Do you ever find that you have more month than money?
• Would you like to get out of debt?
• Would you like to not have credit card payments hanging over your head and dragging out for months or years?
• Would you like to be able to buy anything you need at any moment?
• Would you like to be able to help others in need ($1000) as soon as you see the need?
• Would you like to be able to retire from “income work” and have time to do “ministry work” in your retirement years?
What is your story concerning finances?
Personal Financial Discipline Honors the Lord.
We need Principles of Stewardship instilled in our financial and living choices.
Principle #1. “It all Belongs to God.”
• Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for ________ the earth is mine:
• Psalm 50:10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.
Principle #2. “I Am A Steward.” 1 Corinthians 4:2
- Be Faithful.
Luke 16:10 He that is ____________ in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
Steward = oikonomos, oy-kon-om’-os = a house-distributor (i.e. manager), or overseer, i.e. an employee in that capacity; by extension, a fiscal agent, treasurer.” -Strongs
God trusts us to some things in life. He adds more to those who are more trustworthy.
BTW: Not all blessings are measured in tangible physical things.
- Be Fruitful. Tithe.
Giving to God first is like planting finances to grow for the future. This is an Old Testament concept that pre-dates the Law. Malachi 3:10 _____________ ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a _____________________, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
When we believe principle #1 – “it all belongs to God” it is easier to practice.
Malachi 3:8 Will a man ________ God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In _______________ and offerings.
BTW: We still follow the civil law of the OT. The ceremonial law, and the laws indicating salvation, we do not follow. The practical law still works.
- Tithes are Expanded on in New Testament
Matthew 5:21. Hate is like murder.
Matthew 5:28. Lusting is same as adultery.
The idea is that the “Spirit of the Law” and the attitude with which one follows the Bible teaching is more important than the “letter of the Law.” That would indicate that 10% is a great place to start with the “spirit of tithing and giving.”
That is why 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a __________________ giver.”
Principle #3. Money is Temporary.
Take a moment to read Matthew 6:19-20. 1 Timothy 6:17 says, Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in __________________ riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Principle #4. Eternal Investments Can be Made.
God Does Not Need Your Money. Please read Psalm 50:7-13
You Need the Financial Discipline that Tithes and Offerings Provide. Psalm 50:14-15.
There is a difference between controlling your money or allowing money to control you! God does not reprove His people for bringing the offering, but for thinking that they were doing God a favor, or helping Him out with the offering. God does not want your money – He wants your heart! Love Him more than money! We bring tithes and give offerings, not because God depends on us – but because we depend on God!
“The story is told of a man who was asked, “Are you a believer in the Christian religion?”
“Oh, certainly!” “You are a member of some church, then, I suppose?”
“Member of a church? No, indeed. Why should I be a member of a church? It is quite unnecessary; the dying thief wasn’t a member of a church, and he went to Heaven.”
“But of course you have been baptized; you know the command—”
“Been baptized? Oh, no; that is another needless ceremony! I am as safe as the dying thief was, and he never was baptized.”
“But surely, since you will not join a church or be baptized, you will do something in acknowledgment of your faith. You will give of your means—you will help the cause in some way?”
“No, sir; I do nothing of the kind. The dying thief—”
“Let me remark, my friend, before you go any further, that you seem to be on pretty intimate terms with the dying thief. You seem to derive a great deal of consolation from his career. But, mind you, there is one important difference between you and him. He was a dying thief—and you are a living thief.”” -Min127
Luke 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Check out Luke 12:13-21.
EDC Christian 