Living Like a Christian – Lesson 3: How to Get Rich (Spiritual Investments)

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:14-30

Memory Verse: “If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10

Introduction:

The world over seems focused on one issue and that is how to make more money. The techniques used to make more money can involve saving and investing, and even, covetousness and stealing.

The truth of the matter is the way of the world is completely opposite of the way of spiritual investments.

This lesson will teach that we become spiritually rich toward God by giving. It will also discuss the proper attitudes we should have when giving.

Money is the most common instrument we can offer in our giving. However, we can also give more intangible things such as our time, service, and talents. Some of the best investments we can place in God’s work are godliness, faith, humility, and love.

If you have a savings account, you know that the money you invest in the account brings dividends back to you. You earn interest. When you have a job and you invest your time, energy, and talent into that job, you receive a reward—a paycheck. These temporary benefits are shadows of the eternal benefits we receive in God’s Kingdom. And just like our earthly investments, the more we put in, the more we are rewarded. When we invest in God’s work, we also receive a feeling of accomplishment, joy, happiness, and the Lord’s abundant spiritual riches back upon us for our liberality!

Lesson Questions:

  1. What does the Bible say about being rich in earthly treasures and poor toward God? Matthew 6:19-20; 1 Timothy 6:7-10.
  2. What promises are made to those who give? Proverbs 11:25; Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:6.
  3. How should we give?
    1. Deuteronomy 16:17.
    2. Matthew 6:1-4.
    3. 1 Chronicles 29:3-9.
    4. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.
  4. What are some aspects of sacrificial giving?
    1. The churches of Macedonia—2 Corinthians 8:3-4.
    2. Members of the early church—Acts 4:34.
    3. The poor widow—Luke 21:4.
    4. Mary of Bethany—Matthew 26:7.
  5. In what ways is a self-sacrifice a paying investment? Matthew 19:21, 29; Philippians 3:7-15.

In what great way will God supply the needs of those who are cheerful and sacrificial givers? Philippians 4:15-19.