FINANCIAL FREEDOM - I WANT TO BE RICH! Pastor Larry Fryling I Timothy 6:6-10 & 17-19 I. Assign yourself to one of the three categories below: Those who are not rich (living paycheck to paycheck). Those of us who want to be wealth (goal is to be financially secure). Those who are rich (financially set/secure). II. Paul writes to Timothy: "Tell the people not to see religion as a way to get rich quick". Two interpretations: A warning to not become leaders/pastors in the church so that they become wealthy. A warning in the belief that because a person may consider himself to be a child of the King, everything will be financially secure. III. Paul's message to the three categories above: To Category #1 in I Timothy 6:6-9 - Paul's words to the "not rich": What does wealth look like? GODLINESS + CONTENTMENT = WEALTH Godliness is the commitment/dedication to God?s call in your life or "God's way is my way". Contentment is the understanding that your deepest needs are being met in Jesus and an ongoing relationship with Him; finding peace with God. Why do we people want to be wealthy? We want to have a sense of fulfillment and meaning in life. Paul explains that we cannot find that in "stuff". Verse 7 - "For we brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out of it" - We put all our effort into accumulating stuff that's not going to last. Verse 8 - "but if we have food & clothing, we will be content with that" - Separate your needs from your wants. To Category #2 in I Timothy 6:9-10 - Paul's words to those looking to get rich: Paul is warning those who want - who are actively taking steps, setting the goal with determination - to become rich. Verse 10 - "for the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people eager for money have wandered from the faith & pierced themselves with many griefs." Two results: "Wandered from the faith" - When you se the goal to become wealthy, it becomes an all-consuming part of your life, taking over the priority of building your relationship to God. (Parable of the Weeds) "Pierced themselves with many griefs" - Every decision has a consequence. You make getting wealthy a priority, other things in your life (relationships, health) suffer. To Category #3 - I Timothy 6:17-19 - Paul's instructions to the rich: - God does not hate the rich. Jesus hung around with wealthy people. - God is not pleased with: False Gain - getting rich by stepping on others, doing illegal things. Wrong Motives - getting rich for self-pride; show others Lack of Compassion & Generosity; Arrogance - God says to remember where you came from. All of us fall short of what God expects. We have all failed God. - God says not to put your hope/trust in wealth, but in God. Money can't buy the things that truly matter. - God says to become a generous person. God gave you what you have for a reason. (Parable of the Rich Fool) "Take hold of the life that is truly life" - It's our relationship with God, not with wealth.

Financial Freedom - Index Continue on to "Freedom From Worry"