God's Way of Testing Our Commitment

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GOD’S WAY OF TESTING OUR COMMITMENT
Richard’s was a rags to riches story. Born in the ghettoes of New York City, he had succeeded against the odds and was now the CEO of the computer company he had founded. Unlike many in similar privileged circumstances as he, Richard was a born again Christian and was extremely dedicated to his Lord and his church. Stewardship was high on his list of priorities as he dedicated his entire life to the Lord. Each week, he would dedicate a certain number of hours to assist in the after school tutoring program and the big-brother fraternity that the church’s outreach ministry had developed. He also dedicated his talents to the glory of God and was always the first to arrive at choir practice.

Additionally, in recognition that his body was God’s temple he exercised regularly and stayed away from harmful foods. Needless to say, he contributed heartily to the financial needs of the church–not only did he triple tithe, but he had just paid for the entire construction of the church’s multi-purpose building, and was providing fifteen full scholarships each year so that underprivileged youth could receive a Christian education.

As a reward for the four million dollars in net profit his company had made the precious year, Richard decided to purchase a $750,000 limited edition sports car. After all, he could afford it–and he was a faithful steward. As he sat in church one week, he listened to a mission report about the plight of fellow Christians in impoverished nations. Many of them were HIV positive and could not afford the expensive drug therapy, others had a hard time making ends meet. Even the pastors were experience challenges with their multi-church districts and no means of transportation–not even a bicycle. Richard’s conscience was pricked by the story as he was afflicted by internal turmoil. Was it right for him to purchase a $750,000 luxury car when his own brothers and sisters whom he had not seen did not even have enough money feed their families? But he deserved the car, didn’t he? Hadn’t God blessed him with the profits? Didn’t Solomon and Lot have riches? He had done his part in his home church. Couldn’t some other philanthropist help these people?

What should Richard do? You may not be in the same financial position as Richard, but what would you do if facing a similar situation? Lets see if God’s word can help us answer these questions as we study GOD’S WAY OF TESTING OUR COMMITMENT.
QUESTIONS
1. Many people are under the impression that wealthy people are under an automatic curse. Some even express the virtues of poverty and equate the absence of material goods with righteousness. Can a person be a follower of God and still accumulate wealth? Read and respond to Job 1:1-3 and 1 Kings 10:4-7.
2. There are others who believe that if God has allowed them to accumulate wealth, they have a responsibility to do with it as they wish. In light of 1 Corinthians 10:31 Is it our prerogative to spend our wealth in whatever way we desire?
3. What is the one way in which we are all asked to honor the Lord? List some practical ways in which this can be done. See Proverbs 3:9-10.
4. What practical example did James give concerning the relationship of working faith to personal stewardship (James 2:14-17).
5. Which of the stewards in Jesus’ parable in Luke 21:1-3 was more committed? Why?
6. How did Jesus test the level of commitment that a particular wealthy person professed to have (Luke 18:18-25) ? What is the meaning of the camel/needle parable?

(note: Some preacher’s errnoneously teach that the “eye of a needle” is a mountainous crevice in Palestine. However, Jesus refers to a literal needle’s eye.)
7. How did the early Christian church deal with the eonomic disparity among them (Acts 4:32-35) ? Is this a principle you would like to see in your own fellowship? Provide an explanation for your answer.
8. In light of 1 John 3:17 and Matthew 25:34-40, are we responsible for the poorer brothers and sisters in our faith community?
I realize that total commitment to God involves identifying with the needs of my fellow brothers and sisters in the household of faith. As I dedicate my funds to the Lord, I promise that I will not allow selfishness to become a barrier to my duty to those in need.
Yes
No