Pastor Lee Cummings
November 1, 2026 Message Recap
Gold doesn't prove its purity by talking about itself. It's placed in a crucible and heated until whatever isn't gold rises to the surface.
Money works the same way in our lives. We can say Jesus is Lord in worship on Sunday and mean every word, but the truest test of who rules our hearts shows up in our bank statements. Jesus said it plainly: where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. A paycheck is an exchange for a portion of your life, which means what we do with our money is what we do with our lives.
God designed us so that He would be our provider. One of His oldest names is Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides. Everything we have, from our paychecks to our skills to the breath in our lungs, comes from His hand. David understood this when he prayed, "All things come from you, and of your own have we given you." We were never meant to be owners. We were made to be stewards.
But money makes promises that compete with God's. It tells us we can be free, independent, safe, and stress-free if we just have a little more. Ultimately, it promises control. That's why Jesus didn't say we couldn't serve God and fame, or God and pleasure. He said we can't serve God and money, because nothing else counterfeits what God alone wants to be for us: provider.
Money doesn't change you. It just reveals you.
If we choose not to be generous with what we have today, holding on to it won't make us generous tomorrow; it will only magnify what's already in our hearts. Fear doesn't go away with more money. It just finds new things to worry about. We can keep God comfortably at an arm's length on Sundays while running Monday through Saturday as if everything depends on us.
But God offers something money never can. He promises to provide, to set us free from fear, and to make all grace abound so that we have enough for every good work. He doesn't bless us so we can hoard it. He blesses us so we can become someone else's answer to prayer.
What would it look like to let Jesus be Lord of your money, not just your soul?
Scripture References:
Tap to watch the sermon!
About Radiant Church
Founded in 1996, Radiant Church has grown into a multi-location church committed to biblical teaching, discipleship, and mission.
At Radiant Church, there is an invitation to grow in your spiritual journey, build meaningful community, and truly get connected. We are passionate about helping people grow in faith, encounter the Presence of God, and become part of a church grounded in Spirit and truth.
Here's a 5-day devotional guide based on this sermon:
Day 1: Where Your Treasure Is
Matthew 6:19–21 | Colossians 3:1–2
Jesus warns against storing up treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in. Our hearts follow our treasure, so wherever we invest is where our affection goes. Paul urges us to set our minds on things above, where Christ is seated. What we do with our resources quietly trains our hearts toward either earth or heaven.
Day 2: Two Masters
Matthew 6:24 | 1 Timothy 6:9–10
Jesus names only one rival as a master that competes with God: money. Paul warns that those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. The danger isn't money itself but money's promise to give us what only God can. No one can serve both masters, and every day we choose which one we will follow.
Day 3: The God Who Provides
Genesis 22:8–14 | Matthew 6:31–33
On the mountain, Abraham told Isaac that God would provide, and God did. Abraham named the place "The LORD will provide." Jesus tells us not to be anxious about what we will eat, drink, or wear, because our Father knows what we need. When we seek His kingdom first, everything else is added. Provision is His job, and trust is ours.
Day 4: Not the Owner
1 Chronicles 29:14–16 | Deuteronomy 8:17–18
After his people gave generously for the temple, David prayed that all things come from God, and they had only given back what was already His. Moses warned Israel never to say, "My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth." It is God who gives the power to get wealth. Seeing ourselves as stewards rather than owners loosens money's grip on our hearts.
Day 5: Rich Toward God
1 Timothy 6:17–19 | Philippians 4:17–19
Paul tells the rich not to set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God, and to be generous and ready to share, storing up treasure as a good foundation for the future. Writing to the Philippians, he describes their gifts as fruit credited to their account and promises that God will supply every need according to His riches in glory. Every act of generosity is seen, recorded, and rewarded. The reward in heaven will far outweigh the sacrifice on earth.