SERVING GOD AND NOT MAMMON

SERVING GOD AND NOT MAMMON

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 6:24

Key Verse: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other… Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)

Supporting Texts: 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Joshua 24:15, Colossians 3:1-2, Luke 16:13, Hebrews 13:5

Description: This study reveals the danger of materialism and teaches believers to place God above wealth, possessions, and worldly pursuits.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus addressed the issue of divided loyalty. He taught clearly that no one can serve two masters at the same time. A person cannot fully serve God while being controlled by mammon.

Mammon refers to riches, material possessions, greed, and the spirit of worldly dependence upon wealth. Money itself is not evil, but when wealth becomes a person’s priority, source of security, or object of devotion, it begins to compete with God for the heart.

Many people today pursue money, success, and possessions with such intensity that spiritual growth, prayer, holiness, and devotion to God are neglected. Jesus warned that believers must choose whom they will truly serve. God desires complete devotion, trust, and surrender from His children.

1. GOD DESIRES UNDIVIDED DEVOTION

Believers cannot live with divided spiritual loyalties.

a) Jesus said no one can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24)
The heart cannot be fully devoted to both God and materialism simultaneously.

b) God demands wholehearted commitment (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Believers are called to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength.

c) Divided loyalty weakens spiritual growth (James 1:8)
Double-mindedness creates instability in faith and decision-making.

d) God must remain first in every area of life (Matthew 6:33)
Kingdom priorities should take precedence over earthly pursuits.

Biblical Example:
Joshua challenged Israel to choose whom they would serve and declared his household’s commitment to the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

2. THE LOVE OF MONEY CAN LEAD PEOPLE AWAY FROM GOD

Materialism becomes dangerous when it controls the heart.

a) The love of money is the root of many evils (1 Timothy 6:10)
Greed can lead to corruption, compromise, pride, and spiritual destruction.

b) Wealth can create false security (Proverbs 11:28)
Trusting riches rather than God leads to spiritual emptiness and instability.

c) Pursuit of riches can choke spiritual growth (Mark 4:18-19)
Worldly cares and desires can hinder fruitfulness in the Christian life.

d) Contentment protects believers from greed (Hebrews 13:5)
Trusting God’s provision brings peace and freedom from covetousness.

Biblical Example:
Judas allowed greed to influence his heart and eventually betrayed Jesus for money (Matthew 26:14-16).

3. BELIEVERS MUST USE WEALTH TO HONOUR GOD

Money should serve God’s purpose rather than control believers.

a) God blesses believers to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2)
Resources should be used to help others and advance God’s Kingdom.

b) Generosity reflects God’s character (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
Giving with a cheerful heart honours God and blesses people.

c) Faithful stewardship pleases God (Luke 16:10-11)
God expects wisdom, honesty, and responsibility in handling resources.

d) Eternal treasures are more valuable than earthly riches (Matthew 6:19-20)
Spiritual investments produce lasting and eternal rewards.

Biblical Example:
The early believers shared resources generously so that no one among them lacked necessities (Acts 4:32-35).

4. SERVING GOD BRINGS TRUE SECURITY AND FULFILMENT

Only God can fully satisfy and sustain human life.

a) God promises to provide for His children (Philippians 4:19)
Believers can trust God to meet their needs faithfully.

b) True life is found in Christ, not possessions (Luke 12:15)
Fulfilment comes from relationship with God rather than material abundance.

c) Serving God produces eternal reward (Colossians 3:23-24)
Faithful service to God carries blessings both now and eternally.

d) God gives peace that money cannot buy (John 14:27)
Divine peace and joy come through trusting and obeying God.

Biblical Example:
Solomon discovered that earthly wealth and achievements alone could not satisfy the soul without God (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11).

CONCLUSION

Jesus warned that believers cannot serve both God and mammon. Wealth and possessions are not sinful in themselves, but they become dangerous when they replace devotion to God.

Believers are called to place God first, remain content, use resources wisely, and pursue eternal treasures above temporary earthly gain. When God becomes the centre of life, believers experience true peace, purpose, fulfilment, and lasting reward.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, help me to serve You with an undivided heart in Jesus name

2. Father, remove every spirit of greed and materialism from my life in Jesus name

3. Lord, teach me to trust You as my source and provider in Jesus name

4. Father, help me to seek first Your Kingdom continually in Jesus name

5. Lord, deliver me from the love of money and worldly distractions in Jesus name

6. Father, make me a faithful steward of every blessing You give me in Jesus name

7. Lord, help me to use my resources for Your glory in Jesus name

8. Father, fill my heart with contentment and gratitude in Jesus name

9. Lord, let my life pursue eternal treasures above earthly gain in Jesus name

10. Father, help me to remain faithful and devoted to You always in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Your heart shall remain fully devoted to God!

2. Every spirit of greed and covetousness is broken over your life!

3. God shall become your confidence, source, and provider continually!

4. You shall walk in wisdom and faithfulness concerning resources!

5. Every distraction pulling you away from God shall lose its power!

6. Your life shall reflect contentment, peace, and spiritual stability!

7. God shall bless you to become a blessing to others!

8. You shall pursue eternal treasures and Kingdom priorities faithfully!

9. Divine provision and favour shall continually follow your life!

10. Your devotion and service unto God shall produce lasting rewards!