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You Have To Choose

August 21, 2014 by

 

Notes by Deacon Anthony Sparks

Speaker: Pastor Sparks

Text: Ecclesiastes 5:10; Matthew 6:24 (can use chapter 5 for background on this conversation w/ the Pharisees)
-Wealth can either be a blessing or curse. It all depends on how YOU use it
-Solomon asked God for a “discerning heart” (wisdom) in 1 Kings. Because that pleased God, He gave him wisdom AND riches & honor
-It’s interesting that the richest man who ever lived said that if you love money, you’ll never have enough
-It’s also interesting that both Jesus & Solomon essentially say the same thing. Solomon had everything he wanted and Jesus had everything He needed.
-You can’t know WHAT to choose if you don’t know HOW to choose
-The Pharisees in this scripture wanted to be rich so they ascribed to belief that the more obedient they were, they richer they’d get. They tithed, prayed, & fasted religiously. The problem was, they didn’t know Jesus
1. You Need Clear Vision to Choose
  • How are you able to choose Jesus amid all the clutter & confusion of other religions, beliefs, doctrines, etc?
  • You learn how to narrow your focus usually at home; you’re taught by the testimonies of those close to you
  • Many of the wealthiest people don’t have to show it because they have clear vision; you don’t have to “peacock” your wealth. Most times the ones “peacocking” it are only full of feathers
2. You Need Correct Values to Choose
  • Your values help shape what you do with the resources you have
  • Some people are wealthy and live a good life, AND they use their resources to bless other people
  • Not what you say, but what you spend your money on tells the most about you
  • Why invest so much in stuff that’s easily corrupted or decayed?
  • Correct values mean I’m not going to do anything illegal or immoral to get money; correct values means I’m going to invest my time & energy & resources on things that have eternal value: taking care of my family, helping those less fortunate, introducing people to Christ, etc.
3. Nobody Can Choose For You But YOU

Filed Under: Sermons

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