Angels | A Study on God's Messengers

Etymology

The word “angel” comes from the Greek angelos. In Old Testament Hebrew, the word for angel is mal’ach. Both words mean “messenger”. Similarly, the word evangelism refers to the spreading of the evangel or “good message / news”.

Creation and Nature

Angels were created by God:

“Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. […] Let them praise the name of the Lord for at his command they were created.” Psalm 148

“For in [Jesus] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rules or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

Angels were created before the Earth. In the Book of Job, God asks Job (in an epic speech in chs. 38-41 which you should def read if you feel like questioning God):

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? […] when the morning stars sang in chorus, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Job 38:4,7

Here is a great summary on the nature of angels from Bible.org:

Though at times they have revealed themselves in the form of human bodies (angelophanies) as in Genesis 18:3 [and at Jesus’ resurrection], they are described as “spirits” in Hebrews 1:14. This suggests they do not have material bodies as humans do. This is further supported by the fact they do not function as human beings in terms of marriage and procreation (Mark 12:25) nor are they subject to death (Luke 20:36).

Mankind, including our incarnate Lord, is “lower than the angels” (Heb. 2:7). Angels are not subject to the limitations of man, especially since they are incapable of death (Luke 20:36). Angels have greater wisdom than man (2 Sam. 14:20), yet it is limited (Matt. 24:36). Angels have greater power than man (Matt. 28:2; Acts 5:19; 2 Pet. 2:11), yet they are limited in power (Dan. 10:13).

The Fall of Satan and Demons

Satan was already there at the Garden in Genesis 3, without any mention before that. So whence demons? Interestingly, in a declaration to an evil king of Tyre in Ezekiel 28:11-19, perhaps controlled by Satan the “prince of this world”, this is said:

“You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings.

On the day that you were created they were prepared. You were an anointed guardian cherub. I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God; in the midst of the stones of fire you walked. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you.

In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence in your midst, and you sinned; so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God, and I destroyed you, O guardian cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor.

I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you. By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your trade you profaned your sanctuaries; so I brought fire out from your midst; it consumed you, and I turned you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all who saw you. All who know you among the peoples are appalled at you; you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever.”

The descriptions here seems to refer to a power that is much greater and perhaps behind the evil king of Tyre (see here). 

There are other passages that refer to the fall of Satan:

“And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” Revelation 12:9

“God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment.” 2 Peter 2:4

Angels in the Old Testament

First occurrence of an angel is in Genesis 3:24

“He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.”

Elsewhere in the OT, the word “angel(s)” is found 115 times in the ESV. Angels appear to have various tasks: messengers, warriors, worshipers of God, and guardians of the people of God. 

"The Angel of the Lord" – Theophanies / Christophanies

When you read the OT you will encounter a mysterious figure described as “The Angel of the Lord”. While called an “angel”, this being would then speak as God himself and those he encounters claim to have encountered God himself.

Just a few examples:

• Genesis 16:7-14 – Here the Angel says to Hagar “I will increase your descendants” and after the meeting Hagar says “I have now seen the One who sees me”
• Genesis 22:11-18 – The Angel says “Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son” and he later says “I swear by myself, declares the Lord… I will surely bless you”
• Genesis 32:22-31 – Jacob wrestles with a man and then later says “I saw God face to face and yet my life was spared”.
• In Exodus 3, the Angel of the Lord appears to Moses but later in the narrative the Angel says “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.”
• Judges 13:3-22 – The Angel of the Lord appears to Manoah and says to them “if you prepare a burnt offering, offer it to the Lord” and later ascended in flame. Manoah then said “We are doomed to die… We have seen God!”

Many theologians equate the Angel of the Lord to God, and even to Christ himself as a pre-incarnate appearing for at least these reasons:

• Christ is said to be the “image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). 
• John 1:18 says “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known”. Note distinction between God the Father and God “who is at the Father’s side”.
• The phrase “The Angel of the Lord” never appears in the New Testament anymore.

Angels in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the word “angel(s)” is found 185 times in the ESV. Angels are described as having the same responsibilities in the OT as messengers, worshipers of God, and guardians of the people of God, but interestingly not explicitly mentioned as warriors in the present church until the end times. 

References to angels in the NT are mainly found in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth (as messengers) and in the ministry of Jesus and the apostles as helpers. Demons also appear as adversaries of Jesus and the apostles. In the epistles, Paul says that the gods pagans worship are actually demons (1 Cor. 10:20). Angels are mentioned having dominions over certain churches in the Book of Revelation. 

Angels' Roles and Responsibilites

As earlier stated, in the Biblical accounts we find that angels primarily act as messengers, warriors of God, worshipers of God, and guardians of the people of God. 

Oftentimes Biblical names often give us clues to a being's nature and character. We can do the same for angels and demons. Two angels are explicitly named in Scripture: Micha-El “Who is like God?” who is described as an archangel (“chief angel”), and Gabri-El “Man of God”. From Gabriel we find perhaps the best (and most epic) job description for angels: “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.” (Luke 1:19) At least two demons are explicitly named: Satan “Adversary/Accuser” and Abaddon “The Destroyer”.  

There are other words and descriptions that refer to specific types of angels. 

Illustration of seraphim from the Middle Ages. 

• Cherubim – description of the prophet Ezekiel is very mysterious and near-incomprehensible (Ezekiel 10)
• Seraphim – the “burning ones” that stand next to God’s throne in Isaiah 10:

“Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.  And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”

• Other angelic beings are described although their precise role or hierarchy (if any) is not clear: “thrones”, “powers”, “rulers”, and “authorities” (Col. 1:16 and 2:15, Rom. 8:37-39, Eph. 3:10-11)

Angels and Demons Today

Does each person have a personal “guardian angel”? 
Probably not. In the Book of Revelation John writes to different churches with the heading “To the angel of the church in Ephesus/Smyrna/etc.” It seems angels play “zone defense” rather than “man-to-man”

How should Christians consider angels or demons?
Angels are to be regarded as co-worshipers of God and are not to be worshiped or venerated themselves (Col. 2:18). Demons are not to be feared when one fully trusts in the sovereignty and power of God. If God had defeated Death and Satan at the Cross, how much more his minions? However, demonic influence is real and its power is considerable if one is not under the protection of God. No Christian should entertain any demonic activity because in this warfare “not against flesh and blood” we have chosen to be on God’s side. 

Is demonic influence or possession real?
Scripture shows the possibility of being controlled by demons, either actively (possession as in Acts 16:18) or passively (1 Tim 4:1, Jam 3:15). Christians however, are protected by God and God’s spirit is in them (Romans 8:1-11). Therefore, it is not possible for Christians to be possessed by demons (see here).

Other notable verses on angels or demons

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9

The Great Sin | by C.S. Lewis

Note: This is an excerpt from C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity. 

The great 20th century Christian writer and apologist, C.S. Lewis. 

Today I come to that part of Christian morals where they differ most sharply from all other morals. There is one vice of which no man in the world is free; which every one in the world loathes when he sees it in someone else; and of which hardly any people, except Christians, ever imagine that they are guilty themselves.

I have heard people admit that they are bad-tempered, or that they cannot keep their heads about girls or drink, or even that they are cowards. I do not think I have ever heard anyone who was not a Christian accuse himself of this vice. And at the same time I have very seldom met anyone, who was not a Christian, who showed the slightest mercy to it in others. There is no fault which makes a man more unpopular, and no fault which We are more unconscious of in ourselves. And the more we have it ourselves, the more we dislike it in others.

The vice I am talking of is Pride or Self-Conceit: and the virtue opposite to it, in Christian morals, is called Humility. You may remember, when I was talking about sexual morality, I warned you that the centre of Christian morals did not lie there. Well, now, we have come to the centre. According to Christian teachers, the essential vice, the utmost evil, is Pride. Unchastity, anger, greed, drunkenness, and all that, are mere flea bites in comparison: it was through Pride that the devil became the devil: Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind.

Does this seem to you exaggerated? If so, think it over. I pointed out a moment ago that the more pride one had, the more one disliked pride in others. In fact, if you want to find out how proud you are the easiest way is to ask yourself, "How much do I dislike it when other people snub me, or refuse to take any notice of me, or shove their oar in, or patronise me, or show off?" The point it that each person's pride is in competition with every one else's pride.

It is because I wanted to be the big noise at the party that I am so annoyed at someone else being the big noise. Two of a trade never agree. Now what you want to get clear is that Pride is essentially competitive—is competitive by its very nature—while the other vices are competitive only, so to speak, by accident Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man.

We say that people are proud of being rich, or clever, or good-looking, but they are not. They are proud of being richer, or cleverer, or better-looking than others. If every one else became equally rich, or clever, or good-looking there would be nothing to be proud about. It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone. That is why I say that Pride is essentially competitive in a way the other vices are not. The sexual impulse may drive two men into competition if they both want the same girl. But that is only by accident; they might just as likely have wanted two different girls. But a proud man will take your girl from you, not because he wants her, but just to prove to himself that he is a better man than you. Greed may drive men into competition if there is not enough to go round; but the proud man, even when he has got more than he can possibly want, will try to get still more just to assert his power. Nearly all those evils in the world which people put down to greed or selfishness are really far more the result of Pride.

Take it with money. Greed will certainly make a man want money, for the sake of a better house, better holidays, better things to eat and drink. But only up to a point What is it dial makes a man with £10,000 a year anxious to get £20,000 a year? It is not the greed for more pleasure. £10,000 will give all the luxuries that any man can really enjoy. It is Pride—the wish to be richer than some other rich man, and (still more) the wish for power.

For, of course, power is what Pride really enjoys: there is nothing makes a man feel so superior to others as being able to move them about like toy soldiers. What makes a pretty girl spread misery wherever she goes by collecting admirers? Certainly not her sexual instinct: that kind of girl is quite often sexually frigid. It is Pride. What is it that makes a political leader or a whole nation go on and on, demanding more and more? Pride again. Pride is competitive by its very nature: that is why it goes on and on. If I am a proud man, then, as long as there is one man in the whole world more powerful, or richer, or cleverer than I, he is my rival and my enemy.

The Christians are right: it is Pride which has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since the world began. Other vices may sometimes bring people together: you may find good fellowship and jokes and friendliness among drunken people or unchaste people. But Pride always means enmity—it is enmity. And not only enmity between man and man, but enmity to God.

In God you come up against something which is in every respect immeasurably superior to yourself. Unless you know God as that—and, therefore, know yourself as nothing in comparison— you do not know God at all. As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.

That raises a terrible question. How is it that people who are quite obviously eaten up with Pride can say they believe in God and appear to themselves very religious? I am afraid it means they are worshipping an imaginary God. They theoretically admit themselves to be nothing in the presence of this phantom God, but are really all the time imagining how He approves of them and thinks them far better than ordinary people: that is, they pay a pennyworth of imaginary humility to Him and get out of it a pound's worth of Pride towards their fellow-men.

I suppose it was of those people Christ was thinking when He said that some would preach about Him and cast out devils in His name, only to be told at the end of the world that He had never known them. And any of us may at any moment be in this death-trap. Luckily, we have a test Whenever we find that our religious life is making us feel that we are good—above all, that we are better than someone else—I think we may be sure that we are being acted on, not by God, but by the devil The real test of being in the presence of God is that you either forget about yourself altogether or see yourself as a small, dirty object. It is better to forget about yourself altogether.

It is a terrible thing that the worst of all the vices can smuggle itself into the very centre of our religious life. But you can see why. The other, and less bad, vices come from the devil working on us through our animal nature. But this does not come through our animal nature at all It comes direct from Hell. It is purely spiritual: consequently it is far more subtle and deadly.

For the same reason, Pride can often be used to beat down the simpler vices. Teachers, in fact, often appeal to a boy's Pride, or, as they call it, his self-respect, to make him behave decently: many a man has overcome cowardice, or lust, or ill-temper by learning to think that they are beneath his dignity—that is, by Pride. The devil laughs. He is perfectly content to see you becoming chaste and brave and self-con trolled provided, all the time, he is setting up in you the Dictatorship of Pride—just as he would be quite content to see your chilblains cured if he was allowed, in return, to give you cancer. For Pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love, or contentment, or even common sense.

Before leaving this subject I must guard against some possible misunderstandings:

(1) Pleasure in being praised is not Pride. The child who is patted on the back for doing a lesson well, the woman whose beauty is praised by her lover, the saved soul to whom Christ says "Well done," are pleased and ought to be. For here the pleasure lies not in what you are but in the fact that you have pleased someone you wanted (and rightly wanted) to please.

The trouble begins when you pass from thinking, "I have pleased him; all is well," to thinking, "What a fine person I must be to have done it." The more you delight in yourself and the less you delight in the praise, the worse you are becoming. When you delight wholly in yourself and do not care about the praise at all, you have reached the bottom. That is why vanity, though it is the sort of Pride which shows most on the surface, is really the least bad and most pardonable sort. The vain person wants praise, applause, admiration, too much and is always angling for it. It is a fault, but a childlike and even (in an odd way) a humble fault.

It shows that you are not yet completely contented with your own admiration. You value other people enough to want them to look at you. You are, in fact, still human. The real black, diabolical Pride comes when you look down on others so much that you do not care what they think of you. Of course, it is very right, and often our duty, not to care what people think of us, if we do so for the right reason; namely, because we care so incomparably more what God thinks. But the Proud man has a different reason for not caring.

He says "Why should I care for the applause of that rabble as if their opinion were worth anything? And even if their opinions were of value, , am I the sort of man to blush with pleasure at a compliment like some chit of a girl at her first dance? No, I am an integrated, adult personality.

All I have done has been done to satisfy my own ideals—or my artistic conscience—or the traditions of my family— or, in a word, because I'm That Kind of Chap. If the mob like it, let them. They're nothing to me." In this way real thoroughgoing Pride may act as a check on vanity; for, as I said a moment ago, the devil loves "curing" a small fault by giving you a great one. We must try not to be vain, but we must never call in our Pride to cure our vanity; better the frying-pan than the fire.

(2) We say in English that a man is "proud" of his son, or his father, or his school, or regiment, and it may be asked whether "pride" in this sense is a sin. I think it depends on what, exactly, we mean by "proud of." Very often, in such sentences, the phrase "is proud of" means "has a warm-hearted admiration for." Such an admiration is, of course, very far from being a sin. But it might, perhaps, mean that the person in question gives himself airs on the ground of his distinguished father, or because he belongs to a famous regiment.

This would, clearly, be a fault; but even then, it would be better than being proud simply of himself. To love and admire anything outside yourself is to take one step away from utter spiritual ruin; though we shall not be well so long as we love and admire anything more than we love and admire God.

(3) We must not think Pride is something God forbids because He is offended at it, or that Humility is something He demands as due to His own dignity—as if God Himself was proud. He is not in the least worried about His dignity. The point is, He wants you to know Him; wants to give you Himself.

And He and you are two things of such a kind that if you really get into any kind of touch with Him you will, in fact, be humble—delightedly humble, feeling the infinite relief of having for once got rid of all the silly nonsense about your own dignity which has made you restless and unhappy all your life. He is trying to make you humble in order to make this moment possible: trying to take off a lot of silly, ugly, fancy-dress in which we have all got ourselves up and are strutting about like the little idiots we are.

I wish I had got a bit further with humility myself: if I had, I could probably tell you more about the relief, the comfort, of taking the fancy-dress off—getting rid of the false self, with all its "Look at me" and "Aren't I a good boy?" and all its posing and posturing. To get even near it, even for a moment, is like a drink of cold water to a man in a desert.

(4) Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call "humble" nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.

If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realise that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed.

Source: http://www.timesandseasons.org/The_Great_Sin_condensed.pdf

4. Doctrine of the Trinity

Important Passages

James 2:19: “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.”

Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

Matthew 3:16-17: “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Acts 5:3-4: “Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

We cannot fully understand everything about the nature of God (of course) but we can know truths about God because of what he has revealed in Scripture.

The Doctrine of the Trinity means that there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct Persons — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Stated differently, God is one in essence and three in person. These definitions express three crucial truths: 

1. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct Persons
2. Each Person is fully God, 
3. There is only one God.

Note that this is not an explanation how God is one in being and three in person, but a description that God is one in being and three in person. We accept this truth because Scripture bears witness to it, even though we may not understand this mystery fully. 

Many of today’s cults and heresies deny one or more of these three truths. 

Source:
1. http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-is-the-doctrine-of-the-trinity

3. Doctrine of God, part II - Communicable Attributes

Important Passages

Genesis 1:26-27: “Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

Ephesians 5:1-2: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

1 Peter 1:15-16: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

Most important communicable attributes of God

These are called “communicable” because we share them with God as children made in his image. Though our expression of these attributes are broken due to sin, they are repaired through Christ:

1. Love – Love is to seek the well-being of the another unconditionally, even through self-sacrifice. God is love (1 John 4:8) and expresses His love perfectly through Jesus. Because we are touched by sin, our expression of love towards others will always be tainted. But we are still able to express it.
    
2. Mercy – To receive mercy is to not receive what is deserved (judgment, condemnation, etc.). Conversely, to give mercy is to not punish another for what they deserve. We can exhibit mercy to others though we do not always do it properly and perfectly.
    
3. Goodness – Goodness is virtue and holiness in action. Goodness flows out of a living faith in God. (Galatians 5:22-23, James 2:14-26).
    
4. Justice – Justice is to know and seek what is right and fair. “(Psalm 89:14, Leviticus 19:15, James 2:1-13, Isaiah 45:21).
   
   Just a side note on the relationship between justice and mercy:
   
   “In every other religion in the world that holds to the idea of a supreme deity, that deity’s mercy is always exercised at the expense of justice. For example, in Islam, Allah may grant mercy to an individual, but it’s done by dismissing the penalties of whatever law has been broken. (…) Christianity is unique in that God’s mercy is shown through His justice. There is no setting aside of justice to make room for mercy. The Christian doctrine of penal substitution states that sin and injustice were punished at the cross of Christ, and that only because the penalty of sin was satisfied through Christ’s sacrifice does God extend His mercy to undeserving sinners who look to Him for salvation.” (source: gotquestions.org)
    
5. Wisdom – People are capable of expressing wisdom, which is the proper use of knowledge. But this is best done in light of Scriptural revelation. We can possess wisdom but not perfectly. (Psalm 1, all of Proverbs)
    
6. Truthfulness – Truth is whatever that corresponds to reality. More than just not lying, Christians seek to know Truth and share the Truth to others (John 14:6, 2 Timothy 2:15, Ephesians 4:15)

Source: 
1.    https://carm.org/communicable-incommunicable-attributes-of-god)
2.    gotquestions.org [very good resource if you have questions]
3.    http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/gods-communicable-attributes/

gods of money | Week 4

Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Hebrews 10:32-35 – “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”

Initial Questions

1. What three items that you currently own can you almost not live without? 
   Possible response: iPhone, laptop, headphones
    
2. List three goals in your life:
   Possible response: To be a famous person, to be rich, to be the best in what I do

Summary of Video

Chuck Bentley was raised in a Christian home, and eventually accepted Jesus in his early years. He became a businessman and was one of the pioneers in the internet boom of the 90s. He became successful enough that he says "money started chasing us". He even made a deal with God that if God would bless him, he would give Him the glory. Eventually, Chuck was pulled into working long hours for his company. And when he listed down his future goals, he realized that none of them were spiritual goals. 

At a Bible study Chuck read 2 Kings 17:40-41 where the people worshiped the Lord while serving their idols. He saw his own reflection, and saw the distinction between "worship" and "service". He called himself an idolater, serving money while "worshiping" God. He read Jesus teaching "you cannot serve both God and money" and found that God wanted him to die to the things of this world, and to recognize that God is the source of everything. 

In March of 2000, the internet bubble burst and the stock market crashed. His company was over but he didn't feel any sting to losing it. He recognized the greater treasure found in Jesus than all the riches of Wall Street. As he looks back at this experience, he asks "how did I ever get trapped in that?" and now works in a ministry devoted to helping others take a Biblical view of money and finances, and has found his decision more than worth the sacrifice. 

Kyle Idleman begins the video by relating the numerous cases of suicide during the Great Recession of 2007-2009. Many of these people have lost hope because their "god" had died. In Scripture, money is often portrayed as a competitor to God. Jesus talked more about money than heaven and hell combined, and more than on prayer. In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, he says, "No one can serve two masters... you cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Kyle teaches that money is such a strong idol in our lives because of its ability to replace what God can do. Money can give us a sense of self-worth based on our net worth. It can provide for our needs. It can give us security and satisfaction.

One way to know if money or certain goals have become an idol in our lives is to ask ourselves these questions: What do you sacrifice your time for? What do you worry so much? What do you dream of? The answer may reveal what god lies in our hearts. 

Discussion Questions

1. How are money, possessions, and wealth idolized or worshipped in today’s culture? Give some examples:
   
   Possible answers: money and possessions - "status symbols" - are in today's songs and movies, and influence youth to chase after them in their lives
    
2. What do money or possessions provide that can seem to take the place of God in our lives? 
   
   Possible answers: security, value, status, etc.

1 Timothy 6:6-10 – “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

1. Is being rich in and of itself a sin? “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation…” – what does this mean and how is that true? 
   
   Possible answers: No it is not in and of itself a sin. People like Solomon, and Abraham were rich and were not condemned for their riches. The "lottery curse" can show that riches bring with it temptations because the newly-rich person can afford certain temptations that were one too expensive for them (e.g. drugs, prostitutes). 
   
   What are some “foolish and harmful desires” that can come from having a lot of money? 
   
   Possible answers: Desires to be even more rich; desires to be famous; desires to buy needlessly expensive items. 
    
2. Chuck referred to 2 Kings 17:41 – “Even while these people were worshipping the Lord, they were serving their idols”. And in Matthew 6:24 Jesus used the word “serve” rather than “worship”. What is the distinction between worship and service and why did Jesus use “serve”?
   
   Possible answers: "Service" refers to one's effort and work. While "worship" can be hypocritical and vainly religious. God wants our service – all our hearts, minds, souls and strength. 
    
3. Knowing all the warnings against making idols out of money and possessions, what is the proper role of money and possessions in the Christian life? Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. 
   
   Possible answer: We should not put our hope on money and possession which will be gone eventually, but on God who provides for our needs. Those who are rich should use their riches for the Kingdom of God, to be generous, and to lay our treasures in heaven. 
    
4. When Paul says to use one’s wealth so that “they may take hold of the life that is truly life”, what do you think he means (and in light of Chuck’s story)?
   
   Possible answer: True life in its fullest comes only from God who is the giver of life. 
    
5. Read Matthew 6:19-21 and Hebrews 10:32-35, and What is the Christian’s greatest treasure and possession and so where should our hearts be?
   
   Possible answer: The Christian's treasure and possession is God himself from whom comes the fullest joy, peace, security, value and all other things needed to fulfill all human needs and desires.

Summary

Money and possessions can be substitutes for God in our lives – we can try to find our success, happiness, and value from money or what money can buy but ultimately they will not satisfy. Christians are called not to chase after wealth and material possessions but rather use whatever blessing God gives for his glory. In doing so, we recognize that God is our ultimate treasure and possession and that we put our hope in him. 

HYMN: "I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS"

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name