Sermon Notes
February 16, 2025
I Never Said That
“Money is the root of all evil.”
Dr. Scott McKee
1 Timothy 6:6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 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. 10 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 Timothy 6:17-19
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
‘Sweet Dreams’
Eurythmics, 1983
What you thought you heard: “Sweet dreams are made of cheese.”
What you actually heard: “Sweet dreams are made of these.”
‘We Built This City’
Starship, 1985
What you thought you heard: “We built this city on sausage rolls.”
What you actually heard: “We built this city on rock ‘n’ roll.”
‘I Can See Clearly Now’
Johnny Nash, 1972
What you thought you heard: “I can see clearly now, Lorraine is gone.”
What you actually heard: “I can see clearly now, the rain is gone.”
‘I’m A Believer’
The Monkees, 1966
What you thought you heard: “Then I saw her face, now I’m gonna leave her.”
What you actually heard: “Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer.”
Any text removed from its context can become a pretext for a proof-text.
“Do you gain all you can and save all you can? Then, you must in the nature of things grow rich. Then, if you have any desire to escape the damnation of hell, give all you can. Otherwise, I can have no more hope of your salvation than that of Judas Iscariot.” – John Wesley
Money will not make you happy
1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Money is only temporary
1 Timothy 6:7
For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
Money can be risky
1 Timothy 6:9-10
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. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
Luke 12:15
Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.
“…money can be a surface idol that serves to satisfy more foundational impulses. Some people want lots of money as a way to control their world and life. Such people usually don’t spend much money and live very modestly. They keep it all safely saved and invested, so they can feel completely secure in the world. Others want money for access to social circles and to make themselves beautiful and attractive. These people do spend their money on themselves in lavish ways. Other people want money because it gives them so much power over others. In every case, money functions as an idol and yet, because of various deep idols, it results in very different patterns of behavior.” – Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods
1 Timothy 6:17-19
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
