The Reformed Arsenal

Mastering Wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:8–20)

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In this eye-opening sermon on Ecclesiastes 5:8-20, Tony Arsenal tackles the challenging relationship between Christians and money. Drawing from the wisdom of “the Preacher,” he explores how wealth—while not inherently evil—can quickly become a destructive master rather than a useful tool. The sermon reveals the futility of chasing wealth for satisfaction, exposes the painful consequences of hoarding riches, and presents the surprising biblical perspective on enjoying possessions properly. Most importantly, it reminds us that the ability to use money wisely is actually a divine gift from God that comes only through Christ. This message offers practical wisdom for anyone struggling with financial anxiety, materialism, or uncertainty about how to steward their resources faithfully.

Key Takeaways
  • [00:02:21] Understanding wisdom literature requires recognizing the gap between “what is” (our broken reality) and “what ought to be” (God’s perfect design) regarding wealth
  • [00:19:11] The love of money can drive people from faith and pierce them with many pangs—it’s never as satisfying as it promises to be
  • [00:27:06] Hoarding wealth often leads to greater hurt, as illustrated by the futile attempt to keep riches that ultimately cannot be retained
  • [00:34:59] God’s gift is not just wealth itself but the ability to properly enjoy wealth as a tool rather than serving it as a master
  • [00:45:15] Practical application: Christians are free to enjoy possessions while avoiding both legalism and hoarding, but can only do so through Christ’s power
    • Impactful Quotes

    “Once a person recognizes that wealth is a gift from God to be enjoyed and not a master to be served, we can finally enjoy it. And this enjoyment of our wealth drives us to enjoy the labor that’s required to get it. When you work and work and work and you never spend your money, that is one of the sure-firest ways to learn to resent your job.”

    “If you allow money to be the primary focus of your life, there’s very little chance that you will enter the kingdom of heaven… This is why it is so difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven, because wealth has this pernicious way of replacing God in our worship.”

    Discussion & Reflection Questions
    1. In what ways have you found yourself serving money rather than using it as a tool to serve God and others? How might your relationship with wealth be reshaping your priorities?
    2. The sermon suggests that “the ability to rule over wealth rather than be ruled by it is a divinely granted ability that can only be ours in Christ.” How does this perspective change how you might pray about your finances?
    3. Tony said that “when you work and work and work and you never spend your money, that is one of the sure-firest ways to learn to resent your job.” Do you feel you have found a healthy balance between saving, spending, and giving? Why or why not?
    4. How might your community or church benefit if more Christians embraced the freedom to both enjoy wealth appropriately and share it generously, as described in this sermon?
    5. Consider the contrast between the “laborer who sleeps sweetly” and the “rich man who cannot sleep.” Which do you more closely resemble, and what changes might God be calling you to make?
      6. Next Steps

      Pray specifically this week for God’s wisdom in handling your resources. Ask Him not just for financial provision, but for “the power to enjoy” what He’s already given you. Consider one practical way you can use your money this week that brings both glory to God and joy to yourself or others—then take action on it.

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      The Reformed ArsenalBy The Reformed Arsenal