Be Rich

Pastor Jacob Aranza

March 23, 2025

Main Idea

The main idea we learned from this message was that honoring God should be the first and primary goal with our wealth. Pastor Jacob taught us that being rich isn’t about how much we have, but what we do with what we've been given. He challenged us to move from self-centered financial thinking to God-centered financial stewardship. Through the story of David, who recognized that everything he had came from God, we were called to acknowledge the same truth in our lives. We were reminded that we don’t own our blessings—we manage them for God’s glory. Pastor Jacob made it clear that our money has a spiritual impact and that until we place God first in this area, money will continue to control us. Honoring God first not only frees us from fear and anxiety about finances but also leads to a life of generosity, peace, and eternal reward.

Scripture References

1 Chronicles 29:10-14, Genesis 4:1-7

How do you define being 'rich,' and how does that align with Pastor Jacob's message?

What are some ways we can be better stewards of the wealth we have?

Discussion Questions:

How can recognizing our own wealth change our perspective on giving and generosity?

What does it mean to honor God with our wealth, and how can we practically do that?

Discuss a time when you felt truly rich, not in terms of money, but in blessings and gratitude.

Summary

Pastor Jacob Aranza helped us realize that we are already rich by global standards, even if we don’t always feel like it. The problem isn't whether we have wealth—it's whether we know how to *be* rich. Through relatable stories and Biblical principles, he walked us through how our relationship with money reveals our values, our priorities, and our hearts. He challenged us to evaluate our motives for wanting wealth and to shift our perspective from ownership to stewardship. Pastor Jacob emphasized that everything we have comes from God, belongs to Him, and is ultimately meant to honor Him. Using the life of King David and contrasting the offerings of Cain and Abel, he illustrated what it looks like to truly honor God first. The message culminated in a powerful call to surrender—not just money—but our lives, to God’s purpose, showing us that true peace and joy come when we put God first in all things.