Text: Hebrews 13:5
We live in a materialistic society. The problem is not money or the things it will buy, but our attitude toward these things. While money will buy a lot of things, there are some things that money cannot buy. It is important that we recognize the limits of money and, therefore, place our trust in the giver of all good things – God. In this lesson, we will consider seven things that money cannot buy.
Happiness
- Many believe that they will be happier if they had more money – but Solomon recognized that money will not buy happiness (Ecclesiastes 2:8,11)
- We must have contentment, no matter how much or how little we have (Philippians 4:11-12) – lack of contentment will prevent one from recognizing and enjoying the blessings that God has given
- Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4,10) – true happiness is found in Him
Health
- Luke mentioned a woman who suffered with a medical condition for twelve years (Luke 8:43-44) – she “spent all her living on physicians” (KJV), but none could heal her; money gave her access to medical care, but did not give her good health
- Life is fragile (James 4:14) – affects the rich and poor alike (Hebrews 9:27; Luke 16:19-22)
- The prosperity of the rich land owner did not prevent/delay his death (Luke 12:20)
Peace of Mind
- Judas received thirty pieces of silver for betraying Jesus (Matthew 26:15) – but when he later felt remorse, that money could not give him peace of mind (Matthew 27:3-5)
- Sadly, some are seared in their conscience (1 Timothy 4:2) – cannot feel guilt for wrongdoing
- But guilt is natural – it is there to lead us to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-10); once we recognize our guilt before God, no amount of money can soothe our conscience
Redemption
- Riches could not redeem us from our sins, only the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19; cf. Ephesians 1:7) – silver and gold are valuable, but perishable (Matthew 6:19; 2 Peter 3:10)
- Jesus’ sacrifice is valuable because it is so rare – His sacrifice was unique because He was willing (John 10:17-18), sinless (Hebrews 7:26), and God in the flesh (Acts 20:28)
- If we fail to serve God, nothing we could give in the end will save us (Matthew 16:26) – only the blood of Christ will save (Hebrews 9:14)
Holy Spirit
- When the gospel came to Samaria, many believed and were baptized (Acts 8:12) – among them was a former sorcerer named Simon (Acts 8:9,13)
- Simon sinned when he tried to buy the ability to pass on miraculous gifts of the Spirit (Acts 8:17-20) – the ability to pass on these gifts was reserved for the apostles (Acts 8:17-20)
- The rich and poor are equal before God (Proverbs 22:2) – His laws/plans apply equally
Christ’s Approval
- Laodicea was a “lukewarm” church (Revelation 3:15-18) – they were comfortable and confident in their condition; one reason for this was their wealth
- But spiritually, they were poor – they needed to pursue the true riches in Christ
- Money will cause one to have favor with many (Proverbs 14:20), but not with the Lord (James 2:5) – “The man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him” (Acts 10:35)
Paradise
- The rich man and Lazarus (poor man) both died (Luke 16:19-22) – they ended up in very different places (Luke 16:23)
- No mercy for the rich man – Abraham remembered his riches (Luke 16:25), but he would receive no special privilege because of his past wealth (Proverbs 18:16)
- We cannot take our riches/possessions with us when we die (1 Timothy 6:7) – our eternal fate will be based upon our deeds, not our wealth
Conclusion
- Money is useful and is a blessing – but there are some things that money cannot buy
- These are the most important things – seek spiritual things first (Matthew 6:33)
Adapted from an outline by Aaron Erhardt published in Truth in Charts (p. 67).
