Materialism; an Obstacle to Godliness (Clip)
K.P. Yohannan warns that materialism is the greatest barrier to godliness, urging believers to respond compassionately to global suffering as a reflection of God's heart.
This sermon emphasizes the detrimental impact of materialism, comfort, and luxury on godliness, contrasting it with the stark reality of poverty and suffering faced by millions worldwide. The speaker shares a poignant experience of witnessing a young boy in extreme poverty in Bombay, highlighting the urgent need for compassion and action in the face of such suffering.
Full Transcript
The biggest obstacle and enemy of godliness is materialism. Comfort and ease and whatever money can buy. I am telling you, when half of the world go to bed with empty stomach and naked bodies and people by millions are dying of hunger.
Why you want another diamond ring? I remember some years ago, I was waiting in Bombay to catch my flight to Germany and I picked up this newspaper. It's black and white photograph on the front page, very vivid graphic photograph of a little boy. He must be, I don't know, 3 or 4 years old, wearing rags, laying on the sidewalk of a Bombay, busy Bombay street.
And beside him lays a dog, a female dog. And the little boy, you can see in the picture, nursing on this dog. He is drinking milk from this dog.
And the caption reads, this dog is his mother. When I saw that, I said to myself, how many times I saw this, never bothered me. Now I am looking at this little boy, trying to survive with this dog.
And I remember asking myself this question, what if this little boy happened to be my little son Daniel? God says, this is where I am, this is what I watch and I want you to be the answer.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Materialism as the biggest obstacle to godliness
- Contrast between comfort and global poverty
- The spiritual danger of seeking worldly possessions
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II
- Personal reflection on a vivid image of poverty
- The story of the boy nursing from a dog in Bombay
- The emotional impact of seeing suffering as personal
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III
- God’s perspective on human suffering
- The call for believers to be God’s answer
- Encouragement to respond with compassion and action
Key Quotes
“The biggest obstacle and enemy of godliness is materialism.” — K.P. Yohannan
“When half of the world go to bed with empty stomach and naked bodies and people by millions are dying of hunger.” — K.P. Yohannan
“God says, this is where I am, this is what I watch and I want you to be the answer.” — K.P. Yohannan
Application Points
- Examine your heart for materialistic desires that hinder your spiritual growth.
- Cultivate compassion by personally connecting with the suffering of others.
- Actively seek ways to be God’s answer to those in need around you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main obstacle to godliness according to K.P. Yohannan?
Materialism is identified as the biggest obstacle to godliness.
Why does the speaker mention the boy in Bombay?
To illustrate the harsh reality of poverty and challenge listeners to empathize personally.
How should believers respond to global suffering?
Believers are called to respond with compassion and be the answer to God’s concern.
Does the sermon suggest material possessions are inherently wrong?
The sermon warns against the love of material possessions when it becomes an obstacle to godliness.