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Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

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Responding To Materialism<br />

Mark A. Copeland<br />

INTRODUCTION<br />

1. We live in a very materialistic society...<br />

a. As evidenced in our popular culture (music, TV, etc.)<br />

b. As expressed in the desire for an affluent lifestyle<br />

2. Materialism is dangerous foe to the Christian...<br />

a. The deceitfulness of riches can render the Christian fruitless - Mt 13:22<br />

b. The desire for riches can ensnare the Christian, leading him astray - 1 Ti 6:9-10<br />

3. What can we do as Christians, and as the church? Consider God’s use of Isaiah...<br />

a. Sent to a corrupt and materialistic society - Isa 1:21-23<br />

b. Offering that which truly satisfies - Isa 55:1-3<br />

[Today, Jesus has a similar response, which we can offer to a world that is starving for what truly<br />

satisfies...]<br />

I. JESUS’ RESPONSE TO MATERIALISM<br />

A. EXPOSES THE DEFICIENCY OF RICHES...<br />

1. Many think of “the good life” in terms of material prosperity<br />

2. Jesus taught there is more to life than material possessions<br />

a. Man’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions - Lk 12:15<br />

b. As illustrated in the parable of the rich fool - Lk 12:16-21<br />

3. Jesus taught the insecurity of riches - Mt 6:19-20<br />

a. They are susceptible to corruption<br />

b. They are open to theft<br />

4. Jesus taught the danger of riches - Mt 6:21-24<br />

a. They can dominate our affections<br />

b. They can blind us to the true light<br />

c. They can prevent us from being able to serve God<br />

-- Thus the message of Jesus is one of correcting our misconceptions; riches do not<br />

make one happy!<br />

B. EXTENDS THE TRULY ABUNDANT LIFE...<br />

1. Jesus offers a life filled with peace - cf. Jn 14:27<br />

a. Peace with God through justification - Ro 5:1-2<br />

b. Peace with man through reconciliation - Ep 2:14-16<br />

c. Peace with self through supplication - Ph 4:6-7<br />

-- The peace Jesus offers “surpasses all understanding” - Ph 4:7<br />

2. Jesus offers a life filled with love - cf. Jn 15:9<br />

a. Love patterned after the Father’s love for the Son - Jn 15:9<br />

b. Love that can be fervent, yet pure between brethren - 1 Pe 1:22<br />

c. Love that can be extended even toward enemies - Mt 5:43-45<br />

-- The love Jesus offers “passes knowledge” - Ep 3:9<br />

3. Jesus offers a life filled with joy - cf. Jn 15:11<br />

<strong>Topical</strong> <strong>Sermons</strong> 305

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