For The Love of Money & Power

This study is based on the sermon titled For The Love of Money & Power by Matthew Maher below. This sermon is part of our First Timothy series.

In his letter to Timothy, Paul challenges us to rethink the concept of wealth, shifting our focus from material accumulation to the pursuit of godliness and contentment. In today's culture, where success is often measured by the size of our bank accounts and the power we wield, Paul’s words serve as a countercultural reminder that true gain is found not in what we have, but in who we are in Christ. Pastor Matthew Maher underscores that the love of money is not just a neutral desire but a dangerous root that can lead us away from faith and into spiritual ruin. Contentment, as Paul teaches, isn’t about having more but about needing less—learning to be satisfied with what God provides.

Paul’s own life, as described in Philippians 4:10-13, exemplifies this contentment. Despite facing both abundance and need, he finds his strength in Christ rather than in his circumstances. Pastor Matthew Maher reminds us that our possessions are temporary and that everything we have is ultimately God’s. We are stewards, not owners, of our resources. This perspective frees us from the traps of materialism and greed, encouraging us to focus on faithfulness rather than financial gain. Just as the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44 demonstrated, it’s not the amount we give but the heart with which we give that matters in God’s economy.

The pursuit of wealth can often distract us from eternal truths. As Jesus warns in Matthew 6:19-20, we should store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, where they can be destroyed or stolen. Pastor Matthew Maher calls us to examine our hearts and priorities—are we more concerned with what’s in our hands or what’s in our hearts? The love of money can lead to all kinds of evil, but when we place our trust in God, we find a security and contentment that the world cannot offer. By seeking godliness and contentment, we anchor our lives in eternal values, ensuring that our pursuit of success does not come at the cost of our soul.