Bible Study Despondency Over Material Things

[Soul man]

Praise God for the hunger among many believers today. Much of this hunger has been brought about by material things. America has become materially minded. Men are selling their souls for things. Believers have become swept up in the tide of material blessings, only to learn that material blessings are not the answer. When the material loses its motivation, God is given an opportunity to motivate a life. Too long, we have believed that the criterion of spiritual life is things. We have long based our growth in Christ on our getting and receiving blessings. Long ago, Paul learned that to know Jesus (and to subsequently live His life), one must “suffer the loss of all things” (Philippians 3:8). Many would be willing to lose all things, but Paul went one step further. He counted things “dung.” Many, today, are willing to give up something, in hopes of receiving more in return. This is not enough. Jesus charges followers to hate things and even to hate the self-life if they are of greater motivation than Christ. Counting all things loss, and even considering them dung, is necessary to our one- ness with Christ. But these are just outlandish statements to the carnal believer. The carnal man will retaliate if such an insinuation is made of him. Thus, the decision is left to the Father concerning things. Again, we say, “Praise God!” for the moving of the Spirit which is making believers sick of their things.
No greater crisis comes than the discovery that things and their possessions leave you empty and hungry after a time. We believe God has let America become bound to things so that men might turn to Jesus for the true joy of life. If you are depressed and frustrated after reaching your goals and owning the riches of earth, this is the most wonderful time to which you have ever come. Now God’s time element is in operation, and, though the days will be hard, the schooling will bring the necessary knowledge to the son, and finally oneness with Christ.

 

[Edward]

I agree with you. I think a lot of people will use the (excuse) argument that we need money to live. This is one of the biggest lies. Money makes things easier at times, but is not absolutely necessary. It takes a change of perspective to be able to comprehend this as a truth though. Not easy.

 

[th1b.taylor]

Amen and again I say Amen! And until I learned what to do with my money instead buying things, fads, I had no real joy. When I began pouring my paycheck into the things of God, then I found real joy.