Biblical Principles for Financial Stewardship and Trust

Devotional

Day 1: Trust in God's Sovereignty

In a world filled with uncertainty, especially during times of political change, it is essential to remember that our ultimate peace and security come from knowing that Jesus is King. He reigns over all earthly kingdoms, and His eternal kingdom is unshakeable. As believers, we are called to engage in society and make informed decisions, but our trust should always be anchored in God's sovereignty. This perspective allows us to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and hope, knowing that God is in control. [23:40]

Daniel 2:21-22 (ESV): "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God's sovereignty? How can you actively surrender these areas to Him today?

Day 2: Work as Worship

Our daily work is more than just a means to earn a living; it is an opportunity to worship God. By approaching our jobs with enthusiasm and dedication, we honor God and open ourselves to His blessings. This mindset transforms mundane tasks into meaningful service, allowing us to reflect God's character in our workplaces. When we view work as worship, we align our efforts with God's purposes and experience a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy. [36:56]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: How can you transform your current work or daily tasks into an act of worship? What specific changes in attitude or approach can you make today?

Day 3: The Power of Saving

Saving diligently, even in small amounts, can lead to significant financial stability and opportunities. The story of Joseph in Egypt illustrates the importance of preparing for the future and trusting in God's provision. By adopting the 10-10-80 rule—giving 10% to God, saving 10%, and living on the remaining 80%—we can build a foundation for financial health that honors God and enables us to be a blessing to others. [46:25]

Proverbs 21:20 (ESV): "Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to start or improve your saving habits? How can you incorporate the 10-10-80 rule into your financial planning?

Day 4: Contentment and Stewardship

True wealth is found in godliness with contentment. By managing our expenses wisely and avoiding the trap of materialism, we align our lives with God's purposes and experience His peace. Contentment allows us to appreciate what we have and steward our resources effectively, ensuring that we live within our means and avoid unnecessary debt. This approach not only brings financial freedom but also deepens our relationship with God as we trust Him to provide for our needs. [01:00:22]

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (ESV): "But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with contentment? How can you practice gratitude and stewardship in those areas today?

Day 5: The Influence of Community

The people we surround ourselves with have a profound impact on our attitudes and actions. By choosing friends who inspire and uplift us, we position ourselves for growth and success in all areas of life. A supportive community encourages us to pursue God's purposes and holds us accountable to live out our faith authentically. As we invest in relationships that reflect God's love and truth, we become more like Christ and contribute positively to the lives of others. [01:13:46]

Proverbs 13:20 (ESV): "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."

Reflection: Who in your life inspires and uplifts you? How can you intentionally invest in those relationships and seek out new ones that align with your values and faith?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we focused on the theme of financial stewardship and the biblical principles that guide us in building wealth. As we approach the upcoming election, it's crucial to remember that our ultimate trust is in Jesus, who reigns over all earthly kingdoms. We are called to be active participants in our society, making informed decisions and praying for unity and peace in our nation. Our church's mission is to love others as God loves us, and we do this through various initiatives, both locally and globally, that impact lives and communities.

We explored six biblical principles for building wealth, emphasizing that these principles, when applied, can lead to prosperity and success. The first principle is to acknowledge the value of money and its potential to do good. We looked at examples of Christian business leaders like Truett Cathy and David Green, who integrated their faith into their businesses and achieved remarkable success. The second principle is to view work as worship, approaching our jobs with enthusiasm and dedication as if working for the Lord.

The third principle is saving diligently, as illustrated by Joseph's wisdom in Egypt. We are encouraged to start saving today, even if it's just a small amount, and to live by the 10-10-80 rule: giving 10% to God, saving 10%, and living on the remaining 80%. The fourth principle is to constantly watch and cut expenses, maintaining contentment and avoiding the trap of living beyond our means. The fifth principle involves paying off bad debt and investing wisely, allowing our money to work for us. Finally, the sixth principle is to choose our friends carefully, as we become like those we associate with.

These principles are not just about financial gain but about aligning our lives with God's purposes, enabling us to be a blessing to others. As we partake in communion, we remember the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who purchased our salvation. Let us continue to seek God's guidance in all areas of our lives, trusting that He will provide and lead us into a future filled with hope and abundance.

Key Takeaways

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty: Regardless of the political climate or upcoming elections, our peace comes from knowing that Jesus is King and reigns over all. We are called to participate in society, but our ultimate trust is in God's eternal kingdom. [23:40]
2. Work as Worship: Our daily work is an act of worship to God. By approaching our jobs with enthusiasm and dedication, we honor God and open ourselves to His blessings. This perspective transforms mundane tasks into meaningful service. [36:56]
3. The Power of Saving: Saving diligently, even in small amounts, can lead to significant financial stability and opportunities. The story of Joseph in Egypt teaches us the importance of preparing for the future and trusting God's provision. [46:25]
4. Contentment and Stewardship: True wealth is found in godliness with contentment. By managing our expenses wisely and avoiding the trap of materialism, we align our lives with God's purposes and experience His peace. [60:22]
5. The Influence of Community: The people we surround ourselves with shape our attitudes and actions. By choosing friends who inspire and uplift us, we position ourselves for growth and success in all areas of life. [01:13:46]
** [73:46]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:40] - Trust in God's Sovereignty
[24:43] - Prayer for Unity and Peace
[28:38] - Church's Mission and Impact
[30:33] - Introduction to Financial Stewardship
[35:31] - Examples of Faith-Driven Success
[36:56] - Work as Worship
[44:38] - The Importance of Saving
[46:25] - Joseph's Wisdom in Egypt
[48:48] - Start Saving Today
[50:38] - The 10-10-80 Rule
[55:41] - Managing Expenses Wisely
[59:37] - Contentment and True Wealth
[67:41] - Paying Off Bad Debt
[73:46] - The Influence of Community
[79:57] - Communion and Reflection

Sermon Clips

1. "Let's try it again. Good morning. Good morning. Thank you for being here. I love that, what we just sang. I will not be shaken. Come on, let's say that together. I will not be shaken. What an appropriate statement with this Tuesday just coming up. Come on. Yeah. Are you alive? Anybody alive? You here?" [00:22:20] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Not even a little bit. Come on. I know that Jesus is king. He's the Lord. He was crucified. He rose from the dead. He's seated at the right hand of the Father. Scripture says all the kingdoms of the earth are his kingdoms. He rules and he reigns. So whatever happens, I'm at total peace and the church is moving on. Come on in Jesus' name." [00:23:58] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Hey, Community Church, Pastor Charlie here, and I'd like to take just a moment and remind us of the impact our giving is having. You know, our church's mission is to love people the same way that God loves us, and we do that through what we call four love lanes. You know, love lane number one is the next generation. We do that through See Kids, our kids ministry, Firescape, that's our middle and high school ministry, and we also do it through our amazing Christian service." [00:28:08] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Disagree with me if you want to, but at least be a thinking person. Have reasons for doing so. I'm going to reason with you for a little bit. 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." [00:31:36] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Seek first the kingdom of God. 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." [00:36:30] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Are you here in this place? That God, some of us are going to make some decisions in this last, Sunday and to this Sunday to make some decisions where we're going to, we're going to end up in a different trajectory in our lives where, where we are not just working a job so we can pay the bills, but we will work a job where we have more than enough, not just for our families, not just for our future, but so that we can be what God has called us to be so that we are blessed so that we can be a blessing in Jesus name." [00:36:50] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "God review number two so that's the first thing there's there's great value of what it can do number two is Christians God not only redeems our soul but God redeems what we do Monday through Friday God wants to save the totality of our lives he doesn't just want to forgive you of your sins he wants your work to have new purpose there it is number two the Christian principle the Christian principle it's 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" [00:39:52] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "So you can read this in Genesis 41. Joseph says, well, during the years that we have enough, let's set aside one -fifth. What percentage is that? Come on, guys. What percentage is the one -fifth? I'm calling 20%. Some of you are still stunned we're talking about money right now. You're just sitting there. Just relax. Relax." [00:47:10] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "So fifth, we ask ourselves, now we're saving, what are we going to do with the savings? Biblical principle. Biblical principle number five is from your savings, start paying off. These are important words, bad debt. Everyone say bad debt. Not all debt's bad, but bad debt and starts investing. Let's talk about those two words, bad debt. Proverbs 22, seven says, if it's up there, read it with me. The borrower is slave to the lender. The Lord never meant for us to be slaves in whatever area, slaves to our appetite, slaves financially, God designed us to live free." [01:07:25] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Watch your friend group carefully. This is a law baked into the universe. You're no exception. But 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. In fact, can we read some of them just quickly? I want you to read them with me. Proverbs 12, 26. The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked does what? Leads them astray." [01:13:30] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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