Heart, 9 March 2025
09 03 25 Filed in: Sermons | Master Your Money
Heart: Behavior Follows Belief
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Master Your Money
March 9, 2025
Matthew 6:19-21
Series Big Idea: We can find freedom in our finances through God’s Word.
Sermon Big Idea: Your behavior follows belief, whether it’s faith, wisdom, contentment, or stewardship.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:19-21
Many years ago, I woke up early in the morning with chest pains. They weren’t severe, but they were unusual. I went into the kitchen, took some Advil, and hoped the pain would subside. It did.
Hours later, I told Heather about the chest pains, and she was understandably concerned. She insisted I see a doctor, so I did. The results? I’ll share them at the end of this sermon!
Our heart is important—arguably the most vital organ in our body besides the brain. But today, we’re not talking about the physical heart. We’re talking about the heart as the center of our emotions, inner feelings, and essence.
Jesus famously said the greatest commandment is to:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30)
As we continue our series Master Your Money, the core message is simple: our behavior follows our belief. This applies to faith, wisdom, contentment, and stewardship. If you want to improve your financial life, it starts with your heart.
Jesus spoke more about money than heaven and hell combined. Sixteen of His 38 parables deal with finances. The Bible contains over 2,000 verses on money and possessions.
As I said last week, this is not a sermon about giving, nor are we launching a capital campaign. In fact, our church is financially healthy, thanks to the good stewardship of many of you. This series isn’t about what College First wants from you but rather what God wants for you.
The reality is that many of you are struggling with money, and the issue may not be your paycheck. The big idea of this series is:
We can find financial freedom through God’s Word.
And it all begins in the heart.
Rate yourself from 1 (never) to 5 (always):
Stewardship: Do I believe God owns it all?
King David declared:
"The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." (Psalm 24:1)
Yes, you worked hard for your house, your car, your whatever. Maybe you studied hard for that degree or put in extra hours at the office. But ultimately, we wouldn’t have education, jobs, or opportunities without God’s provision.
Stewardship means recognizing that we are responsible for using God’s gifts wisely. We can hoard our resources or live with open hands, allowing God to give and take away (Job 1:21).
Contentment: Do I believe what I have right now is enough?
We are alive. We have clothes, food, and one another. Most importantly, we have Jesus! He is the secret to true contentment. Paul wrote:
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."(Philippians 4:11-13)
If your happiness depends on getting something, whether it’s a spouse, a car, a raise, or a million social media followers, you may be chasing an idol. Scripture warns:
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’" (Hebrews 13:5)
I’m fascinated by how the book of Hebrews connects contentment with God’s presence.
Faith: Do I demonstrate my faith through my finances?
Do you really trust God with everything? What faith-filled risks are you taking with your finances?
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:16)
Last week, someone handed me an envelope of money, saying, “I believe God wants me to give this to you.” No strings attached. No request made. Just simple obedience. I don’t know if she is wealthy, but she put her faith into action, trusting God to provide.
Do you believe in God? Prove it!
"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder... faith without deeds is dead." (James 2:19, 26)
We are saved by faith, not works. But our works reveal our faith.
Wisdom: Do I believe God’s wisdom is true and available?
"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." (James 3:16-17)
We need to be wise with our money. Many people just spend until it’s gone…and then grab a credit card. With over 2000 verses about money in the Bible, we have access to timeless wisdom regarding finances. How do we get wisdom?
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5)
If you want wisdom, ask. If you want faith, ask. If you want contentment, ask.
I’m grateful to the Ron Blue Institute for this picture of our heart. Our actions begin in our brain. Behavior follows belief. God can be trusted, and the truth will set us free.
We were all horrified by the images of wildfires in California recently. Have you ever thought about what you would try to save if your home was on the verge of destruction?
Our scripture reading for today is quite clear. Jesus says,
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Matt. 6:19
I’ve discovered many so-called luxury items are not only unnecessary, they’re expensive…to insure, maintain, repair, and replace. What are your greatest treasures?
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:20-21)
Treasures in heaven. No insurance necessary! No shipping, no tax, no depreciation. That sounds pretty good to me!
And heaven. Think about that for a moment. Whatever you buy in this life will be useful to you for 70, 80, maybe 90 years. But heaven? How long is eternity?
Do you have treasures…or do your treasures have you?
So What?
I was relieved when the Advil helped with my chest pains. The diagnosis? Pericarditis—inflammation of the sac around my heart. I didn’t even know my heart had a sac! The doctor said to take Advil, and I’d be fine. And I was, praise God.
But our spiritual heart is even more important. I want my heart to be healthy, filled with love, courage, compassion, and generosity. I want to love God with all of it—including my financial world.
Where do you need to grow? Stewardship? Contentment? Faith? Wisdom? Ask—and tell someone. Don’t go it alone. If you don’t have a spouse, reach out to a friend for accountability.
Next week, we’ll talk about how to use money in ways that honor God. Until then, consider your next step toward a God-honoring heart regarding money.
Credits: some material from the Ron Blue Institute, some edits by ChatGPT
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Master Your Money
March 9, 2025
Matthew 6:19-21
Series Big Idea: We can find freedom in our finances through God’s Word.
Sermon Big Idea: Your behavior follows belief, whether it’s faith, wisdom, contentment, or stewardship.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:19-21
Many years ago, I woke up early in the morning with chest pains. They weren’t severe, but they were unusual. I went into the kitchen, took some Advil, and hoped the pain would subside. It did.
Hours later, I told Heather about the chest pains, and she was understandably concerned. She insisted I see a doctor, so I did. The results? I’ll share them at the end of this sermon!
Our heart is important—arguably the most vital organ in our body besides the brain. But today, we’re not talking about the physical heart. We’re talking about the heart as the center of our emotions, inner feelings, and essence.
Jesus famously said the greatest commandment is to:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30)
As we continue our series Master Your Money, the core message is simple: our behavior follows our belief. This applies to faith, wisdom, contentment, and stewardship. If you want to improve your financial life, it starts with your heart.
Jesus spoke more about money than heaven and hell combined. Sixteen of His 38 parables deal with finances. The Bible contains over 2,000 verses on money and possessions.
As I said last week, this is not a sermon about giving, nor are we launching a capital campaign. In fact, our church is financially healthy, thanks to the good stewardship of many of you. This series isn’t about what College First wants from you but rather what God wants for you.
The reality is that many of you are struggling with money, and the issue may not be your paycheck. The big idea of this series is:
We can find financial freedom through God’s Word.
And it all begins in the heart.
Rate yourself from 1 (never) to 5 (always):
- Stewardship: Do I believe I am a steward of my possessions and hold them with an open hand?
- Contentment: Am I content with what I have right now?
- Faith: Do I seek God’s direction in my finances and trust in His provision?
- Wisdom: Do my financial decisions align with biblical principles?
Stewardship: Do I believe God owns it all?
King David declared:
"The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." (Psalm 24:1)
Yes, you worked hard for your house, your car, your whatever. Maybe you studied hard for that degree or put in extra hours at the office. But ultimately, we wouldn’t have education, jobs, or opportunities without God’s provision.
Stewardship means recognizing that we are responsible for using God’s gifts wisely. We can hoard our resources or live with open hands, allowing God to give and take away (Job 1:21).
Contentment: Do I believe what I have right now is enough?
We are alive. We have clothes, food, and one another. Most importantly, we have Jesus! He is the secret to true contentment. Paul wrote:
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."(Philippians 4:11-13)
If your happiness depends on getting something, whether it’s a spouse, a car, a raise, or a million social media followers, you may be chasing an idol. Scripture warns:
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’" (Hebrews 13:5)
I’m fascinated by how the book of Hebrews connects contentment with God’s presence.
Faith: Do I demonstrate my faith through my finances?
Do you really trust God with everything? What faith-filled risks are you taking with your finances?
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:16)
Last week, someone handed me an envelope of money, saying, “I believe God wants me to give this to you.” No strings attached. No request made. Just simple obedience. I don’t know if she is wealthy, but she put her faith into action, trusting God to provide.
Do you believe in God? Prove it!
"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder... faith without deeds is dead." (James 2:19, 26)
We are saved by faith, not works. But our works reveal our faith.
Wisdom: Do I believe God’s wisdom is true and available?
"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." (James 3:16-17)
We need to be wise with our money. Many people just spend until it’s gone…and then grab a credit card. With over 2000 verses about money in the Bible, we have access to timeless wisdom regarding finances. How do we get wisdom?
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5)
If you want wisdom, ask. If you want faith, ask. If you want contentment, ask.
I’m grateful to the Ron Blue Institute for this picture of our heart. Our actions begin in our brain. Behavior follows belief. God can be trusted, and the truth will set us free.
We were all horrified by the images of wildfires in California recently. Have you ever thought about what you would try to save if your home was on the verge of destruction?
Our scripture reading for today is quite clear. Jesus says,
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Matt. 6:19
I’ve discovered many so-called luxury items are not only unnecessary, they’re expensive…to insure, maintain, repair, and replace. What are your greatest treasures?
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:20-21)
Treasures in heaven. No insurance necessary! No shipping, no tax, no depreciation. That sounds pretty good to me!
And heaven. Think about that for a moment. Whatever you buy in this life will be useful to you for 70, 80, maybe 90 years. But heaven? How long is eternity?
Do you have treasures…or do your treasures have you?
So What?
I was relieved when the Advil helped with my chest pains. The diagnosis? Pericarditis—inflammation of the sac around my heart. I didn’t even know my heart had a sac! The doctor said to take Advil, and I’d be fine. And I was, praise God.
But our spiritual heart is even more important. I want my heart to be healthy, filled with love, courage, compassion, and generosity. I want to love God with all of it—including my financial world.
Where do you need to grow? Stewardship? Contentment? Faith? Wisdom? Ask—and tell someone. Don’t go it alone. If you don’t have a spouse, reach out to a friend for accountability.
Next week, we’ll talk about how to use money in ways that honor God. Until then, consider your next step toward a God-honoring heart regarding money.
Credits: some material from the Ron Blue Institute, some edits by ChatGPT