Biblical Principles for Building Wealth and Success
Summary
Building wealth through biblical principles is not about limiting success but enhancing it. By integrating faith into daily life, Christians can create an environment that attracts prosperity. This is evident in the lives of successful Christian entrepreneurs like Truett Cathy of Chick-fil-A, David Green of Hobby Lobby, and Mary Kay Ash, who prioritized their faith and saw their businesses flourish. These examples demonstrate that biblical principles, when applied, can lead to extraordinary success.
The first principle is to value money and recognize its potential for good. John D. Rockefeller, for instance, consistently gave the first 10% of his earnings to his church, which allowed him to contribute significantly to society. The second principle is to view work as worship. Christians should approach their work with enthusiasm, as if working for the Lord, which transforms mundane tasks into acts of worship.
The third principle emphasizes the importance of saving. Proverbs teaches that money gathered little by little grows, and Joseph's story in Egypt illustrates the power of saving during times of plenty to prepare for times of need. The fourth principle is to watch expenses carefully. Many people spend more than they earn, but by keeping expenses in check and saving the difference, wealth can be built over time.
The fifth principle involves using savings to pay off bad debt and start investing. Bad debt, like high-interest credit card debt, should be eliminated, while investments in high-interest savings accounts, stocks, or real estate can allow money to work for you. Finally, the sixth principle is to choose friends wisely. Surrounding oneself with positive, faith-filled individuals can inspire and elevate one's own life.
Key Takeaways:
- Value of Money: Recognize the potential of money to do good. John D. Rockefeller's practice of tithing and using his wealth for societal benefits exemplifies the impact of valuing money. By prioritizing giving and investing in meaningful causes, we can use wealth to bring about positive change. [05:31]
- Work as Worship: Approach work with enthusiasm and purpose, as if working for the Lord. This perspective transforms daily tasks into acts of worship and can lead to greater fulfillment and success. Colossians 3:23 encourages us to work with all our heart, elevating our efforts beyond mere duty. [09:44]
- Importance of Saving: Saving is crucial for financial stability and future opportunities. Joseph's story in Egypt highlights the wisdom of setting aside resources during times of abundance. By saving consistently, we prepare for unforeseen challenges and can seize opportunities when they arise. [14:59]
- Managing Expenses: Keeping expenses in check is essential for building wealth. As income grows, resist the temptation to increase spending. Instead, maintain a consistent lifestyle and save the surplus, allowing for greater financial freedom and the ability to bless others. [24:22]
- Wise Investments and Friendships: Use savings to pay off bad debt and invest wisely. Surround yourself with positive, faith-filled individuals who inspire growth and success. Proverbs 13:20 reminds us that walking with the wise leads to wisdom, while bad company can corrupt good intentions. [39:25]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:30] - Prayer and Introduction
[04:31] - God First, Family Second
[05:31] - Valuing Money's Potential
[09:44] - Work as Worship
[11:06] - Enthusiasm in Work
[12:36] - The Principle of Saving
[14:59] - Joseph's Example of Saving
[19:06] - The 10-10-80 Rule
[24:22] - Watching Expenses
[30:51] - The Power of a Budget
[32:04] - Cutting Unnecessary Costs
[34:43] - Paying Off Bad Debt
[39:25] - Choosing Friends Wisely
[46:16] - Prayer for Redemption and Renewal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Building Wealth Through Biblical Principles
Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
2. Proverbs 13:11 - "Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow."
3. Proverbs 13:20 - "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."
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Observation Questions:
1. What examples of successful Christian entrepreneurs were mentioned in the sermon, and how did they integrate their faith into their business practices? [04:31]
2. How did John D. Rockefeller demonstrate the principle of valuing money and using it for good according to the sermon? [05:31]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between work and worship, and how is this supported by Colossians 3:23? [09:44]
4. How does the story of Joseph in Egypt illustrate the importance of saving, as discussed in the sermon? [14:59]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the principle of "work as worship" change a person's perspective on their daily job, according to the sermon? [09:44]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that saving money can prepare individuals for future opportunities and challenges? [14:59]
3. How does the sermon explain the impact of surrounding oneself with positive, faith-filled individuals, and what biblical support is provided for this principle? [39:25]
4. What does the sermon imply about the potential consequences of not managing expenses wisely, and how is this related to biblical teachings? [24:22]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current work situation. How can you approach your work with the mindset of "work as worship" this week? What specific actions can you take to embody this principle? [09:44]
2. Consider your current savings habits. What steps can you take to start saving consistently, even if it's a small amount? How can the story of Joseph inspire you to prepare for future challenges? [14:59]
3. Evaluate your spending habits. Are there areas where you can cut back on expenses to save more? What practical changes can you implement this month to align with the principle of managing expenses wisely? [24:22]
4. Think about the people you spend the most time with. Are they encouraging you in your faith and personal growth? How can you seek out more positive, faith-filled relationships? [39:25]
5. Reflect on any debts you may have. What steps can you take to start paying off bad debt and begin investing in your future? How can you apply the sermon’s advice on using savings to eliminate debt? [34:43]
6. Identify one area in your life where you can apply the principle of valuing money for good. How can you use your resources to make a positive impact in your community or church? [05:31]
7. Consider the sermon’s message about contentment. How can you cultivate a spirit of contentment in your life, especially in relation to material possessions? What practical steps can you take to focus on eternal values over temporary gains? [26:35]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Transformative Power of Money
Money, when valued correctly, can be a powerful tool for good. John D. Rockefeller's practice of tithing the first 10% of his earnings to his church exemplifies the impact of valuing money. By prioritizing giving and investing in meaningful causes, we can use wealth to bring about positive change. This principle encourages us to see money not as an end in itself but as a means to serve others and fulfill God's purposes. Recognizing the potential of money to do good can transform our approach to wealth and success. [05:31]
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your financial resources today to make a positive impact in your community or church?
Day 2: Work as an Act of Worship
Approaching work with enthusiasm and purpose transforms daily tasks into acts of worship. Colossians 3:23 encourages us to work with all our heart, elevating our efforts beyond mere duty. This perspective not only leads to greater fulfillment but also aligns our work with God's purposes. By viewing work as worship, we can find joy and meaning in even the most mundane tasks, knowing that our efforts are ultimately for the Lord. [09:44]
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going." (Ecclesiastes 9:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one task at work or home that you can approach with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm today?
Day 3: The Wisdom of Saving
Saving is crucial for financial stability and future opportunities. Joseph's story in Egypt highlights the wisdom of setting aside resources during times of abundance. By saving consistently, we prepare for unforeseen challenges and can seize opportunities when they arise. This principle teaches us the importance of foresight and discipline in managing our resources, ensuring that we are prepared for both the expected and unexpected in life. [14:59]
"Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest." (Proverbs 6:6-8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to start or increase your savings for future needs?
Day 4: The Discipline of Managing Expenses
Keeping expenses in check is essential for building wealth. As income grows, resist the temptation to increase spending. Instead, maintain a consistent lifestyle and save the surplus, allowing for greater financial freedom and the ability to bless others. This principle emphasizes the importance of self-control and intentionality in our financial decisions, ensuring that we live within our means and prioritize long-term goals over short-term gratification. [24:22]
"Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it." (Proverbs 15:16, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your spending that you can reduce or eliminate to better align with your financial goals.
Day 5: The Influence of Wise Investments and Friendships
Using savings to pay off bad debt and invest wisely is crucial for financial growth. Surrounding yourself with positive, faith-filled individuals can inspire and elevate your own life. Proverbs 13:20 reminds us that walking with the wise leads to wisdom, while bad company can corrupt good intentions. This principle highlights the importance of both financial and relational investments, encouraging us to seek wisdom in our choices and relationships. [39:25]
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." (Proverbs 13:20, ESV)
Reflection: Who are the wise and faith-filled individuals in your life that you can spend more time with to inspire your growth and success?
Quotes
1. "There seems to be within the Christian faith principles, within the scriptures, that if applied to our lives, if seriously applied and put into practice, instead of limiting our ability, instead of restricting our ability to build wealth, it seems if we apply them to actually attract wealth in our lives. Instead of, biblical principles, instead of hindering us from being wildly successful, from succeeding to achieving at a high levels, to building wealth, to building wealth, in our lives, to being great leaders, to building great companies, there's something about the Christian faith, if we take it seriously, that changes the soil and the atmosphere in our lives that causes us to prosper." ([00:00:18] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "How about David Green, who started his company, Hobby Lobby. And from the very beginning, his first store, he said, you know what? We're going to take 10 % of our profits and we're going to give it away to kingdom expanding causes. So a little heaven can be brought down to planet earth. Where in the world did he get that? Where in the world did he get that? Where in the world did he get that? Where in the world did he get that idea? Well, that idea, come on, are you here? You were here last week. That idea came from scripture." ([00:03:09] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "Seek first the kingdom of God and what God wants, and all these other things will be added to you. Oh, Lord. Oh, Lord, help us. So, pastor, what's our prayer? My prayer is that through this, even though over 90%, no, actually, even though 78 % of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, I'm believing that that will not be the testimony in God's house." ([00:05:05] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "To think that, God, what I do in the marketplace is important because, Lord, that's my worship to you and that can be used to bring glory and honor to you. I pray that God, I pray that God, especially in a young person here, awaken and desire to build, to achieve, to excel at what I do Monday through Friday so my success, my achievement can increase for the glory of God." ([00:08:01] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "Number two, the Christian principle, the Christian principle is Christians always see their work as worship. We work energetically, enthusiastically. We don't work like the rest of the world works. We go to work with the pep in our step. There's energy in our step. Why? We work as if we're working for, come on, are you here? Working for the Lord." ([00:08:42] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "Saving, saving, saving. Thank you, Pastor Charlie. Saving everything. Come on, say everything. Everything we can. 57 % of us have less than $1 ,000 in the bank in savings. Let's go to Scripture. See what Scripture says. It's Proverbs 13, 11. If it's up there, you know it. Come on, read it with me. Money that comes easily disappears. Now, stop right there. Keep the Scripture up there." ([00:12:09] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "There may be a time when it comes in the future that we're going to need that. Sure enough, seven years of plenty, they were storing up, storing up, and storing up. And then a great famine came on the then known world at the time. And because they had savings, listen to me, when everybody else was, there was an economic decline, Pharaoh had an opportunity to become even more wealthy." ([00:16:08] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "The God that we read about in the Bible is always a redeemer. It's never too late. He can redeem the lost years that we fumbled around and messed up and when we turn to him, he can help us gain those back in Jesus' name. Are you here? Come on. Come on. Here's the financial goal. Start living by the 10 -10 -80 rule." ([00:18:44] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "I could not believe the statistic when I read this, but unless this cycle right here is broken, listen to me, unless this negative cycle is broken, we will never reach our full potential. We'll never move from just living paycheck to paycheck. We'll never start building real wealth in our lives, not just so we can have it, but so we can be a blessing." ([00:23:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "Watch your friend group carefully. This is a law baked into the universe. You're no exception. But here's the thing. Here's the idea. We become like those that we're around. We become like those that we associate with. There are so many scriptures on this." ([00:39:25] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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