Min. Trilby McClammy
Feb 20, 2026
The Kingdom Business: Lessons: Stewards
THEME: THE KINGDOM BUSINESS
LESSONS: STEWARDS
DOING THINGS WITH GOD, NOT FOR GOD; FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION
INTRODUCTION: EVERYTHING BELONGS TO GOD
Everything we have in every area of our lives belongs to God.
Psalm 24:1 (NLT) - The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.
(The earth, everything in it, including people belong to God.)
Deuteronomy 10:14 (NIV) - To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.
Psalm 50:12b (NIV) - The world is mine, and all that is in it.
Haggai 2:8 (NIV) - The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty.
(All money belongs to God.)
John 1:3 (ESV) - All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
(All things were made by him that includes spiritual and material)
Psalm 50:10 (NIV) - For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
Isaiah 43:1 (ESV) - Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
(We belong to Him.)
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV) - What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
(Your spirit and your body belong to the Lord)
Colossians 1:16 (NIV) - For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
It is imperative that students realize that everything we have belongs to the Lord for His purpose and use. Whether it is spiritual, physical, financial, family, etc., everything belongs to Him.
I Corinthians 4:7 (NIV) - For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
Romans 8:32 (KJV) - He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
c) 2 Peter 1:3 (KJV) - According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue
d) 1 Timothy 6:17 (KJV) - Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy
STEWARD – Manager or superintendent who has been given the duty of managing someone else’s affairs.
God expects us to be good stewards of everything He has given us cause even our very lives are not our own.
A good steward is expected by the one who has placed them over their affairs to watch over, increase, or advance the things they have been made charge over.
God expects us to grow and increase in every area of our life because He has given us authority to be stewards over everything He has given us.
4) With that thought in mine, reflect on what the following things would look like if you are being a good steward:
Your spiritual life.
Your spirit belongs to God and He has given you Holy Spirit, fruit of the spirit, salvation, faith, revelation, etc. Remember all of these things are His that He expects you to be good stewards of to grow and increase in our own personal lives.
Are you being a good steward over what God has given you?
If you are going to be a good steward over your spiritual life, what do you have to do and what would it take in order for you to experience growth?
What is being a bad steward over your spiritual life?
Your body (which belongs to God.)
What is God expecting you to do concerning your body if you are being a good manager of your body? For example: present our bodies a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1); do things that you have to do to stay healthy and make your body function properly; etc.
Are you being a good steward over your body?
What does a bad steward over your body look like?
Soul (mind, will and emotion.)
What does God expect from you? What does it take to grow in the soulish realm?
You are supposed to renew your mind (Romans 12:2). James 1:21 tells us to receive the word with meekness for it is able to save your souls. Jesus said not my will, but your will be done (Matthew 26:39). His will is to do the will of the Father (John 5:30). The Bible says to think on these things – true, honest, of a good report (Philippians 4:8).
What does a bad steward over your soul look like?
Relationships.
Children whom God has given us. What does He expect you to do concerning your children?
Train them up (Proverbs 22:6; bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4); disciplines them (Proverbs 13:24 NIV).
Marriage. What does He expect you to do concerning your marriage?
Submit one to another, love each other (Ephesians 5:21-25)
Church members. What does He expect you to do concerning your church family?
Love one another (John 15:12); do good to all especially of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10)
Community. What does He expect you to do concerning your community?
Preach the gospel (Mark 16:15); take care of the poor (Mark 10:21, 2 Corinthians 9:9)
*The main thought is this: EVERYTHING BELONGS TO GOD. Everything we have has been given to us by God. He expects us to take care of, manage, grow, and increase every single thing He has placed under our care.
THEME: THE KINGDOM BUSINESS
LESSONS: STEWARDS
DOING THINGS WITH GOD, NOT FOR GOD; FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION
LESSON #1 – KINGDOM BUSINESS
WHAT IS KINGDOM BUSINESS:
Kingdom business is God’s business, managed God’s way, by God’s stewards for God’s purposes in the world. The business must be a platform for ministry where we demonstrate our salt and light to a dying world.
A kingdom business is an enterprise directed by the Holy Spirit and managed by a godly leader that uses its time, talent, and money to meet the spiritual and/or physical needs of the community around them to advance God’s purpose.
The business must be profitable since the King is concerned about the proper stewardship of His resources. The profit is not for us (the operators of a kingdom business) but for the King.
PURPOSE:
God wants all men to be saved
1 Timothy 2:3-4 (KJV) - 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) - The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
His desire was for all people that He created (remember everyone belongs to Him) to leave the kingdom of darkness and come into His kingdom living life His way.
John 8:44 (NIV) - You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Ephesians 2: 1-3 (NIV) - As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
He wants everybody to have His life and to know Him personally.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 17:3 - Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent
NOTES:
It is not just God’s will for people to be saved and come into the kingdom, but He wants their lives to show forth the reality of a loving God and a wonderful Savior.
In reality kingdom business is all about people.
HOW DOES GOD ACCOMPLISH THIS:
Our preaching the Gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15 (KJV) - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Romans 10:13 (KJV) - For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Once converted people must be discipled so that they can learn how to live a life that pleases God
Matthew 28:18-20 - 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Ephesians 4:11-13 - 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
(*This is why we come to church)
The life of the believer shows forth the glory of God in everything that they have and do
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) - But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 4:11 (NIV) - If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
John 13:35 (KJV) - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
NOTE:
Our whole lives should revolve around the salvation and freedom of people. Once we have received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour our lives are not our own and everyday, in every way, our lives should be about the deliverance and freedom of people.
WHY NOW
Is the church ready for an influx of souls? Is the church ready spiritually? Is the church ready financially?
To accomplish God’s purpose on the earth, it will take financial and material resources. Darkness is overtaking people in the world.
Isaiah 60:2 (NIV) - See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.
We as a church are here to help those who are being influenced by the darkness of this world so that they can come into the light and be glorious like we are.
James 5:7 - Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
God is sending the rain of his spirit and power so that a great harvest of souls can come into the kingdom.
Are we ready?
Every person God sends to this place must be properly discipled and taken care of based upon the will and plan of God. God has placed us in the city of Durham and He expects us to be good stewards of this community by preaching the gospel and setting people free.
This means that everything we have that really belongs to God must be ready to be used at God’s beckoning.
God is about to take over.
There are seven spheres of influence in society. Seven areas that influence the way people talk, think, act, etc.
Family
Religion / Church
Education
Government
Media
Celebration (Arts, Entertainment, and Sports)
Economics (Business, Science, and Technology)
Two thoughts to think about:
If God has placed you in any of those areas, He expects you to use your platform to advance the kingdom of God.
If God is going to take over those area so that He can change the way people think, talk, act, etc., it is going to take the church having financial resources beyond what we have ever had. This is the real purpose of the BLESSING.
THEME: THE KINGDOM BUSINESS
LESSONS: STEWARDS
DOING THINGS WITH GOD, NOT FOR GOD; FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION
LESSON #2 – FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP - using finances to secure your future
REMINDERS:
God owns everything and everything that we have was given to us by God.
Everything on this earth was made by Him and for His purpose.
Kingdom business is about people – the salvation, deliverance and freedom of people from darkness, and then living the life God has planned for them.
God is taking over. He is going to use the seven spheres of influences to influence people for Christ. In order for that to happen it will take us to be good stewards of His finances.
LUKE 16:1-9 (NIV) – PARABLE OF THE UNJUST MANAGER (STEWARD)
1 Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions.
2 So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’
3 “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg—
4 I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’
5 “So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
6 “‘Nine hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied.
“The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’
7 “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’
“‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied.
“He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’
8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.
9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.
NOTES:
Shrewdly refers to doing something in a way that shows a clear understanding and good judgment of a situation, often resulting in an advantage.
Using worldly wealth to secure your future. The master commended his servant because He used what he was given to secure his future.
The Bible teaches the same thing for us using the wealth God has given us to secure a life of peace, joy and health greater than what money could every buy.
LUKE 7:2-10 (NIV) - CENTURION
2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.
3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.
4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this,
5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”
6 So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.
7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”
10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.
This centurion had a problem that money or status couldn’t solve.
He had a servant that was very important to him and needed healing that only Jesus could bring.
Notice that he asked the elder to come talk to Jesus for him because Jesus was only sent to the Jews. The centurion had no covenant rights with God.
His money developed relationships with the elders and they went to Jesus on his behalf.
Using your money for kingdom business secures a future for you that money can’t buy.
The reason why the elders said he was deserving to be healed by God was because he built their synagogue.
He used his money secure a future of health for his servant.
ACTS 9:36-41 (NIV) - DORCAS
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.
37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room.
38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”
39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.
41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.
Again, we see Dorcas used her money to secure relationships that allowed her to be raised from the dead.
She was helping the poor and they showed Peter the things that she had made for them.
Using her resources and what God had given her, she secured a future that money could not buy.
2 KINGS 4:8-17 (NIV) – SHUNAMITE WOMAN
8 One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat.
9 She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God.
10 Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.”
11 One day when Elisha came, he went up to his room and lay down there.
12 He said to his servant Gehazi, “Call the Shunammite.” So he called her, and she stood before him.
13 Elisha said to him, “Tell her, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’”
She replied, “I have a home among my own people.”
14 “What can be done for her?” Elisha asked.
Gehazi said, “She has no son, and her husband is old.”
15 Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway.
16 “About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.”
“No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!”
17 But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.
Using money for kingdom purposes that will develop relationships that will allow you to secure you a future that money can’t buy.
Giving to the preacher is part of kingdom business.
PHILIPPIANS 4:14-19 (NIV) – PAUL & THE CHURCH
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.
15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;
16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.
17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.
18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
The church met the needs of Paul in a continuous fashion. Paul said this was well pleasing in the sight of God.
We see the same thought using money for kingdom business to develop relationships that will cause you to secure a future that money can’t buy.
Paul goes on to say that ALL their needs were met, not just financial; mental, physical, etc.
The church used their money to supply all of Paul’s needs and God in return supplied all their needs including those that money can’t buy.
ACTS 10:1-6,26-33, 44-45 (NIV) – CORNELIUS
1 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment.
2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.
3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.
5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.
6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along.
24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.
25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence.
26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people.
28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.
29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”
30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me
31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.
32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’
33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.
45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.
Money can’t buy salvation. Cornelius’s giving opened the door for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon him, his family and friends.
More importantly, it ushered in salvation for all non-Jews and that included us.
When we give for kingdom purposes, we secure a future for us that money can’t buy.
B) LUKE 16:10-13 (NIV) – Parable of the Unjust Manager (Steward)
10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?
12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?
13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
NOTES:
Jeus is comparing worldly wealth as little of nothing. To God, worldly wealth has no value.
The true riches are things and people elated to the kingdom of God.
It doesn’t matter how much wealth you have; it is still valueless and the people and the things of God are invaluable.
MARK 10:17-30 (KJV) RICH YOUNG RULER
17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands.
The rich young ruler wanted the true riches – eternal life, but his relationship with that which had no value (money) was put to the test.
Jeus told him in order to have the true riches he had to sell what he had and give to the poor.
Notice Jesus told him to do that. We are not telling anyone to give things away only do what God tells you to do.
We don’t do things to earn the blessings of God; we believe and respond to His commands in faith.
He ruler valued money and material things more than God’s true riches.
Also notice Jesus’ response to Peter (v28-30): God does not want his children broke or barely making it because we give everything away. When we obey God with our giving, it actually causes increase in our lives and opens the door for even more giving.
C) LUKE 16:14-15 (NIV) – Parable of the Unjust Manager (Steward)
14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.
15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.
NOTES:
2 KINGS 5:15-27 (NIV) - GEHAZI’S GREED
15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”
16 The prophet answered, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.” And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.
17 “If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of mules can carry, for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices to any other god but the Lord.
18 But may the Lord forgive your servant for this one thing: When my master enters the temple of Rimmon to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I have to bow there also—when I bow down in the temple of Rimmon, may the Lord forgive your servant for this.”
19 “Go in peace,” Elisha said.
20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, “My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.”
21 So Gehazi hurried after Naaman. When Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him. “Is everything all right?” he asked.
22 “Everything is all right,” Gehazi answered. “My master sent me to say, ‘Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’”
23 “By all means, take two talents,” said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up the two talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi.
24 When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the things from the servants and put them away in the house. He sent the men away and they left.
25 When he went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?”
“Your servant didn’t go anywhere,” Gehazi answered.
26 But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves?
27 Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and his skin was leprous—it had become as white as snow.
Jesus pointed out that the pharisees loved money and things that people value highly as detestable to God.
Just like you can use money/material thing to secure a future for yourself that money can’t buy, the love of money can secure a future for yourself that you don’t not want to have.
Giving caused the blessing of God to come. Loving money cause the curse to come
Notice the curse that was spoken on Gehazi caused him to lose his position with the prophet and his family was cursed with leprosy.
LUKE 12:16-34 (NIV) – THE RICH FOOL
16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.
17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.
19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.
23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?
26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!
29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.
30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.
31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.
34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
What happened to the rich fool was an example of the statement “What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.”
Jesus made a statement that is truth because He said it, “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
How do you become rich toward God? By giving to the poor and whoever else God tells you to give to.
The reason why you don’t worry about what you need is because your worrying is an expression of what those things mean to you. Jesus said don’t worry about anything because it is the Father’s pleasure to give you the kingdom.
If you value the kingdom of God which is valuing people, their salvation, deliverance, and freedom, then your heart will be there also.
Giving becomes easy when you value the things of God over anything in this earth.