Clutter Tolerance Bible Study

Before doing this study, please read the 1-minute devotion Clutter Tolerance. It talks about the ways that clutter affects our well-being and performance. It encourages us to consider these important words of Christ in Luke 12:15: “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

 

Years ago, my granddaughter and I read missionary biographies together, and it made me so aware that our attitude toward money and possessions greatly affects our walk with God. Without exception, the missionaries from past centuries I've read about have sacrificially given up earthly treasure for heavenly treasure (e.g. Less, Not More).

I admit it's been convicting to me. Giving of our finances, time and possessions is an important indicator of our love for Christ, and we need to ask if we're being generous or stingy in that area. Why not ask God what "little thing" you might give or give up for His kingdom...not out of guilt, but out of love.

What 6 principles about money and possession are found in these 6 passages below?

Mark 12:41-44: "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.'"

Luke 16:10: "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." 

Philippians 4:11-13: "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength." 

1 Timothy 6:7-10: "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."

2 Corinthians 9:6-8: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 

James 2:14-17: "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." 

 copyright 2013, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated in 2020

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