The Influence of Materialism
From the Adult Sabbath School
Bible study guide first and second Quarter of 2018
Lesson #2 December 31, 2017
Sunday
Memory Text
“Do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, that
you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect to the will of God”
Romans 12:2, NKJV
The God of this World
Money has become the god of this world, and materialism is its
religion. Materialism is a sophisticated and insidious system that offers
temporary security but no ultimate safety.
Materialism, as we define it here, is when the desire or wealth
and possessions become more important and more valuable than spiritual
realities. Possessions may have value, but their value shouldn’t posses us:
“whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied
with their income” (Eccles. 5:10, NIV).
That’s the problem with desiring the things of this world: no matter how
much we get, it’s never enough. We push harder and harder for more and more of
that which can never satisfy us.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of
the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who
does the will of God abides forever.
1 John 2:16, 17
If any one comes to Me and does not hate his father and
mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he
cannot be My disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after
me, cannot be my disciple.28 For which of you, intending to build a tower,
sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to
finish it? 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31
Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first,
and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh
against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great
way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.33 So
likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot
be my disciple.
Luke 14; 26-33
Maybe it could be said like this: those for whom money, or the desire
for money, becomes an all- consuming reality should, indeed, count the cost. “And
what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but losses your own soul?” (Mark
8:36, NTL)
When Christ came to the earth, humanity seemed to be fast reaching
its lowest point. The very foundations of the society were undermined. Life has
become false and artificial. Throughout the world all systems of religion were
losing their hold of mind and soul. Disgusted with fable and falsehood, seeking
t drown thought, men turned to infidelity and materialism. Leaving eternity out
of their reckoning, they lived for the present.” Ellen G. White, Education. Pp74, 75.
Who doesn’t like to own things? The Question is:
How can we know if the things we own, even if they are few, own us as well? Who
alone should own us, and how can we be sure that He does?
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