RECKLESS "GODS AT WAR" Series Week 3: "Possessions." - Todd Hampton

·43 min·4 clips

Todd Hampton explains how everyday things compete with God for the throne of your life.

Todd Hampton, former high school pastor at West Ridge Church, delivers a sermon titled 'Possessions' as week three of the 'Gods at War' series. He opens by reading 1 John 2:15-17, explaining that loving the world shows a lack of love for God. Hampton defines possessions as things we own or hold onto, arguing they tempt us because humans have a void only God can fill. He shares a personal anecdote about buying a 1993 Volkswagen Passat that broke repeatedly, illustrating how possessions fail to bring satisfaction. The sermon then examines King Solomon, who had immense wealth, wives, and power but called it all meaningless in Ecclesiastes. Hampton notes Solomon's possessions led him away from God, resulting in the loss of his kingdom. He contrasts this with Jesus, who lived humbly and taught to seek God's kingdom above all else in Matthew 6:33. Hampton references 1 Timothy 6:17-19, urging generosity and trust in God rather than money. He describes a visit to Nicaragua where poor villagers displayed generosity, highlighting true fulfillment beyond material things. The episode concludes with a call to surrender worldly attachments and embrace a relationship with Jesus for eternal life, ending with a prayer for conviction and salvation.

As heard by us

A failed car purchase opens a clear sermon about possessions competing for the throne.

Possessions sit at the center of this installment of the "Gods at War" series, as Todd Hampton links everyday wanting to the deeper question of what is allowed to rule a life.

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Why you'd press play

When a wanted possession starts crowding God's seat, Todd Hampton turns a busted-car story into a youth-room gut check.

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