Biblical Principles for Financial Health and Stewardship
Summary
In this session, we explored God's promises and plans for financial health, emphasizing the importance of aligning our financial practices with biblical principles. The Bible contains numerous teachings on money management, with Jesus addressing financial matters more than heaven or hell. This highlights the significance of financial stewardship in our spiritual journey. We delved into seven biblical habits that form God's financial plan, which, when practiced, unlock the promises of financial blessing.
The first habit is to trust God as our source and supplier. Our jobs are merely channels through which God provides, but He is the ultimate source of all our needs. Recognizing this truth helps us remain calm even in financial uncertainty, knowing that God can open new channels of provision.
The second habit is to keep good records. Proper financial management requires us to track our income, expenses, and investments. This practice not only aligns with biblical teachings but also reduces financial anxiety by providing clarity and control over our resources.
The third habit is to give the first 10% back to God, known as tithing. This act of faith demonstrates our trust in God and prioritizes Him in our finances. By putting God first, we invite His blessings into our financial lives.
The fourth habit is to save and invest for the future. The Bible encourages us to be wise stewards by saving consistently, even if it's a small amount. This habit ensures that our money works for us, providing security and growth over time.
The fifth habit is to set up a repayment plan to get out of debt. Debt can hinder our ability to follow God's calling, so it's crucial to prioritize debt repayment while maintaining tithing and saving practices.
The sixth habit is to budget our spending. A budget allows us to control our finances, preventing impulsive purchases and ensuring that our spending aligns with our values and goals.
Finally, the seventh habit is to enjoy what we have. Contentment is key to financial peace, as it shifts our focus from acquiring more to appreciating what God has already provided.
Key Takeaways:
- Trusting God as our source and supplier means recognizing that our jobs are merely channels of His provision. This understanding brings peace in financial uncertainty, knowing that God can open new channels of provision. [02:07]
- Keeping good records is essential for financial management. It aligns with biblical teachings and reduces anxiety by providing clarity and control over our resources. [05:22]
- Tithing, or giving the first 10% back to God, is an act of faith that invites His blessings into our financial lives. It demonstrates our trust in God and prioritizes Him in our finances. [07:55]
- Saving and investing for the future is a mark of wisdom. Consistent saving, even in small amounts, ensures that our money works for us, providing security and growth over time. [10:43]
- Contentment is key to financial peace. By enjoying what we have, we shift our focus from acquiring more to appreciating God's provision, leading to greater satisfaction and less financial stress. [20:01]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:22] - Introduction to Financial Health
[01:05] - Trust God as Your Source
[03:27] - Keep Good Records
[06:07] - Tithing: Giving Back to God
[08:11] - Save and Invest for the Future
[12:29] - Set Up a Repayment Plan
[15:52] - Budget Your Spending
[19:00] - Enjoy What You Have
[21:09] - God's Promises and Our Trust
[23:00] - Conclusion and Prayer
[24:32] - Group Discussion and Next Steps
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 11:36 - "For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."
2. Deuteronomy 8:18 - "But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today."
3. Proverbs 21:20 - "The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the significance of recognizing God as our ultimate source and supplier? ([01:23])
2. What are the four things the sermon suggests we need to keep good records of? ([05:53])
3. How does the sermon describe the purpose of tithing, and what biblical reference supports this? ([06:52])
4. What does the sermon say about the relationship between saving and wisdom, and which Bible verse is used to illustrate this point? ([08:26])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might understanding God as the ultimate source of our provision change a person's perspective on financial security? ([02:07])
2. In what ways does keeping good financial records align with biblical teachings on stewardship? ([03:27])
3. How does the act of tithing demonstrate faith and trust in God, according to the sermon? ([07:55])
4. What are the potential consequences of not saving and investing for the future, as discussed in the sermon? ([10:43])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current financial practices. How can you better recognize God as your source and supplier in your daily financial decisions? ([02:07])
2. What steps can you take this week to improve your financial record-keeping? Consider setting up a simple system to track your income and expenses. ([05:22])
3. If you are not currently tithing, what might be holding you back? How can you take a step of faith to begin prioritizing God in your finances? ([07:55])
4. Evaluate your current savings habits. What is one small change you can make to start saving consistently, even if it's a small amount? ([10:43])
5. Consider your current debt situation. What practical steps can you take to set up a repayment plan and work towards becoming debt-free? ([12:29])
6. Do you have a budget in place? If not, what is one action you can take this week to start planning your spending more effectively? ([15:52])
7. How can you practice contentment with what you have this week? Identify one area where you can shift your focus from acquiring more to appreciating what God has already provided. ([20:01])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God as Our Ultimate Provider
Trusting God as our source and supplier means recognizing that our jobs are merely channels of His provision. This understanding brings peace in financial uncertainty, knowing that God can open new channels of provision. When we acknowledge God as the ultimate provider, we shift our reliance from worldly sources to divine assurance. This trust is not passive but active, requiring us to seek His guidance and wisdom in our financial decisions. By doing so, we align ourselves with His promises and open our lives to His abundant provision. [02:07]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific area of your finances do you need to trust God more fully as your provider today?
Day 2: The Importance of Keeping Good Records
Keeping good records is essential for financial management. It aligns with biblical teachings and reduces anxiety by providing clarity and control over our resources. By maintaining accurate records, we gain insight into our spending habits and can make informed decisions that honor God. This practice not only helps us manage our finances better but also reflects our commitment to stewardship. As we track our income, expenses, and investments, we become more aware of how we can use our resources to serve God's purposes. [05:22]
"Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?" (Proverbs 27:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to improve your financial record-keeping and align it with biblical stewardship principles?
Day 3: The Act of Tithing and Its Spiritual Significance
Tithing, or giving the first 10% back to God, is an act of faith that invites His blessings into our financial lives. It demonstrates our trust in God and prioritizes Him in our finances. By putting God first, we acknowledge His sovereignty and express gratitude for His provision. Tithing is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual discipline that cultivates a heart of generosity and dependence on God. As we give, we participate in God's work and experience the joy of contributing to His kingdom. [07:55]
"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 make tithing a joyful and intentional part of your financial practices this week?
Day 4: The Wisdom of Saving and Investing
Saving and investing for the future is a mark of wisdom. Consistent saving, even in small amounts, ensures that our money works for us, providing security and growth over time. The Bible encourages us to be prudent stewards, planning for the future while trusting in God's provision. By saving and investing, we prepare for unforeseen circumstances and create opportunities to bless others. This habit reflects a balanced approach to financial management, combining faith with practical action. [10:43]
"Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it." (Proverbs 21:20, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to start or improve your saving and investing habits?
Day 5: Finding Contentment in God's Provision
Contentment is key to financial peace. By enjoying what we have, we shift our focus from acquiring more to appreciating God's provision, leading to greater satisfaction and less financial stress. Contentment is not about complacency but about recognizing the sufficiency of God's blessings in our lives. It frees us from the endless pursuit of material wealth and allows us to find joy in the present. As we cultivate contentment, we learn to trust in God's timing and provision, experiencing true peace and fulfillment. [20:01]
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can practice contentment today, and how might this change your perspective on God's provision?
Quotes
I must trust God as my source and supplier. Now, what does that mean? It means your source of income is not your job. Your source of income is God, not your job. He may use a job, but that's just a tool. It's just a channel for his supply. Your ultimate source for everything you need in life is God. [00:01:18]
The Bible says everything comes from God and exists by his power and is intended for his glory, Romans 11:36. So God owns it all, but God loans it to you while you're here on Earth. He said, but wait a minute, I work hard for my money. Well, who do you think gave you the ability to work in the first place? [00:02:21]
If you want God's financial blessing on your life, if you want the promises of God to be fulfilled in your life, you're going to have to keep good records. Why? Because God says to do it. It's part of management. You've got to write things down and you've got to keep track of your finances. [00:03:22]
Riches can disappear fast. Everybody agree with that? So it says watch your business interests closely, know the state of your flocks and herds. Now, why did he say flocks and herds? Because when the Bible was written, people's wealth was tied up in their livestock. You could easily tell who was rich in Bible days. [00:04:00]
If I want God's blessing on my finances, I must give the first 10% back to God. Now, we talked about this in session one on spiritual health, the principle of tithing, so I don't have to go into this in any detail, but we need to mention it again here because it's one of the pillars of financial health and financial blessing. [00:06:07]
The Bible says in Deuteronomy 14:23, the purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives. If God is first in my time and in my money and in my relationships, then he's really number one. But if he's not number one in those areas, he's not really first in my life. [00:07:02]
The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets. Now, I'm not going to ask you whether you're wise or foolish, but that verse just defines the foolish man spends whatever he gets. The wise man actually saves. Did you know that the average person in Japan saves 25% of their income? [00:08:43]
The Bible says that saving and investing is a mark of wisdom. Now, I know what you're thinking. Some people say, well, you know what, I can't save very much. Well, so what? Then save a little, but do it with consistency and it will grow. Even if you're saving a little, it will grow over time. [00:10:09]
I must set up a repayment plan to get myself out of debt. That's the fifth thing you do. I set up a repayment plan to get myself out of debt because God wants you to be debt-free. And why does he want you to be debt-free? So he can tell you what to do with your life. [00:12:29]
A budget is telling your money where you want it to go rather than wondering where it went. A budget lets you control your money instead of your money controlling you. A budget is simply planned spending. That's all it is. And the Bible says this, plan carefully, that's talking about a budget, plan carefully and you will have plenty. [00:15:52]
Enjoy what I have. If I want God's blessing on my finances, I must learn to be content. I must enjoy what I've already got. And enjoying what you've already got is called contentment. The Bible says godliness with contentment is great gain, 1 Timothy 6:6. Now, God wants me to enjoy what I have. [00:19:00]
It's better to be satisfied with what you have than to always be wanting something else. Until you learn that truth, you're never going to tithe, you're never going to start saving because you're addicted to upgrades. It's better to be satisfied with what you have than to always be wanting something else. [00:20:01]
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