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Jesus First – Part 8 – I Love Stuff               

Introduction 

Read Luke 18:18-30

This is story of when Jesus encounters the rich young ruler.

• The idol of Materialism is both a liar and thief. 

• In one hand it lies about giving you fulfilment in order to control you and then with its other hand it will steal from you the true joy found only in Jesus. 

Understanding

• Materialism is the love of stuff.  Stuff can be possessions, wealth, lifestyle, a whole range of things. 

• Materialism is about,

- Accumulating stuff

- Hanging onto stuff

- Desiring stuff 

• Materialism is not based on disposable income!  Materialism is about an attitude.

• Surface idols represent lifestyle issues that are more visible to us, but have their roots in deeper idols.  

Materialism is a surface idol with its roots found in the following deeper idols.  For a helpful pdf illustration of this, click here (the second page).

• Control – The desire to be in control of the life and the world around.  Fear of not being able to live stable life.  These people want to save and accumulate wealth and possessions. • Comfort – The need of an easier life.  I don’t want pain or hardship.  Possessions can make for a better and less stressful lifestyle.

• Power – Wealth gives the ability to exercise power over others.

• Approval – Provides access to social circles, make themselves beautiful and attractive.  Fitting in with peer group whether at work, school gate etc.

Application

• What do you desire or end up thinking about needing most at the moment?

• What would be the hardest thing you could give up?

• Why would it be so hard to give up?

• What is deeper idol for you – comfort, approval, control, power,

Prayer

• Pray that God with reveal the deep idols in our lives. 

• Ask for forgiveness when we have believed the lie and not the truth that Jesus is sufficient

Personal Study

Please consider reading one of these books further details on this subject of materialism; Tim Keller – “Counterfeit Idols” or  Mark Powley “Consumer Detox”.