Click the blue boxes to take notes. When you are finished, click “Email” at the bottom to send yourself a copy. If you prefer to take notes on paper, print this page before the service. Click here to go back to our website.
Ugly Christmas Sweaters: Overcoming Greed
If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. —Ephesians 4:28
Big Idea: If I’m not intentional about overcoming greed, I’ll be in bondage to an overwhelming god.
Big Question: How do I overcome greed in my life?
Main Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” 3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. —Matthew 2:1-3
How do I overcome greed in my life?
1.) Be willing to sacrifice
Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. —2 Corinthians 8:1-4
While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. 2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. 3 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. 4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” —Luke 21:1-4
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. —2 Corinthians 9:8
He (Herod) called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: 6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” —Matthew 2:4-8
How do I overcome greed in my life?
1.) Be willing to sacrifice
2.) Be walking in sincerity
Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us — I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. —2 Corinthians 8:7-8
How do I overcome greed in my life?
1.) Be willing to sacrifice
2.) Be walking in sincerity
3.) Be worshiping through surrender
After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. —Matthew 2:9-12
You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. —2 Corinthians 8:9
🔹 What sacrifice is Jesus asking me to make?
🔹 What area of my life doesn’t match my lips?
🔹 What part of my life is Jesus asking me to surrender in worship?
If you have decided to follow Jesus today, we’d like to celebrate with you and help you with some next steps. Please text Life to 63566.