Fight the Good Fight of the Faith: The Use of Money

1 Timothy 6:3-19

When we hear the phrase “fight the good fight,” we tend to think that it is very spiritual. However, to “fight the good fight” as it is used in the Bible is something that is very practical. Thus, what we do in our spiritual life is also something that we must also practice in our daily life. This week’s message is about the use of money.

We can learn about how we can use money through the lens of the Bible. A general understanding of money is that it is neither good nor bad. It is neutral, but it can be evil depending on how we use it and our attitude towards it. There is a tendency for people to think that they are not controlled by money nor worship money, but we should be aware that it can be very destructive depending on our motivation. Despite our attempts to control money, often times we are actually the ones being controlled. 

1 Timothy 6:10-13 – “ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”

2 Timothy 3:2 – For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 

If money is the root of all evil, why do people have unhealthy cravings for money? 

1. They try to control their future with money. Many feel that their futures are uncertain. 

2. They do not have contentment with their living situation. They want to upgrade their lives because they are unsatisfied.

3. They want to live a comfortable life. 

Money is a means to control and have power over our lives and have social status. For those that covet money, money is the source of their provision. Nowadays, people are changing the gospel message unbiblically and promotes worship to Mammon, who was worshipped by the early church as the God of wealth and prosperity. Although they are not worshipping Mammon in name, they come to church to ask for prosperity, success, and wealth. 

Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

The Bible clearly states that we cannot serve two lords in our lives. If money is our lord, then we cannot become a Christian. As a Christian, we accept Jesus as our Lord and master. New believers have a good understanding when accepting Jesus into their lives as their savior and as someone who died for them on the cross. However, there also needs to be an acceptance of Christ into our lives as our Lord. Then how do we free ourselves from money?

Hebrews 13:5 – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

We know God will never leave us or forsake us. When we are uncertain, we commit sin by trying to take lordship of our own lives. As Christians, we should be certain about our future because this is why we set our hope on God. We trust that God is the God that provides for our life. Our God is the God that has the ability to do anything, but God chooses to be good. If this is our God, where is our faith?

John Wesley is an influential figure in many denominations and methodist churches and preached a sermon in the 1800s called “the use of money” which is very relatable to this week’s message. In that sermon he shared that we should:

1. Make all that you can be rich. The Bible actually says that it is okay to be rich. Money can lead us astray, but if we know how to use money properly than being rich is okay. We should try to gain all that you can with certain caveats.

1. Don’t try to make gain through means that are harmful to your body.

2. Don’t try to make gain through means that are harmful to your soul.

3. Don’t try to make gain through means that are harmful to others.

4. Don’t try to make gain through means are harmful to other’s souls.

5. We should try to make gains that benefits others. 

2. Save all that you can. The mistakes people make when they are wealthy is wasting their money by purchasing more cars, homes, and material things. We do not save our wealth because we are anxious. There is a reason. 

3. Give all you can. Money is a tool for us to do good. If we save all we can and give all we can to do good, then God assures us that we are saving good foundations for our future. 

1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

Money itself is neutral, but our attitude and use of it determine its impact on our lives. The Bible warns us about coveting money and urges believers to trust in God’s provision. Instead, true freedom comes from using money as a tool to be generous and share to save treasures in heaven. 

Reflection Questions:

1. What were your main takeaways from this week’s message?

2. How can you do better in “save all you can” and “give all you can”?

3. Are you living with contentment with what you have?