The Perils of Possessions
The sermon discusses the dangers of wealth, highlighting its potential to divide and tempt, while emphasizing reliance on God's protection.
John Henry Jowett preaches about the divisive nature of wealth, highlighting how riches can lead to alienation within families and the awakening of hidden vices. Success often breeds selfishness, envy, jealousy, and other negative traits, increasing temptations and challenges. Despite the dangers of prosperity, God can protect us from its harmful effects, as seen in the example of Abram who remained unscathed and close to God even as his wealth grew.
Text
GENESIS xiii. 1-9.
There is nothing more divisive than wealth. As families grow rich their
members frequently become alienated. It is rarely, indeed, that love
increases with the increase of riches. Luxurious possessions appear to be
a forcing-bed in which the seeds of sleeping vices waken into strength.
For one thing, selfishness is often quickened with success. Plenty, as
well as penury, can "freeze the genial currents of the soul." And with
selfishness comes a whole brood of mean and petty dispositions. Envy comes
with it, and jealousy, and a morbid sensitiveness which readily leaps into
strife.
So do our possessions multiply our temptations. So does the bright day
"bring forth the adder." So do we need extra defences when "fortune smiles
upon us." But our God can make us proof against "the fiery darts" of
success. Abram remained unscathed in "the garish day." The Lord delivered
him from "the destruction that wasteth at noonday." His wealth increased,
but it was not allowed to force itself between his soul and God. In the
midst of all his prosperity, he dwelt in "the secret place of the Most
High," and he abode in "the shadow of the Almighty."
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Wealth as a divisive force - Alienation within families due to riches - Love diminishes with increased possessions
- II points: - Selfishness awakened by success - Impact of wealth on the soul - Temptations multiply with possessions
- III points: - The need for defenses against temptation - God's protection against the pitfalls of wealth - Example of Abram's faith amidst prosperity
- IV points: - The role of envy and jealousy - Strife arising from materialism - Maintaining spiritual focus despite wealth
Key Quotes
“Luxurious possessions appear to be a forcing-bed in which the seeds of sleeping vices waken into strength.” — John Henry Jowett
“Plenty, as well as penury, can 'freeze the genial currents of the soul.'” — John Henry Jowett
“In the midst of all his prosperity, he dwelt in 'the secret place of the Most High.'” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- Reflect on how material possessions may be affecting your relationships.
- Seek God's guidance to maintain spiritual focus amidst prosperity.
- Be aware of the temptations that wealth can bring and prepare to resist them.