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Money Management for the Christian
Bible Study
(Click for printable version using Acrobat Reader format)
(Printable version is 52 pages)


Click the red dot for a ten minute PowerPoint/Audio Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Part I - Attitude

FORGOTTEN FREEDOMS
-A Forgetful People
-Developing the Right Attitude
-Wise Counsel - The Bridge to
Independence

GETTING INTO A POSITION OF BLESSING
-What Is a Christian?
-Faith Is the Key
-The Power of Faith
-God's Blessings for the Christian

THE BATTLE FOR FREEDOM
-Winning the Battle

WHY MONEY?
-The Blessing of Provision
-The Blessing of Prosperity and Success

Part II - Application

FINANCIAL FREEDOM - GOD'S WAY
-Warnings to the Rich
-God Owns It All
-Ownership vs. Stewardship

THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING
-First Things First
-Planning - The Responsibility of a Leader
-The Results of a Wise Plan


GOD'S PERSPECTIVE ON WORK

-From the Beginning
-Attitude of Service


RELEASING THE BLESSINGS
-Beginning with the Tithe
-Beyond the Tithe
-
Three Ways to Give

Part III - Assimilation

LIVING WITHOUT  DEBT
-To Borrow or Not to Borrow
-The Dangers of Debt
-Savings


LONG-TERM PLANNING
-Check Your Motive
-Plan Your Method
-Serve Your Master


TEACHING CHILDREN
-Teaching by Example
-Teaching in Love

-Teaching with Hope

THE GOVERNMENT - FRIEND OR FOE?
-God and Government
-You and Government
-Government as a Provider


CONCLUSION


INTRODUCTION  

Anyone can have financial order in their lives by simply deciding to live a disciplined life in accordance with a wise budget plan.  By following a logical step-by-step plan, minimizing debt, and being cautious of emotional and impulsive spending, anyone can get control of his finances.

God's plan for the Christian not only offers a life of financial order, but better yet, a life of FINANCIAL FREEDOM!  As you will learn as you progress through this workbook, financial freedom is the result of having the right attitude, not an abundance of money.  Many of the wealthiest people in the world are living in bondage.  Money can buy the things and experiences that bring temporary pleasure, but it can never buy the peace and content­ment that are the by-products of freedom.

This workbook will guide you through a self-study of many of the important Biblical principles regarding money, planning, working, giving, saving, investing, teaching children, and relating to government.  The main objective of this workbook is to equip the Christian with the Biblical knowledge to understand why it is important to live in accordance with God's plan for financial freedom.

I hope that this study will strengthen your faith and dependence upon the Word of God as THE absolute, not only in the area of money management, but in all of the issues of life. 


Part I - Attitude

“Forgotten Freedoms”  
"
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."
James 1:8

Statistics point us to the conclusion that Christians are as equally affected by the temptation to pursue a lifestyle of materialism as are non-Christians.  As a result, the inevitable financial problems that occur are cited as the leading cause of divorce in both Christian and secular marriages.

Surveys indicate that nearly 75% of the problems in Christian homes are directly related to family finances.  Financial pres­sures are a leading cause in all forms of mental and physical sickness from depression and stress to substance abuse and suicide.  Have Christians forgotten the freedoms that God so richly offered them at the day of their salvation?

Our attitude about money and the way we handle it serves as an excellent indicator of our level of commitment to God's principles.  In most cases, money problems on the outside are nothing more than indicators of spiritual problems on the inside.

God's promise of blessing and freedom are freely offered to every Christian.  In order for God's freedoms to become a reality, we must be willing to put God's principles into action by making wise choices.  As a result of our obedience, we can enjoy God's blessings today.  We suffer a great loss when we become a forgetful people.

 A Forgetful People

As a result of the wise plans of the obedient servant Joseph, all of Egypt was saved from starvation (see Lesson 6).  Egypt became extremely prosperous under his leadership.  Joseph was a national hero!  Upon the death of Joseph, “... there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.” (Exodus 1:8)  This new Pharaoh became fearful of the rapidly expanding size of the Jewish people.  He was afraid that they might one day turn on him and join hands with one of his enemies to defeat him.

The Pharaoh of Egypt made the Israelites his slaves.  He afflicted them with great burden by making them build his cities.  He “... made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field:  all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigor.” (Exodus 1:14)

After years of being held in bondage as slaves, the children of
Israel cried out to God to free them (Exodus 2:23).  God called His servant Moses to go to Pharaoh to seek their freedom.  Through God's miraculous power, the Israelites were freed (Exodus chapters 3 - 14).  

1.     Read Exodus 14:11,12.  Even after seeing the miraculous way that God had freed them from
Egypt, what was the reaction of the children of Israel at the first test of their faith in God?
2.     Read Exodus
14:31 - 15:2.  As a result of God's faithfulness, how did the attitude of the Israelites change?
3.     Read Exodus 15:24; 16:2,8; 17:3; Numbers 14:27; 17:5.  What was the common attitude of the Israelites?

The Israelites were quick to forget the freedoms God had given them.  At every test of their faith, they were quick to offer their God given freedom in exchange for their return to the sufferings of bondage to slavery.

Developing the Right Attitude    

Developing the right attitude can only occur as a result of having the right convictions in your heart.  “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:...”

Proverb 23:7.  The choices you make in life (wise or foolish) will be a reflection of the strength of your convictions.

4.     Read Philippians 2:13-15.  Our testimony is displayed in our attitude (our true heart felt convictions).  The development of a right attitude is dependent upon a growing knowledge of who God is and the capability of His power.

        a.  How should the Christian do all things and why?  (vs. 14,15)
        b.  In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, what will be the result of our testimony?  (vs.15)

Only with the right attitude (convictions in your heart) will God's freedoms become a reality in your life.  As a result of your having the right attitude, you will have a tremendous opportunity to give testimony of Him to a needy world.

5.     Read Luke 16:13.  Jesus makes it clear that we must choose. He said that we must choose between what two things?
6.     Read James 1:8.  What happens to a person that lives without conviction and refuses to make a choice?
7.     Read Matthew 6:19-21.  What does Jesus warn us will result from the choices we make?
8.     Read II Peter 2:19.  Many have bought the lie that the things of the world can bring happiness.  What does this verse say will happen as a result of our weakness?

Anything material (houses, cars, boats, clothes, furniture, etc.) that takes priority over God will put us in bondage to that thing.  We begin to care more for the things in life than we do for people and our relationship with God. 

The first sign of being in financial bondage is usually a decrease in our interest in spiritual things.  This occurs first in our personal lives (Bible study, prayer, giving). It then spreads like a cancer into our relationships with our spouse and other members of our family. Almost simultaneously there is a decrease in church attendance and association with those still active in the church.

At first, we compromise or make excuses for our change in priorities.  We may even try to fake it as a way of avoiding confrontation.  But soon, our lives are noticeably filled with worry where there was once peace, anger where there was once love, and greed where there was once contentment.  As time goes on, we begin to move further and further away from God's plan for financial freedom.

9.     Read I Corinthians 3:3 and James 3:16.  Explain what happens to the Christian when he/she becomes self-seeking?
10.   Read Luke 12:13-21.  What did Jesus say about hoarding and greed in the parable of the Rich fool?
11.   Read Psalm 73:2-3.  What can happen when we become jealous of others?
12.   Read Proverbs
23:17 and I Timothy 6:6.  What instruction does the Bible give us in regard to envying others?

Wise Counsel - The Bridge to Independence

Many times for Christians, financial problems are not a result of their unwillingness to implement God's principles into their lives but rather an ignorance of the principles themselves.  Until we are able to search out and find these principles, we might need to seek the counsel from those who understand and are actively applying these principles in their lives.

13.   Read Proverbs 14:15.  What is the advice of this verse?
14.   Read Proverbs
11:14; 12:15; 15:22.  What instruction does God's word give us about getting wise counsel?
15.   Read Proverbs 20:5.  What kind of person is able to make use of wise counsel?
16.   Read Proverbs 19:21.  The wise man seeks the counsel of others in order to ultimately determine what?

God gives every Christian the opportunity to walk in His freedom and  His blessings.  In order to turn this opportunity into a reality, we must make the choice to learn His principles and apply them to our lives.  Through a changed attitude, we will begin to actually experience the wonderful blessings of God in every area of our lives.

(click for answers)


GETTING INTO A POSITION OF BLESSING
 
“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”
Proverb 10:22

In our modern day American society, the majority of people are caught up in materialism.  The cravings for comfort, pleasure and status have imprisoned many families and robbed them of their relationship with God and their ability to develop a sound financial plan to provide for their futures.

For the Christian, materialism is the number one threat to a continued walk with the Lord.  Many Christian families have traded God's gift of financial freedom for the temporary pleasures of material possessions.

Money Management for the Christian is a study aimed at helping the Christian understand and implement God's plan for financial freedom. 

What Is a Christian?

The term “Christian” was a title first given to the early followers of Christ.  They were people who first believed in Jesus as the Savior of the World. They believed that He was the Son Of God. They trusted Him when He told them that because of their belief in Him, they would spend eternity with Him in Heaven.

1.     A Christian is one who has believed in Jesus.  Read James 2:19 and comment on the difference between someone who believes about Jesus and someone who believes in Jesus.
2.     Read Ephesians 2:8,9.  Does being a good person help insure that God will be more willing to let you into Heaven after you die?  What is the key point in this verse?
3.     Read Revelation 3:20.  Because of Jesus, is it automatic that all good people will go to Heaven?  What must we do?
4.     Read I John 5:13.  For the Christian, what is the most important point in this verse in reference to our assurance of going to heaven after we die?

Faith Is the Key

Financial freedom occurs when we truly have the faith to put our trust in God as the source of everything and every ability we possess or ever hope to possess.  With that attitude, we begin to live our lives with the number one purpose of pleasing God.

As we study the Biblical heroes of faith, we can sense their total belief in God's words.  We can see how He blessed them greatly as a result of their faith.  Read the entire 11th chapter of Hebrews.

5.     Name three of these great men of faith and describe what they did as a result of their faith:
6.     In Hebrews 11:6, it tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God. What must the Christian do if we are to please God?

The Power Of Faith

The one thing that got the attention of Jesus more than anything else was when He found a person with faith.  Since He knew the hearts of all men, He knew when a person's faith was genuine.  Riches and wealth did not impress Him in the least.  But when He found a person with faith, He got excited.  He continued to impress on His disciples the importance of even a little faith.

God knows your heart today.  He knows to what degree you truly trust in Him with your finances.  You may tithe and still not have reached a point of  TOTAL TRUST in God with your finances.  Don't underestimate the power of true faith!

7.     Read Matthew 17:14-20.  What did Jesus use to compare the amount of faith we must have to do great things?
8.     Read Matthew 8:5-13.  How did Jesus respond to this man's faith in verse 10?
9.     Read Matthew 9:27-30.
        a.  What did Jesus first ask the blind men?
        b.  When Jesus touched their eyes, what stipulation did Jesus put on their ability to be healed?

The power of faith is available to every Christian.  Just as  with the blind men, Jesus asks us if we believe He is able.  Even if you "say" yes, His touch in your life will only occur as a result of a true belief in your heart.

10.   Read II Chronicles 16:9
       
a.  What kind of person is God searching for throughout the  whole earth?
        b.  What will He do when He finds them?

God's Blessings for the Christian  

The blessing of spending eternity in Heaven is God's most wonderful gift that is freely given to all Christians.  God also has a plan that will allow the Christian to live a happy, peaceful life now.  The secret to this happy, peaceful life is found in the many principles located throughout the Bible. 

For the Christian, the blessings of eternity are given but the blessings of the present are chosen.  The blessings of wisdom, peace, freedom, joy, love,  patience, happiness, knowledge, fruitfulness, riches in the Lord, provision, prosperity, and success are but a few of the blessings of the present that are available to the Christian who is willing to apply God's principles in their life.

11.   Read Psalm 119:165.  What is the requirement to have great peace?
12.   Read John 14:27.  Jesus made a specific point to mention that the peace He gives is different from what?
13.   Read John 10:10.  What kind of life did Jesus want us to live now?

An opinion is nothing more than a personal preference.  A conviction is a heart felt belief rooted in your moral value system. Your convictions are how you see yourself spiritually and your moral responsibilities.  When the convictions of your heart are aligned with the wisdom of God found in the Bible, you will then be in a position to receive God's blessings.

14.   Read Romans 12:1,2.  What must we do to put ourselves in a position to see God's will for our lives?
15.   Read Colossians 2:8.  What must we be careful about when getting advice from those who are depending on the wisdom of the world?
16.   Read II Timothy 2:15.  What is the one thing we must continually do to gain the knowledge and confidence we need to make the right decisions.

17.   What must we do to have the present blessings of God?
        a.  Read Psalm 119:2
        b.  Read Psalm 128:1,2
       
c.  Read Proverbs 28:20
       
d.  Read Luke 11:28
       
e.  Read Revelation 22:14
18.   Read Deuteronomy 28:1-14.  What are the prerequisites to receive the blessings of the Lord?

For the Christian, God has a plan for eternal life.  For the Christian who desires to align their convictions with the Bible and live a life of obedience, God has a plan filled with blessing.  One of those blessings is financial freedom.

The material distractions of this world have caused many Christians to settle for a life of mediocrity filled with sorrows.  God offers every Christian His bountiful blessings in return for our faithful obedience.  Why would we want to settle for anything less?

19.   Read I Timothy 6:10-11.  Money in itself is not bad but rather the love of it. What does the Bible say happens when the love of money and the things it   buys control our lives?

What should we do to avoid the sorrows that it brings?  

20.   The world's offer is nothing more than a mirage.  Read Proverbs 10:22  What does God's Word say will really make us rich?
21.   Read Luke 16:11.  What is the first thing the Christian must do before God will begin to show him the true riches of His blessings?

The blessings of the Lord are waiting for the Christian, but it is the individual responsibility of each person to get into a position to receive them.  If you have never made the decision to believe in Jesus as your Savior, then that         becomes your first step to getting into a position of blessing.  If you have made that decision, then you must now decide to begin applying His principles in your everyday life.

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THE BATTLE FOR FREEDOM
“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.”
Proverb 22:4

There is a great battle that is going on inside of every Christian.  This battle is between our inherited sinful nature (Romans 5:12 ; Psalm 51:5) and the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16 ,17).  In addition, we are at war against the forces of  darkness and wick­edness in the world around us (Ephesians 6:12 ).  If you are not first, made aware of this battle and secondly, willing to enter the fight,   you will without a doubt become a casualty.  You are fighting for your freedom!

One of the greatest weapons of the enemy is the love of MONEY!  Everyday, we are attacked from every side in hopes of getting us to accept this attitude of the enemy.  We are told that we must satisfy our wants and desires.  We are told that to satisfy these cravings will bring us happiness and peace.  We are also told that more is better and new is best, irregardless of the price or sacrifice required to have it.

The financial defeat a person experiences in their lives as a result of poor planning, greed, hoarding, impulsive buying, jealousy, wasting, and debt are examples of how powerful this weapon (the love of money) can be.  Not only can it rob us of our freedom, but also it has the power, if used in the wrong way, to distract the Christian from serving the Lord and destroy healthy marriages and families.

Winning the Battle

The battle can be won by understanding and applying the Biblical strategy for victory.

Step 1:  Understanding Truth and Where to Find It

1.     Read John 8:30-32.  God's divine strategy for victory for the Christian is found in the Bible.
        a.  What did Jesus say the Christian must do to become His disciple?  (vs. 31)
   
     b.  As a result, what did He say would make us free? (vs. 32)
2.     Read John 14:6.  What did Jesus say was truth?
3.     Read Galatians 5:1.  Therefore, who has made us free?
4.     Read John
1:14; 17:17 .  Where is truth found?
5.     Read John
15:26; 16:13 .  Who did Jesus say would be sent to guide the Christian in the understanding of truth?
6.     Read John
14:17; 18:37, 38.  What are the limitations of the non-Christian in his ability to know truth?
7.     Read I John 4:4-6.  What can the Christian differentiate between?

Not only is the Christian free from the penalty of our sinful nature (promise of eternal life in Heaven), but also he is given the opportunity to experience freedom from the things that enslave people on this earth.  This great benefit can be enjoyed by developing the attitude of Christ which allows him to recognize the truth.

Step 2:  Knowing and Fearing the Lord

When the Bible speaks of fearing the Lord, it does not mean to be afraid but rather to have a reverential awe of who He is.  The further we distance ourselves from God, the less we fear Him.  The less we fear Him, the less we are willing to acknowledge our need to know His truth.  Without His truth, we live a defeated Christian life.

Conversely, the closer we draw ourselves to Him, the better we know Him.   The better we know Him, the more we fear Him and subsequently recognize the need to know and apply His truth in our lives.

8.     Read I John 2:3-6; 5:10 .
   
     a.  What is a sure sign that we know Jesus?  (vs. 3)
   
     b.  How can we recognize someone who does not know Jesus?  (vs. 4)
9.     Read Titus 1:16.  How can we recognize false teachers that profess to know God?
10.   Read I John 5:20.  As a Christian, what has Jesus given us the ability to understand?

We learn to know about God as we read and study His Word.  We learn to know God when we start depending on Him in every area of life.  This results in the development of our prayer life.  The more we see Him work in our lives; the more we know and understand Him.  The more we know and understand Him, the more we fear Him.  A healthy fear of the Lord is our most powerful weapon in our battle for freedom.

11.   Read the following verses and list the benefits of a fear of the Lord  (reverential awe):
   
     a.  Proverbs 1:7
   
     b.  Proverbs 9:10
   
     c.  Proverbs 10:27
       
d.  Proverbs
14:26
   
     e.  Proverbs 14:27
        f..  Proverbs 16:6
   
     g.  Proverbs 19:23
   
     h.  Proverbs 28:14
   
     i.   Psalm 34:9
   
     j.   Psalm 112:1, 3

There is great benefit to the one who feareth the Lord.  The blessings of the Lord are surely on his house (life).

12.   Read Proverbs 24:3,4.  What are the results in the Christians life of having a fear of the Lord?
   
     a.  Through WISDOM (vs. 3)
   
     b.  and by UNDERSTANDING (vs. 3)
   
     c.  And by KNOWLEDGE (vs. 4)
13.   Read Deuteronomy 14:22-23.  When the law of the tithe was established, what was an important lesson to be learned?... that thou mayest learn to_________________.

14.   Read Luke 6:46-49.  As a believer in Christ (a Christian), Jesus becomes our Lord.  There is only one way that the Christian can be assured of a spiritual foundation that will insure a life of freedom from the worries of finances or any other issue of life.  That is, when we learn of God's ways, what must we do?  (vs. 47)
15.   Read James 4:17.  What is the result of the Christian knowing what to do and choosing not to do it?

The materialistic world that we live in has a never ending supply of  ammunition for the enemy to use to tempt us.  There is something for everyone; from nice clothes and accessories for our homes to hunting equipment and fancy fishing boats.

16.   Read Matthew 26:41.
   
     a.  What did Jesus say we must do to avoid temptation?
   
     b.  Although our spirit might be willing to do the right thing, what did Jesus say would be our weakness?

In effect, the battle has actually already been won by the blood of Christ on the cross.  To claim the victory, we must choose to walk in His truth as found in His principles (God's guidelines for living).  This can be done through the daily (moment by moment) surrender of our lives to God's ways, not ours.

As we transfer more of the control of our lives to Him, we learn to become better stewards (managers) of all areas of our life.  When this happens, the battle for freedom has been won!

(click for answers)


WHY MONEY?”
“He that trusteth in his riches shall fall:  but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.”
Proverb 11:28

Money in itself is only as valuable as the paper (or plastic) it is written on.  The value of money is in its ability to be traded for needed items (food, clothes, homes, cars, etc.).  Because of our limited ability to exchange services and goods (barter), we have grown dependent upon money to have the things that we need.

Since it first began being used, many people have grown to accept the attitude that money brings happiness.  They believe that it is the pleasures that money buys that brings happiness.  Jesus spent much of his time trying to convince people of just the opposite.  It may bring temporary satisfaction through the enjoy­ment of pleasure, but money never has nor will it ever bring true happiness.  Although the people of Jesus' time were basically poor, Jesus knew that money was the one thing that they all had in common.  Money and wealth became an excellent tool for Him to use to get their attention as He taught about the
kingdom of God .Of Jesus' 39 parables, over half of them use money or work as a teaching tool.  All but one reference to The Kingdom of God begins with a parable about money.  Jesus knew that as long as people felt that money would bring happiness, they would never be in a position to receive His blessings.

The Blessing Of Provision

Material Provision:

Because of a lack of faith and trust in God as The Provider, those with an abundance fear losing their wealth; those that live on little worry about having enough.  The results are that both rich and poor live a life of bondage.  With the right attitude, God's Word can point every Christian (rich and poor) to a life filled with peace and financial freedom through His promise of the blessing of provision.

1.     Read Matthew 6:25-34.
   
     a.  What does Jesus tell us not to worry about?  (vs. 25)
   
     b.  How did Jesus  use the fowls of the air as an illustration?  (vs. 26)
   
     c.  What did Jesus indicate keeps us from trusting Him like we should?  (vs. 30)
   
     d.  Is your need so specialized that God is unaware of it; what did Jesus say?
   
     e.  What did Jesus say was our first and most important responsibility to insure that our needs were met?
2.     Read Matthew 7:11.  How does Jesus compare God to an earthly father?

Attitude of Contentment:

We often want to believe that God's blessings in return for our obedience will come in the form of material gain.  God wants us to see that His blessings far surpass the temporary pleasures of materialism.  He warns us of becoming blinded by the world's shallow understanding of true blessing.  God has an individual plan for each Christian's life.  You must come to the place of being able to accept God's plan for you.

3.     Now read I Timothy 6:3-9.
   
     a.  What should we do when we find ourselves in the company of or association with those who feel that because of a godly life, we should expect material gain?  (vs. 5)
   
     b.  Where can we expect to find great gain?  (vs. 6)
   
     c.  What does this passage say is for certain?  (vs. 7)
        d.  God has great blessing He wants to bestow on the obedient Christian. Materially, what is the minimum we should be content with?  (vs. 8)
   
     e.  What happens to those who desire to be rich?  (vs. 9)
4.     Read Luke 12:15.  Why did Jesus warn against covetousness?

The Blessing of Prosperity and Success

God does not ask us to be content with food and clothes because that is the extent of His ability to provide.  He is trying to affect in our lives an attitude change.  When we can reach the point of being content with the bare minimums, it is only then that the battle with materialism is won.  It is then that God can begin a beautiful work in our life of revealing to us His true riches - the blessings of prosperity in Him.

5.     Read Matthew 19:29.  How much did Jesus say that we would receive when we developed the right attitude in relation to material things?
6.     Read Galatians 4:7.  Everything in this world belongs to our Father in Heaven.  What does this verse imply that we are recipients of as Christians?
7.     Now read Ephesians 3:20.  What is God capable of doing?
8.     Read Psalm 37:4.  What will God give us when we put Him first in our lives?
9.     Read Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:1-3.  What do these verses say are the prerequisites of a prosperous and successful life?  Money is necessary in our society as a tool, but greater than money, for the Christian, is the understanding of God's blessings and how to obtain them.

(click for answers)


"FINANCIAL FREEDOM - GOD'S WAY
“If I were hungry, I would not tell thee:  for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.”
Psalm 50:12

Most people would agree that freedom means being able to do what you want, when you want.  If applied to our finances, this would mean that we could have what we wanted, when we wanted it.  One of Webster's definitions of being free even says, "no longer burdened by obligation and debt...". 

Many people spend their lives pursuing this type of financial freedom.  Of the majority who are unable to attain it, as they had hoped, many turn to easy credit as an alternative means of making their dreams come true.  As a result, they are in effect exchanging their freedom for their infatuation with materialism.  How foolish we are when we buy things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't know.

1.     Read Proverbs 27:20 and Ecclesiastes 4:8; 5:10 ; 6:9.  What do we learn about our ability to be satisfied with riches?
2.     Read Proverbs 23:4-5.  What happens to the riches that some labor so hard to get?

Warnings To The Rich

God is the giver of all riches and wealth. With the right atti­tude, a wealthy person can be a great blessing to the work of the Lord. But, there is a great danger when one is “wanting of nothing“.  It becomes extremely difficult to trust in God.  It often takes a misfortune that money can not correct before the right attitude and perspective can be acquired.

Although there are many warnings given to those that God has blessed with wealth, the Bible never says it is wrong to accu­mulate wealth.  God is only concerned with our attitudes.  Envy, hoarding, greed, and the lack of concern for the needs of others are examples of the attitudes that God warns against.

3.     Read Ecclesiastes 6:1-2.  King Solomon, the wisest, richest, most influential king in
Israel 's history was without a doubt, in the eyes of the world, financially free.  To what did he compare the riches and wealth given by God?
4.     Read Luke 12:13-21.  The Parable of the Rich Fool was an attempt by Jesus to emphasize the dangers of hoarding and greed.  It serves as a warning to those that are rich as well as to those that desire to be rich.
   
     a.  What was the problem with the attitude of the man who asked Jesus to help?  (vs. 13)
   
     b.  It is interesting to notice that Jesus knew that the attitude problem with the man was common among us all.  Who was the parable directed to?  (vs. 15,16,17)
   
     c.  Jesus points out the vanity of the rich man's pursuits.  Instead of laying up treasure for ourselves, what did Jesus suggest as the alternative?  (vs. 20-21)

When we implement Biblical principles into our lives, as the result of our heart felt convictions, we will then become rich toward God.

5.     Read Luke 18:18-27.  In the Parable of the Rich Young Ruler, Jesus knew, as with all wealthy people, that it is very difficult to develop the right attitude. As paradoxical as it may sound, it is usually the riches and wealth of a person that keep them from becoming financially free.
   
     a.  What kind of life had this man lived since his youth?  (vs. 20,21)
   
     b.  What did Jesus tell this young man to do?  (vs. 22)
   
     c.  Why do you think Jesus ask this man to do this?
   
     d.  What was the young mans response?  (vs. 23)
   
     e.  Why do you think the man responded that way?
   
     d.  Summarize Jesus' comments after he heard the man's response?  (vs. 24-27)
6.     Read Deut. 8:18; I Chron. 29:12; Eccl. 5:19; I Tim. 6:17-18.  Those with riches and wealth must always remember:
   
     a.  Where do the riches and wealth come from?
   
     b.  Where are they warned not to put their trust?
   
     c.  Where are they told to put their trust?
   
     d.  What should they be willing to do with their abundance?
7.     Read John 8:31-32.  For the Christian, where can real freedom be found?

We become a Christian by responding to an opportunity that God has made available to us through Jesus.  When we decide to put our trust in God's Words concerning our finances it is likewise an act of our will.  It does not mean that we can now sit and wait for God to bless us with great wealth.  It means that we are now ready to begin learning what our position of responsibility is in regard to our money.  It means that we have truly been convinced that, as the Creator, God's plan for our finances is in our best interest.  It means that we are now willing and ready to do our part!  As we transfer more and more of our trust in this area to Him, we will begin to develop a new attitude about what it means to be wealthy.  As we begin to realize the reality of God's blessings, we will then see the lie that the world has believed concerning what true financial freedom is.

God Owns It All

The most important truth that the Christian must believe in is that God owns everything and the ability to have anything is given by Him and Him alone.  Without a genuine acceptance of this Biblical truth, the Christian can never have financial freedom.

With the right attitude; the poor or struggling family will con­tinue to do all they can to improve themselves and be content;  the middle class family will stop transferring their wealth to the banks by the means of borrowing and easy credit;  the wealthy family will trust in God and not in their riches.

8.     Read John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17; and Proverbs 22:2.  What did God make?
9.     Read Deut. 10:14; I Chronicles 29:11; Psalms 50:10-12.  What do these verses imply that God owns?
10.   Read Psalm 24:1 and 1 Corinthians 6:20.  Who owns YOU ?

We are not our own.  We are owned.  At birth, we become responsible to God.  The Bible teaches that life on this earth can be orderly and meaningful only insofar as there is a clear understanding of our relationship to God (God is sovereign and man is subject to God).

God owns our body, soul, mind and talents.  Our refusal to accept God's ownership takes us out of His will.

 Ownership Verses Stewardship

One of the best illustrations of the attitude that God is looking for can be seen in the Parable Of The Talents.  Read Matthew 25:14-30.

11.   What did the Man (God) give unto His servants (us)?  (vs. 14)
12.   How did the Man determine how many talents to give to each of the three servants?  (vs. 15)
13.   What did each servant do with the talent(s) he was given:
   
     a.  (Servant with 5 talents)
   
     b.  (Servant with 2 talents)
   
     c.  (Servant with 1 talent)
14.   When the lord of the servants returned and saw what the servants had each done, what did he say:
   
     a.  To the servant with 5 talents?
   
     b.  To the servant with 2 talents?
   
     c.  To the servant with 1 talent?
15.   What were the differences in the comments and the rewards given to the servant with 5 (now 10) talents and the servant with 2 talents (now 4)?
16.   Who was given the last servant's one and only talent and why?


God owns it all,
even you!  We own nothing!  We are only managers (stewards) of what God has given us.  Webster's dictionary defines a "steward" as "one who manages another's property".  God decides what we are to manage based on our abilities (both God given and acquired).  Just as with the servants, God is concerned with our attitude and our motives rather than the money itself.

As could be seen by the rewards given to the first two servants, the amount of  money was not important.  They both had the right attitude and did the best they could with what they had.  Their reward was the same.

After he had seen what the first two servants had done, he said the same thing    to both of them; "...thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things...".  Because of their faith, they could now be entrusted with more responsibility.  They were then told that they could now "...enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

This Parable of the Talents shows us that true financial freedom is achieved  when we acknowledge God's total ownership and accept our appointed position as stewards (managers).

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THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING
“A man’s heart deviseth his way:  but, the Lord directeth his steps.”
Proverb 16:9

Every family needs a written plan (budget) for how they are going to spend their money, especially those who think they don't.  It is impossible for you to efficiently manage your finances without a written plan (if married, both the husband and wife must agree on the plan).  As stewards (managers), we are negligent with God's money when we refuse to develop and follow a written plan for the home.

The Small Business Administration said that the number one reason that small businesses fail is due to poor planning.  The home is nothing more than a small business that God has appointed you to manage.  The finances of every Christian home should be a representation of orderliness and excellence as a testimony to a world driven by greed, envy, and indulgence.

First Things First

1.     Read Proverbs 16:1-9.
       
a.  Before we can begin to develop a financial plan for the home, what is the first thing we must do?.. (vs.1-3)
        b.  The amount we manage is not important.  What is important? (vs. 8)
        c.  Our opinions are in our head but our convictions are in our hearts.  Where do our plans originate, head or heart?  (vs. 1,9)
       
d.  The way you plan to spend the money that God has given you to manage will be a direct reflection of the convictions in your heart.  What is the result of plans from a prideful heart? (vs. 5)
   
     e.  When your plans please God, to what extent do we experience peace?  (vs. 7)
2.     Read James 1:5.  How does God promise to help us as we put together our financial plan for our family?

Planning - The Responsibility Of A Leader

In every Christian home, God has appointed a leader (head).  Except in the case of singles, that person is the husband and father. The leader of a Christian home has the God given position of responsibility to provide for that home. Planning is a critical part of that process.  Although the leader is responsible, it is vitally important that the decisions required to be made in the development of the budget plan be made by those who are going to have a part in making the plan work.

3.     Read I Timothy 5:8.  What does the Bible equate one to that does not provide for his own family?

4.     Read Proverbs 14:15.  Webster's Dictionary defines “prudent” as, "exercising sound judgment in practical matters, cautious in conduct; managing carefully.”  What does this verse say is a characteristic of a “prudent” man?

A written financial plan for the family (budget), allows you to be able to carefully consider and track the “goings” of your money.  Without a written plan you become a “responder”; one who reacts rather than controls (Those who fail to plan are planning to fail).

5.     Read Proverbs 27:23,24.  Why are we told to be diligent to know and attend to the state of our flocks and herds?
6.     Read Proverbs 24:27.  Many times young married couples want it all now - the new cars, the new homes, fancy toys.  What is the advice of this verse to us in the generation in which  we live?
7.     Read Luke 14:28-30.  When Jesus was teaching on discipleship,  He used an illustration that emphasized the importance of planning.
   
     a.  What did He say one must do first before starting to build?
   
     b.  What are the results of a lack of planning?

We can relate building a tower to living one month; one year;  etc.  Without a written plan, the outcome of our months, years, or our entire life is at best, a guess.  Plans must be flexible but visible.  As the leader of your home, God has made you responsible for your finances.  It can not be over emphasized; those involved in executing the plan should have an active part in its design.

The Results Of A Wise Plan  (Genesis 37-47)

The story of Jacob's youngest son, Joseph (the son of his old age), teaches us an excellent lesson about the importance of planning.  Because of the hate and envy of his older brothers, Joseph was trapped and sold as a slave when he was only seventeen years old.  Joseph endured many more trials and temptations but because he remained strong in his faith, the Lord blessed Joseph.

God had a great plan for Joseph's life.  His close relationship with the Lord allowed him to be able to interpret the dream of The Pharaoh of Egypt.  After his interpretation of the dream, he presented a master plan to The Pharaoh that would in the end save all of Egypt (including his entire family) from starvation.

8.     Read Genesis 41:34-36.
   
     a.  What was the first step of the plan?
   
     b.  What percentage was saved?
9.     Read Genesis 41:37-46.
   
     a.  After hearing the plan, what was Pharaoh's initial thoughts?
   
     b.  Who did Pharaoh recognize as being behind the wisdom of Joseph?
   
     c.  What were the details of Joseph's newly appointed position?
10.   Read Genesis 41:54-57.  What were the results of the wise planning of Joseph?

When we obey God and live by His principles, we are promised blessings. This is seen in the story of Joseph's life.  Whether on a national scale or a personal scale, God's wisdom never fails.

Planning is critical if we are to maximize the resources God has entrusted to us.  Only by proving ourselves to be worthy will He find use for us in His service.  It is in service for Him that we find His blessings.  It is “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.”  (Proverbs 10:22)

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GOD'S PERSPECTIVE ON WORK
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
I Timothy 5:8

   From The Beginning

Many Christians believe that when God first created man, he was not required to work.  Many believe that the man was put in the Garden Of Eden and that all he had to do was to sit back and take it easy for the rest of eternity.  Then, one day God saw that the man was bored, so He made a beautiful woman (Eve) to give him company.  This is far from the truth found in the Bible.

The Bible tells us that God's plan for man was that he would always work. From the first day that God put Adam in the Garden Of Eden, he was given a job.  And then God later made Eve for the purpose of being a helper to Adam.

1.     Read Genesis 2:15.  What was the first job that God gave man to do?
2.     Read Genesis 2:19.  What was another task God assigned to Adam?

3.     Read Genesis 2:18.  When God saw that it was not good that man was alone what did He say He would do?
4.     Read Genesis 1:28.  Not only were Adam and Eve told to be fruitful and fill the earth but what other task were they given?

God gave man and his helper (woman), a great job to do.  He told them to be His appointed guardians over His creation and to rule over all things.  God wanted man to care for His creation.  God's plan has always been for man to work.

After man disobeyed God and sinned, the conditions surrounding the work environment changed.

5.     Read Genesis 3:16-24.

        a.  What were the two things that changed for the woman?
        b.  What did God curse as a result of their sin?
   
     c.  How was man's work environment changed?
        d.  Just as the woman must now bear children in great pain, describe the way that man would find his work?

Attitude of Service

God has always intended for man to work but as you have seen, the work experience and the conditions surrounding the work environ­ment changed greatly after man sinned.

The attitude in which we approach our work is the key element that God is concerned about.  The Christian with the right attitude carries a tremendous testimony in the work place for God.  As Christians, our attitude at work should reflect the heart of a servant.  Charles Spurgeon once said, “There are no crown-wearers in Heaven who were not cross-bearers below.  In order to lead, we must first learn how to serve.

God has a plan for every person based on how He has equipped that person.  No matter what we do to provide for ourselves and our families, we must do it with the right attitude.

6.     Read Proverbs 22:29.  What should our attitude be in our work?
7.     Read Ecclesiastes 9:10.  How much effort should we put into the work God has given us?
8.     Read Colossians 3:17,23.  Who should we be trying to please in our work?

We often find workers who are trying to get as much as they can while giving the least that they must.  This creates an environment of waste.  This lazy, slothful attitude is very contagious and can ruin a good testimony.

9.     Read Proverbs 10:4; 12:24; 13:4; 18:9; 21:5; 22:29; 24:30-34.
   
     a.  What is God's plan for those that are diligent in their work?
   
     b.  Summarize how the Bible describes the slothful person?
10.   Read II Thessalonians 3:10-11.  What did Paul have to say about work?
11.   Read Proverbs
13:11 ; 14:23 ; 28:19.  What does the Bible say are the benefits of labor?

The fast paced world that we live in today often destroys the balance that is so important to the Christian life.  The balance between personal time with God, family, work, church, recreation, etc.  It seems as though there is not enough time in each day.  An Amish man once said, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I  get!  Oh, how true.

In order to have the things we want, we sacrifice our most valuable resource, time.  We soon find ourselves all stressed out.  If we are not careful, we will develop an attitude of urgency in the pursuit of materialism.  In The Paradox of Time, Henry Dobson said, “Time goes,” you say.  “Ah, no!  Alas, time stays!  We go!"

God's plan for building wealth is one of orderliness and excellence in His time, not haste.

12.   Read Proverbs 21:5; 28:20,22.  What are the results of haste?

Quite often, young couples are eager to buy their first home as soon as possible.  This wrong attitude creates an emotional trap resulting in their making unwise decisions.  In many cases they are willing to do almost anything to satisfy their wants and desires.

The decisions made as a result of wrong attitudes begins a pattern for more wrong decisions.  For the Christian, this takes them far from God's plan for their lives.  Instead of financial freedom, there is financial bondage.

13.   Read Proverbs 24:27.  Explain in your own words what this verse is saying in regard to our priorities and timing?

It is easy to be overcome with the obsession for materialism.  With the encouragement and approval of the world, you can even believe that it is the right thing to do.

14.   Read Proverbs
12:15 ; 14:12 .  What do these verses tell us about our ability to choose the right way without God?
15.   Read the Parable Of The Two Builders in Matthew 7:24-27.
   
     a.  What will result in a firm foundation in our lives?
        b.  What did Jesus say would result from a weak foundation?

We should do all we do to the glory of the Lord - including our work.  Our work should reflect an attitude of responsibility and quality.  God gives us a great opportunity of testimony in our work.  In order for our attitude about work to be a positive reflection on Christ, we must have the conviction in our hearts that our work is to be done  unto the Lord rather than man.

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Releasing The Blessings
Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase:
Proverb 3:9

Beginning With The Tithe

The tithe (one tenth) is sometimes misunderstood by Christians to be an Old Testament Law that is no longer applicable today.  In reality, the tithe presents the opportunity for all Christians in all ages to give a material   testimony to the fact that God is “Sovereign”, “King”, “Owner”, and Lord! In addition, the tithe is the starting place for financial freedom.

Old Testament history tells us that the “Law” required that all Jews make offerings that exceeded 20% annually.  The tithe was and is only a  minimum.

1.     Read Genesis 14:12-21; 28:20-22; Hebrews 7:2,4.  What did Abraham and Jacob give as a material testimony to God?

(It should be pointed out that the “Law“ had no influence on the decision that these men made to give a material testimony to God.  For example, the event with Abraham occurred more than 400 years before the Law was even given to Moses.)

In order for the principal of tithing to become a conviction, there must be an alignment of your attitude with the teachings of the Bible.  When this happens, you will begin to experience the blessings of the Lord.  The principle of tithing, as a result of the right attitude, is the key that opens the door to God's blessings in the life of the Christian.

2.     Read Malachi 3:10.  Describe what the Bible says happens when you bring the tithe into the storehouse (the local church)?

When we view the tithe as a duty or a rule, it becomes legalism.  The Bible makes clear that when the tithe is “given” as a result of legalism, it is in vain and will not return God's blessings.  If we offer the tithe for the purpose of receiving God's blessings; this too is wrong.  The tithe should be offered solely as a result of a proper perspective of God as the Owner and Giver of all things.  Our offering of the tithe should be as a result of our love, respect and fear (reverential awe) of God.

Remember, God owns it all.  The things God places in our care are for the purpose of serving Him.  When we claim ownership to these things, we rob God.  The tithe is nothing more than the first step in the acknowledgment that    God is truly, the Owner of it all!

3.
     Read Malachi 3:8-9.  The prophet Malachi directed his message of judgment to a people who had become so sinful as a nation that God's words no longer had any impact in their lives.  What did he say as a result of their not tithing?
4.     Read Matthew 23:23-25.  In these verses, we see Jesus rebuke the Pharisees.  Even though they tithed, what was wrong with their attitude?
5.     Read II Corinthians 9:7.  What attitude does God want us to have when we offer our tithes and offerings?

Normally, the only way a person can give money away and be happy about doing it is when:

   
     a. The money belongs to someone else or
   
     b. When he won't suffer as a result of giving it away.

For the Christian who has accepted his/her position as a steward, as opposed to an owner, both of these conditions are met.

As the Bible teaches, everything you have belongs to God and if you live according to His principles, His blessings will provide provision for your needs.  So, with the right attitude, every Christian can be a cheerful giver.

6.     Read Deut. 8:18; John 3:27; I Cor. 3:5-6; 4:7; II Cor. 3:5.  We must not forget.  From where do we receive all things?

Tithing always has been and always will be an opportunity for the Christian.  God does not punish those who do not tithe - they only forfeit His blessings.

The Christian must also understand that tithing is not a step towards personal surrender to God, it is something you do as a result of having already surrendered to Him.

When we focus on the tithe, we miss the object of the lesson.  Although both (attitude and tithe) are necessary, God's blessings are more a result of our attitude than the offering itself.  God doesn't want the money; HE WANTS YOU!

7.     Read II Corinthians 8:5.  In using the Macedonians as an example, what did Paul say that they gave to the Lord First?

Beyond The Tithe

The tithe is only the beginning.  As we become faithful stewards (managers) of what God has placed in our care, we will learn how to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in the wise use of all of our resources - money, time, talents etc.  In each step of faith, God reveals more and more of Himself to us. We gain a new attitude; a new strength; a new testimony; and a new freedom.

8.     Read II Corinthians 9:6.  Getting control of our financial lives allows us to respond more freely to God as He touches our hearts in different areas of   service and giving.  This becomes possible largely due to the orderliness in our finances that is created as a result of our living on budget.  What are the results of our giving beyond the tithe?

When we live an orderly and excellent life as a wise and faithful steward (manager), we have the opportunity to become a tremendous asset to the ministry of God through our local church and through our personal testimony.

Living on a budget plan allows us to identify true surpluses that God directs into our lives.  Being sensitive to His leading, we can then direct those surpluses to the areas He has planned.  Without a plan for your finances, you can be assured that you will never be able to identify a surplus.

9.     Read II Corinthians 8:14.  One of God's blessings is the joy and the privilege He gives us in helping others in their time of need or in furthering the work of the Lord.  How is the want (lack) of one person or family met?

When God chooses to give you an abundance (surplus), you incur a great responsibility to seek His guidance as to its  use.  Just because you can, doesn't mean that you should give to the first per