In the sermon titled "Regard Not Your Stuff," Marvin Stalnaker addresses the theological concept of reliance on God's provision versus reliance on earthly possessions. He draws parallels between Joseph's instructions to his brothers in Genesis 45:16-20 and the believer's relationship with Christ. The key arguments emphasize that while God provides all that is necessary for life, His followers must not become overly attached to material possessions. Stalnaker references Genesis 45:20, where Joseph advises his brothers to "regard not your stuff," highlighting the fleeting nature of earthly goods. The practical significance of this message lies in the reminder for believers to focus on their spiritual inheritance in Christ rather than being distracted by temporary material comforts.
Key Quotes
“Regard not your stuff. Regard not that which is given you, but don't set your heart on it.”
“We're prone to look at the things of God's provision, and before we know it, our hearts are drawn to these things.”
“Everything's passing away. Everything's going. This world is not gonna last.”
“Look unto the Lord Jesus Christ. Look unto Him, keep your eyes upon Him, for these things are fading away.”
The Bible teaches us not to focus on our possessions, as they're temporary and passing away.
In Genesis 45:20, Joseph instructs his brothers not to regard their possessions, emphasizing that everything provided to them is a gift from Pharaoh, much like God's provision in our lives. This directive serves as a reminder not to let material possessions capture our hearts. The call is to focus on the eternal and not the temporal, aligning with the biblical truth that all things will pass away. As Christians, we are encouraged to find our satisfaction in Christ rather than the transient things of this world, assuring us that the Lord will provide all that is truly needful for us.
Genesis 45:16-20
God's provision is evident through His past faithfulness and the assurance found in scripture.
Throughout scripture, we see evidence of God's provision from the very beginning. In Genesis 45:16-20, Joseph exemplifies how Pharaoh provides abundantly for his family. This mirrors the way God offers us grace and sustenance in our lives. We are reassured in passages such as Philippians 4:19, where Paul states, 'And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.' Therefore, we trust in God's provision, acknowledging that He is the source of all that we need, both spiritually and materially. Recognizing this leads us to gratitude and a relinquished hold on our possessions.
Genesis 45:16-20, Philippians 4:19
Avoiding materialism is crucial for spiritual health and maintaining a proper focus on God.
Materialism can distract Christians from the eternal truths of their faith, drawing them away from their primary relationship with God. In Genesis 45:20, Joseph's message to his brothers regarding their possessions serves as a profound warning that earthly things are fleeting. By emphasizing that we should 'regard not your stuff,' it underlines the importance of keeping our priorities aligned with God's Kingdom. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus teaches that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. This exhortation encourages us to invest in eternal matters, ensuring that our hearts remain steadfast in faith, rather than being entangled in the perishing things of this world.
Genesis 45:20, Matthew 6:19-21
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!