Hope for the Pocketbook

Thesis: In times of financial hardship, Jesus calls His followers to avoid greed and worry in favor of preparedness and service and promises that, if they will be faithful, He will reward them in the end.

Objective: Call believers to be faithfully obedient to the laws against greed, believing that God can and will provide, and ready and working to accomplish His will even as we wait for His return.

1. Money must not be our primary concern (13-21).
   1. We want our share (13; It is a fact of life that we are always wanting our share. The problem is, we usually think our share is bigger than it probably is.).
   2. We must be wary of greed (“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed” (15); Jesus speaks of greed as an enemy looking to breach or infiltrate our lives. We must not allow ourselves to develop an insatiable and/or inappropriate pursuit of wealth.).
   3. Life isn't about wealth (“a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (15); The acquisition of stuff is not the greatest thing in the world. In fact, in most cases, it only causes more trouble. This is hopeful because it means that we don't have to be rich, fancy, etc., to be fulfilled. Jesus illustrates this with a parable, showing that at the end of life, all that a man has acquired is useless and worthless.).
2. Don't worry (22-34).
   1. It's pointless (22-26; Worrying about money is useless because (a) there's more to life than what we eat or wear; (b) God provides for His creation, including birds and people; and (c) worry accomplishes nothing and is, in fact, counterproductive.).
   2. God will provide (27-31; Jesus points to the splendor of the lilies as further proof that worry is useless and that, if we will simply trust Him, contrary to what the world will do trying to provide for themselves, He will provide. Key verse: “Seek His kingdom, and these things” - i.e., food and clothing, the essentials of life - “will be given to you as well.”).
   3. We don't have to be afraid (32-34; Jesus' voice becomes suddenly tender as He reminds His “little flock” the God the Father “has been pleased to give you [His] kingdom.” This is far more valuable than anything on earth, and if He's given us His kingdom, why wouldn't He take care of the rest of our needs? So Jesus prescribes a very counter-intuitive course: sell everything, give to the poor, and get to work on the things of God so that you'll have a well-padded account in heaven. Make God's kingdom your highest priority, and all the rest will work itself out.).
3. Be faithful (35-48).
   1. Be ready (35-38; Like the faithful servants waiting expectantly for their master, the bridegroom, to return, we must be ready to serve whenever the opportunity arises. Notice the associated promise: that, if we are found ready, the master will reward us with a great banquet.).
   2. He's coming (39-40; Like the man expecting the thief to arrive arrive, we must be prepared. The thing is, we don't know exactly when Jesus will return, so we must be expecting Him at any time. This is cool because, when He comes, there will be no more need for money! All the stuff we thought was so important will suddenly be absolutely out of mind!).
   3. We have work to do (41-48; Whether we're lowly servants or leaders among servants, we have work to do. Jesus has given us all some task(s) to accomplish. If we fail to do them, we will be held accountable. If we succeed, though, we will be rewarded.).