Pastor John Wright

The old "Pink Floyd" song from "The Dark Side of the Moon" would provide a good introduction to the readings of these passages as we head into "normal time" of the church year, living life in the times between the times.

Wealth obviously brings up all sorts of issues in our culture because of the different economic systems of capitalism and socialism that arose out of the 19th century and still dominate options. Yet Christian teachings on wealth come historically before these "systems" and do not fit comfortably within either. The Scriptures instead focus on personal responsibility for wealth and its redistribution as members of the body of Christ. Part of the challenge of the biblical teaching is reading it in light of Jesus.

To move from the OT reading to the Epistle to the Gospel may be useful in hearing the Scripture here.

Isaiah 49:8-18

The Isaiah passage calls to the people of God who have lived in exile. God has called to change their material situation to help them accomplish the mission to witness to God's faithfulness in giving them the land (a very important type of wealth). What is it to be "remembered" by God?

What is the purpose for God's "answer" and "salvation"? What situation of the people does the passage presuppose? What must take place for them to fulfill their mission? How will this take place?

1 Corinthians 4:1-13

Paul here speaks as a "servant" (an officially designated "representative" of Christ and a "steward of God's 'mysteries": something that is true but not immediately visible for everyone to see -- a "secret." Given this, why doesn't matter to Paul how "human courts" judge him? Why doesn't he even judge himself? Can we know the real intentions of persons? Why or why not?

According to Paul, do we "own" things, rather knowledge or possessions? Why? Because you work, do people have to pay you? How do we get possessions?

Here is one of those biblical passages where Paul is downright sarcastic. Why does Paul resort to sarcasm? What is Paul's situation compared to theirs socially and economically? What has been the social and economic results for Paul personally for becoming a believer in Jesus Christ and an apostle? Why does he think that this is a good thing?

Matthew 6:24-34

Why cannot one serve God and wealth simultaneously? Given that, are material elements evil per se? Why shouldn't we worry? Rather than serving wealth, what is our call? What is the difference between Jesus' teachings here and an attitude of "don't worry, be happy"?

Given these readings, what is our responsibility for wealth? What is the purpose for material goods? Can we live life outside of them? Are these goods "ours"? Are they the "end" of our life?

What financial and social implications have you experienced as a result of following Jesus? What happens as a result of being personally involved in the lives of those who come from different social and economic backgrounds as you? Why do we tend to back away from personal responsibility in dealing with our wealth?

Last night at Bread of Life, we talked from the 1 Corinthians passage. Our congregation there was tremendously receptive to this passage? Why do you think they heard as an affirmation while we can hear it as a challenge?

Have a wonderful evening!