Three Essential Questions
After watching the message take some time reflect on the following three questions.
- What did you hear? What point in this message was most impactful for you?
- What do you think? How did this message challenge, change, or affirm your thinking?
- What will you do? How will you put into practice what you've learned today?
Hoarding: "The excessive or extreme accumulation of anything,
particularly money or possessions."
"Remember (my brothers and sisters) that when you know the good thing
you ought to do but you don't do it, then you sin. So then, you who are rich
should grieve and lament because of the impending trouble that is headed
your way. Your wealth is rotting and moths will eat your fine clothes. Your
gold and silver will be worthless, but it will be a witness testifying against
youthat you . . . have hoarded and piled up wealth in these last days."
James 4:17 & 5:1-3
- God doesn't oppose wealth. He opposes greed.
"When the Lord blesses you with riches, you have nothing to regret." Prov. 10:22 (CEV)
". . . You have hoarded and piled up wealth in these last days." James 5:3
- Money is a tool to be used, not a thing to be hoarded.
Why Do People Keep Hoarding More Wealth?
1. Out of fear for their security(Scarcity Mentality)
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content withwhatever you have, because God has said, 'I will NEVER leave you andI will NEVER abandon you!'" Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
Action Plan 1A: Draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper. On one side write down the characteristics of a saver, and on the other side write down the characteristics of hoarder. Refer to the sermon outline for help in defining hoarding versus saving. Would you describe yourself as a saver or a hoarder?
2. Out of pride for their status
". . . If your riches increase, don't be proud." Psalm 62:10 (LB)
Action Plan 1B: Refer to the previous list and write down why you consider yourself one or the other. If you define yourself as a hoarder, what might be causing that tendency? Is it coming from fear of the past or pride? Discuss with your small group or a trusted friend.
3 BIBLICAL reasons for saving
1. To practice self-control
"The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spendswhatever he gets." Prov. 21:20 (LB)
Action Plan 2A: If you do not have a plan for tithing and saving, create a budget to see what your money is being spent on.
Visitsaddleback.com/financialhealthfor help!
2. To get money workING for me
"Invest what you have, because after a while you will get a return." Eccl. 11:1 (NCV)
Jesus' Parable of Talents – Matthew 25:14-30
Action Plan 2B: Once you are able to consistently tithe and save, start investing your money. To get started, visit saddleback.com/financialhealth.
3. To be able to give to help others
"If you have been stealing from others, stop it. Make an honest living andwork hard, so you will have something to give to people in need." Eph. 4:28 (CEV)
"Right now you have plenty and can help others. Then at some other timethey can share with you when you need it. In this way, everyone's needswill be met." 2 Cor. 8:14 (NLT)
Hoarding is selfish stockpiling.
Saving is strategic stewardship.
"Your wealth is rotting and moths will eat your fine clothes. Your gold andsilver will be worthless . . ." James 5:2-3
Action Plan 2C: You've made a commitment to tithe, save, and invest. Now, make a pledge to help others with your money. This can be done in many ways and does not mean you need to go into debt. Find a charity you are passionate about and start small, but be consistent
Whatever I accumulate will deteriorate.
"Jesus said, 'Watch out! Always be on your guard against all kinds of greed. Real life is never defined or measured by how much you own.'
Then Jesus told them a story: 'A rich man owned a very productive and profitable farm. He thought to himself, "What should I do with all this surplus harvest? I have no room to store it all!" Then he said to himself, "I know! I'll just tear down my barns and build myself bigger barns! Then I can keep all my grains and all my other goodsmyself! Then I can say to myself, 'I'm set! I've stored up more than I need for many years. I'll take life easy, eating, drinking, and enjoying myself.'" But God said to him, "You are a fool! This very night you'll die. Then who will get what you hoarded for yourself?" This is how it will be for those who pile up stuff for themselves instead of building a rich relationship with God.'" Luke 12:15-21
"Tell people to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they are storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven – it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well." 1 Tim. 6:18-19 (LB)
Every Service Action Steps
We recommit our lives to Jesus Christ. Text NEWSTART (1 word) to 83000 or email newstart@saddleback.com
We express our gratitude to God for his goodness by giving back to him.
Your generosity online is feeding tens of thousands of out-of-work families
and serving many other needs. Give at Saddleback.com/give
We meet in small groups online to discuss what we've heard. To join a group, text SMALLGROUP to 83000 or email SMALLGROUP@saddleback.com.
Listen to our podcasts "Doable Discipleship" and "The Well" from our Saddleback Growth team at Saddleback.com/learn
