Biblical Financial StudyBiblical Financial Study
What the Bible says about money
God has many blessings for believers in this world. They are different for different people sometimes include wealth a great job or career A loving family Health and vitality and sometimes just peace and contentment Larry Burkette “How to manage your money, a biblical perspective” Burkett was the founder of Crown Financial Ministries www.crown.org Another resource biblically based daveramsey.com God instructs us how to handle wealth 1Ti 6:17-19 Pro 10:22 Mat 6:19-21 Wealth is neither moral, nor immoral. God opposes the preoccupation or misuse of wealth, not the wealth itself. Pro 3:9-17 Pro 21:20 Wisdom is required to use wealth properly Pro 22:4
Respect for the Lord and humility are the basis for learning and understanding God’s principles thereby gaining wisdom Pro 3:5-8
However love of money is condemned and causes many distractions in life. 1Ti 6:10 Wealth and the seeking of wealth can distract believers from seeking and following God’s plan and purpose for their life. Mat 19:23-26 Stewardship We must acknowledge God's ownership of wealth Psa 24:1 And we are to manage it well and use our wisdom and abilities. Gal 6:9 We are commanded to help those less fortunate than us Gal 6:9, Deut 15:11 In Mat 25:34-45 Jesus is telling the people that loving one another is the same as loving Him Jesus warns against greed in We are commanded to support our families 1Ti 5:8, Mat 15:5-6 What does this mean? … a man has a responsibility to work and earn money to support his household and assist family members such as elderly poor parents or legitimately needy sisters, brothers, etc. What about our own needs? In Mat 6:32-33 Jesus tells us that we should trust in Him for those needs. Phi 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. What about credit and borrowing? The Bible does not prohibit borrowing or lending but warns of possible problems with either. Our Christian integrity and witness obligates us to repay what we owe. God does not want us to be in bondage to debt Pro 22:7 Contentment Our attitude toward wealth should be thankful for what we have through God’s grace and content in our position in His Plan. Pro 13:7-9, Phi 4:11, 1Ti 6:8 Heb 13:5 Psa 37:23-25 God does not condemn wealth, he condemns misuse of wealth. Overdue bills, abuse of credit Worry about investments Get rich quick attitude Laziness Deceitfulness. Greediness Covetousness. Other considerations Wasting money so that family needs go unmet 1Ti 5:8 Overcommitment Psa 127:2, Psa 23:4-5 Self indulgence Luk 4:18 Assumed superiority 1Ti 6:17 Financial resentment Col 2:8, Psa 73:2-3 Steps to financial freedom Transfer ownership to God Get out of debt Pro 15:16 Accept Gods provision Mat 6:31 Refuse quick decisions Pro 21:5 Excel in work 1Pe 4:11, Col 3:23, Pro 12:11, 1Co 9:24 Put others first Phi 2:3-5 Pro 3:13-14 Seek good Christian counsel; don’t let pride get in the way. Pro 19:20 Discuss the problems/issues with your spouse. Eph 5:1 Establish long range goals. 1Ti 6:18-19 Recognize the difference between needs, wants, and desires. And always remember……… God’s grace has got your back Render unto Caesar Rom 13:6-7 Pro 16:2-3 Some motives for wealth accumulation Advice of others Pro 14:15 Envy of others Psa 73:2-3 Game of accumulation Pro 22:1 Self esteem / pride Pro 16:18 Love of money/greed 1Ti 6:10 Fear of loss, lack of trust in God For spiritual gift of giving Luk 6:38 Your plans should be consistent with Gods purpose for your life. Husbands and wives should face financial decisions together. In summary we should remember these points 1. God wants us to acknowledge that He owns everything. Psa 24:1 2. God wants us to support our families. 1Ti 5:8 3.God wants us to help those less fortunate who are deserving. Gal 6:9 4.God wants us to be free of excess debt and avoid schemes. Rom 13:8 5. God wants us to save and conserve His resources Pro 6:6-8 6. God wants us to work diligently in our jobs and everything we do but not to overwork so there is no time for His purpose 1Pe 4:11, Col 3:23, 1Co 9:24, Pro 12:11 7. God wants us to pay our taxes and debts. Rom 13:6-7 8. God wants us to support the Church, missions and evangelism. Pro 3:9-10, 2Co 9:7-14, 1Ti 5:17-18 9. God wants husbands and wives to work together on this. Eph 5:31 10. God wants us to be at peace and content with what we are given and trust in Him and His grace. Phi 4:11-12 And most importantly remember… |