Worshiping Mammon - The Subversive Gospel • Founded In Truth Ministries

Worshiping Mammon - The Subversive Gospel • Founded In Truth Ministries

The Conflict Between God's Kingdom and the World's Standards

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, likely delivered by Matthew Vander Els, delves into the concept of a subversive gospel, arguing that aligning with the message of God's kingdom inherently puts believers at odds with the values and standards of the world. The speaker contends that the world as it currently exists is not in alignment with God's kingdom and requires restoration, a "new heaven and a new earth." Those who embrace this gospel and act as ambassadors of reconciliation are, in essence, revolutionaries challenging the status quo.

The core tension lies between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the world, particularly concerning the definition of success. The world often defines success through metrics like wealth, power, influence, and material possessions. This pursuit of worldly success, symbolized by the worship of mammon (a term for wealth personified as an idol), stands in direct opposition to the values of God's kingdom.

The early Christians faced similar conflicts with the Roman Empire and its imperial cult, where acknowledging Caesar as "Kyrios" (Lord) was expected. Believers who refused to proclaim Caesar as Lord, instead affirming "Yeshua is Kyrios," often faced persecution and even death. This historical context highlights the inherently subversive nature of the gospel when it challenges the prevailing powers and belief systems.

The World's Definition of Success: A Timeless Trap

The teaching emphasizes that the world's definition of success has remained remarkably consistent over time. In ancient Rome, success was largely determined by citizenship, prosperity, and security. Today, while the specifics might differ, the underlying principles often revolve around financial well-being, influence, and social status. Societal pressures push individuals to strive for bigger houses, fancier cars, stable high-paying jobs, and academic achievements as markers of a successful life.

However, this pursuit of worldly success can lead to costly sacrifices, with people often prioritizing their health, time, and even family relationships in their relentless pursuit of these goals. The competitive and often unethical nature of this pursuit is reflected in common business metaphors like "dog eat dog" and "rat race."

The speaker argues that believers are frequently tempted to adopt this worldly view of success, where their worth is measured by their productivity and material achievements. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and failure, even when basic needs are met, simply because the worldly standards are often unattainable and spiritually unfulfilling.

God's Definition of Success: Faithfulness and Subversion

In contrast to the world's standards, the teaching proposes that true success within God's kingdom is found in faithfulness to God. Believers are called to be ambassadors and emissaries of this kingdom, and their success is measured by their servitude and faithfulness to its principles. This requires a fundamental shift in perspective, recognizing that blessings ultimately come from God, not solely from personal effort.

The life of Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of this upside-down kingdom. He did not reign through worldly power or material wealth but through suffering and sacrifice on the cross. His kingdom operates on principles that are contrary to the world, where the last shall be first and strength is found in weakness.

The teaching outlines three key ways to subvert the world's "Caesar of success":

• Recognize that success is found in faithfulness to God, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This involves trusting in God's provision rather than being driven by anxiety and the pursuit of material security.
• Embrace suffering as a means of emulating Christ and demonstrating God's love. The early Christians embraced suffering and even martyrdom as opportunities to proclaim the gospel. Suffering can take various forms, including job loss, financial hardship, or social ostracism, and standing firm in faith during these times is a powerful witness.
• Pursue unity and love within the community of believers. This reflects Jesus' example of laying down his life in love and challenges the world's emphasis on individualism and competition.

Redefining success according to scripture means focusing on emulating Christ, walking in boldness and authority as banner carriers of the kingdom. This might involve intentionally living below one's means to give more generously, prioritizing family over career advancement, and valuing service over personal gain.

The Idol of Mammon and the Call to Generosity

The teaching strongly condemns the worship of mammon, which is defined not merely as having money but as the pursuit of wealth fueled by greed and desire. Jesus himself personified this attitude towards wealth as an idol, stating that one cannot serve both God and mammon. This pursuit can become an all-consuming power that rivals God in a person's life.

The dangers of greed are illustrated through biblical examples like Cain, Achan, and the events of Black Friday, where the desire for material possessions led to violence and the trampling of human life. These examples underscore the destructive potential of prioritizing wealth above all else.

In stark contrast, the story of Zacchaeus demonstrates the transformative power of encountering Jesus, leading to radical generosity and a complete shift in priorities. True repentance extends to our finances, prompting a willingness to give generously and make restitution for past injustices.

Believers are called to be generous givers, recognizing that their wealth and lives are gifts from God, of which they are merely stewards. The early church in Acts exemplified this by selling possessions and sharing with those in need. The principle of giving is highlighted by Jesus' words: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Applying the Subversive Gospel in Everyday Life

The teaching provides several practical applications of this subversive gospel for everyday living:

• Prioritize faithfulness over worldly achievement. Measure your success by your dedication and service to God's kingdom, not by material possessions or social status.
• Cultivate a spirit of generosity in all aspects of life. Give your time, energy, and financial resources willingly and sacrificially to support God's work and help those in need.
• Be willing to embrace suffering for the sake of the gospel. Recognize that hardship can be an opportunity to demonstrate faith and God's love.
• Actively pursue unity and love within the Christian community. Prioritize the well-being of others and work together for the common good of the kingdom.
• Challenge the world's definition of success through your actions and priorities. Live in a way that seems counter-cultural to worldly values, demonstrating that Jesus is Lord.
• Recognize money as a tool to be stewarded for God's purposes, not an end in itself. Avoid the pursuit of wealth driven by greed and instead focus on using resources to bless others.

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Conclusion: Joining the Resistance

The teaching concludes with a powerful call to join the resistance against the kingdom of mammon and embrace the revolutionary nature of the gospel. Believers are challenged to choose between the world's fleeting standards of success and the eternal values of God's kingdom. By living lives of faithfulness, generosity, and love, even in the face of suffering, they can demonstrate the reality of Jesus as King and Lord to a world desperately in need of a true definition of success.

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