Living a Rich Life: Beyond Material Possessions

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Sunday - 9:30AM Bible study, 10:45AM Worship Service | Wednesday Refuel- 6PM

by: Chad Greer

05/07/2025

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True wealth isn't measured by what we own, but by how deeply we know and trust God. This powerful truth challenges our cultural understanding of success and riches.

What Makes Someone Truly Rich?

Jesus teaches through the parable of the rich fool that accumulating possessions doesn't equate to a rich life. The story shows a wealthy man who, blessed with abundant crops, decides to build bigger barns to store his wealth. His focus was entirely self-centered - my crops, my barns, my grain, my goods. Though he prepared for many years of comfort, he didn't have even one more day to live.

Why Do We Often Misunderstand True Wealth?

We frequently approach God asking Him to endorse our materialism rather than transform our motives. Success in this world isn't inherently sinful - the issue lies in our heart position and what we do with our resources. The key question is: Are we using our success to glorify God and lead others to Him?

Four Ways to Be Rich Toward God

  1. Invest in Others
    • Look beyond your own interests
    • Care for fellow believers
    • Make disciples who make disciples
      1. Be Generous
        • Show evidence that you treasure God above possessions
        • Share freely with others in need
        • Remember that generous giving leads to enrichment
          1. Live Open-Handedly
            • Trust in God's provision
            • Release control of earthly wealth
            • Give as freely as you've received
              1. Prioritize His Kingdom
                • Seek first God's kingdom
                • Focus on eternal matters
                • Practice faithful stewardship
                • What's the Difference Between Earthly and Eternal Success?

                  Earthly success becomes meaningful only when surrendered to eternal purpose. True success is measured by eternal impact, not temporary gain. When aligned with God's purpose, our success stores up treasure that lasts forever.

                  Life Application

                  Consider this legacy test: If your grandchildren only had your bank statements and calendar to examine after you're gone, would they know you loved God? This week, evaluate:

                  • Where is your treasure truly located?
                  • Are you hoarding blessings or sharing them?
                  • Are you building bigger barns while living a small life?
                  • How can you shift your focus to leave an eternal legacy?
                  • Challenge yourself to live more open-handedly this week. Choose one specific way to be generous with your time, talents, or resources. Remember: You can build bigger barns and still live a small life, or you can live with Kingdom focus and leave a legacy that testifies forever.


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                    True wealth isn't measured by what we own, but by how deeply we know and trust God. This powerful truth challenges our cultural understanding of success and riches.

                    What Makes Someone Truly Rich?

                    Jesus teaches through the parable of the rich fool that accumulating possessions doesn't equate to a rich life. The story shows a wealthy man who, blessed with abundant crops, decides to build bigger barns to store his wealth. His focus was entirely self-centered - my crops, my barns, my grain, my goods. Though he prepared for many years of comfort, he didn't have even one more day to live.

                    Why Do We Often Misunderstand True Wealth?

                    We frequently approach God asking Him to endorse our materialism rather than transform our motives. Success in this world isn't inherently sinful - the issue lies in our heart position and what we do with our resources. The key question is: Are we using our success to glorify God and lead others to Him?

                    Four Ways to Be Rich Toward God

                    1. Invest in Others
                      • Look beyond your own interests
                      • Care for fellow believers
                      • Make disciples who make disciples
                        1. Be Generous
                          • Show evidence that you treasure God above possessions
                          • Share freely with others in need
                          • Remember that generous giving leads to enrichment
                            1. Live Open-Handedly
                              • Trust in God's provision
                              • Release control of earthly wealth
                              • Give as freely as you've received
                                1. Prioritize His Kingdom
                                  • Seek first God's kingdom
                                  • Focus on eternal matters
                                  • Practice faithful stewardship
                                  • What's the Difference Between Earthly and Eternal Success?

                                    Earthly success becomes meaningful only when surrendered to eternal purpose. True success is measured by eternal impact, not temporary gain. When aligned with God's purpose, our success stores up treasure that lasts forever.

                                    Life Application

                                    Consider this legacy test: If your grandchildren only had your bank statements and calendar to examine after you're gone, would they know you loved God? This week, evaluate:

                                    • Where is your treasure truly located?
                                    • Are you hoarding blessings or sharing them?
                                    • Are you building bigger barns while living a small life?
                                    • How can you shift your focus to leave an eternal legacy?
                                    • Challenge yourself to live more open-handedly this week. Choose one specific way to be generous with your time, talents, or resources. Remember: You can build bigger barns and still live a small life, or you can live with Kingdom focus and leave a legacy that testifies forever.


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