6).
Happy is the household that bases its budget on the simple principles in Matthew 6, outlined above.
Four Principles
- Don't trust in uncertain riches.
- Be content —neither needy nor greedy.
- Avoid debt —don't be a slave of mammon.
- Don't be anxious about daily needs.
2 Deep Thought
These questions are for you to think about and discuss. Other parts of this lesson may help you with the answers.
1. What does Jesus mean by the expression, "If your eye is evil" ? (See 1John 2:15-17, Matthew 20:15).
2. What does Jesus mean when he says, "If your eye is clear, your whole body is full of light" ? (Recall Matthew 5:28-29)
3. What happens when one loves money instead of God? (See 1Timothy 6:9-10)
4. What happens when one loves God instead of money? (See 2Corinthians 9:6-8)
5. How does one "store up... treasure in heaven" ? (See 1Timothy 6:17-19, Luke 12:33-34)