Biblical Principles for Wealth and Prosperity
Summary
Building wealth is often seen as a secular pursuit, but there are biblical principles that, when applied, can lead to prosperity without compromising one's faith. The Christian faith, rather than limiting success, can actually enhance it by creating an environment conducive to growth and prosperity. This is evident in the lives of Christian business leaders like Truett Cathy of Chick-fil-A, David Green of Hobby Lobby, and Mary Kay Ash, who integrated their faith into their business practices and achieved remarkable success. These examples illustrate that putting God first and adhering to biblical principles can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
The first principle is to value money and understand its potential for good. John D. Rockefeller, for instance, consistently gave the first 10% of his income to his church, which not only blessed his community but also allowed him to build schools, hospitals, and more. This principle underscores the importance of using wealth to bless others and advance God's kingdom.
The second principle is to view work as worship. Christians are called to work with enthusiasm and dedication, as if working for the Lord. This perspective transforms mundane tasks into acts of worship, elevating the quality and purpose of our work.
The third principle is saving. Proverbs teaches that money gathered little by little grows, and the story of Joseph in Egypt exemplifies the power of saving during times of plenty to prepare for times of need. This principle encourages us to start saving today, no matter how small the amount.
The fourth principle is to watch expenses. Many people fall into the trap of increasing their expenses as their income grows. Instead, maintaining a consistent level of expenses while saving the surplus can lead to significant wealth accumulation over time.
The fifth principle involves paying off bad debt and investing. Bad debt, particularly high-interest credit card debt, can enslave us, but by paying it off and investing wisely, we can let our money work for us, even when we're not actively working.
Finally, the sixth principle is to choose friends wisely. The company we keep influences our mindset and actions. Surrounding ourselves with positive, faith-filled individuals can inspire us to achieve more and stay aligned with God's purposes.
Key Takeaways:
1. Value of Money: Recognize the potential of money to do good and advance God's kingdom. Like John D. Rockefeller, prioritize giving and using wealth to bless others, which aligns with biblical teachings and can lead to greater prosperity. [07:38]
2. Work as Worship: Approach work with enthusiasm and dedication, viewing it as an act of worship. This mindset transforms everyday tasks into meaningful expressions of faith, elevating the quality and purpose of our work. [10:07]
3. Importance of Saving: Start saving today, even if it's a small amount. The story of Joseph in Egypt illustrates the power of saving during times of plenty to prepare for future needs, emphasizing the biblical principle of prudent financial management. [16:00]
4. Managing Expenses: Avoid the trap of increasing expenses with income growth. By maintaining consistent expenses and saving the surplus, we can accumulate wealth and be better positioned to bless others. [24:36]
5. Wise Investments and Debt Management: Pay off bad debt and invest wisely to let money work for us. High-interest debt can enslave us, but strategic investments can lead to financial freedom and greater opportunities to serve God's purposes. [37:04]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:30] - Prayer and Introduction
- [04:31] - Examples of Faith in Business
- [07:38] - Value of Money
- [10:07] - Work as Worship
- [11:29] - Introduction to New Principles
- [12:41] - Principle of Saving
- [14:10] - Joseph's Example
- [16:00] - Start Saving Today
- [18:44] - The 10-10-80 Rule
- [23:42] - Watching Expenses
- [28:52] - Contentment and Wealth
- [30:05] - Guard Against Greed
- [35:59] - Managing Bad Debt
- [37:04] - Investing Wisely
- [41:53] - Choosing Friends Wisely
- [47:31] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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 22:7 - "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender."
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Observation Questions:
1. What examples were given in the sermon of Christian business leaders who integrated their faith into their business practices? [04:31]
2. How did John D. Rockefeller demonstrate the principle of valuing money according to the sermon? [07:38]
3. What does Colossians 3:23 suggest about the attitude Christians should have towards their work? [10:07]
4. How does the story of Joseph in Egypt illustrate the importance of saving according to the sermon? [16:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the principle of "work as worship" change a person's perspective on their daily job? [10:07]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that saving money can prepare individuals for future challenges? [16:00]
3. How does the sermon describe the impact of surrounding oneself with positive, faith-filled individuals? [41:53]
4. What are the potential consequences of not managing expenses wisely, as discussed in the sermon? [24:36]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current work situation. How can you begin to view your work as an act of worship this week? [10:07]
2. What small step can you take today to start saving money, even if it's a modest amount? How does the story of Joseph inspire you in this regard? [16:00]
3. Consider your current circle of friends. Are there any changes you feel led to make to ensure you are surrounded by positive, faith-filled individuals? [41:53]
4. Evaluate your current expenses. Is there an area where you can cut back to increase your savings? What practical steps can you take to implement this change? [24:36]
5. How can you apply the principle of giving, as demonstrated by John D. Rockefeller, in your own financial practices? [07:38]
6. Identify one area of bad debt in your life. What is a realistic plan you can create to start paying it off? [37:04]
7. How can you incorporate the 10-10-80 rule into your financial planning? What adjustments would you need to make to live by this principle? [18:44]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Generosity
Generosity is a powerful tool for advancing God's kingdom and blessing others. Recognizing the potential of money to do good, as exemplified by John D. Rockefeller, can lead to greater prosperity. By prioritizing giving and using wealth to bless others, we align ourselves with biblical teachings. This principle encourages us to see money not just as a means for personal gain but as a resource to uplift communities and support God's work. When we give the first portion of our income, we not only bless others but also invite God's blessings into our own lives. [07:38]
"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: Who in your life or community could benefit from your generosity today, and how can you take a step to bless them with your resources?
Day 2: Work as an Act of Worship
Viewing work as worship transforms mundane tasks into meaningful expressions of faith. Christians are called to work with enthusiasm and dedication, as if working for the Lord. This perspective elevates the quality and purpose of our work, turning everyday tasks into acts of worship. By approaching work with this mindset, we not only enhance our productivity but also find deeper satisfaction and fulfillment in our daily activities. This principle encourages us to see our work as a platform to glorify God and serve others. [10:07]
"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." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: How can you transform a specific task at work today into an act of worship, and what changes in attitude or approach would that require?
Day 3: The Wisdom of Saving
The importance of saving is a biblical principle that encourages prudent financial management. The story of Joseph in Egypt illustrates the power of saving during times of plenty to prepare for future needs. By starting to save today, even if it's a small amount, we can build a foundation for financial stability and be better prepared for unforeseen circumstances. This principle teaches us to be wise stewards of our resources, ensuring that we are not only providing for our own needs but also positioning ourselves to help others in times of crisis. [16:00]
"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 small step you can take today to start or increase your savings, and how can you make this a consistent habit?
Day 4: The Discipline of Managing Expenses
Managing expenses is crucial to accumulating wealth and being able to bless others. Many people fall into the trap of increasing their expenses as their income grows. Instead, maintaining a consistent level of expenses while saving the surplus can lead to significant wealth accumulation over time. This principle encourages us to live within our means and be content with what we have, allowing us to focus on what truly matters and avoid the pitfalls of materialism. [24:36]
"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: Identify one area where you can reduce your expenses today, and consider how this change can help you focus on more meaningful pursuits.
Day 5: The Influence of Wise Companionship
Choosing friends wisely is essential for maintaining a positive and faith-filled mindset. The company we keep influences our actions and decisions, and surrounding ourselves with individuals who inspire us to achieve more and stay aligned with God's purposes can have a profound impact on our lives. This principle encourages us to seek out relationships that uplift and challenge us to grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. By fostering these connections, we create a supportive environment that nurtures our faith and encourages us to pursue God's calling. [37:04]
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." (Proverbs 13:20, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your current circle of friends. Who inspires you to grow closer to God, and how can you spend more intentional time with them this week?
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. "Seek first the kingdom of God and what God wants. And all these other things will be added to, 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. Are you here in this place that God, some of us are going to make some decisions in this, 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." ([00:05:05] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "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 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 energetically. We don't work like the rest of the world. We work as if we're working for, come on, are you here? Working for the Lord." ([00:08:42] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "The third biblical principle for, the other 90 % building wealth in our lives is saving. 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." ([00:12:01] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "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. This might be the one place left on planet Earth where you can stop and really think about the direction of our lives." ([00:15:24] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "Start living by the 10 -10 -80 rule. What's the 10 -10 -80 rule? Lord, 10, 10 % yours. First and foremost, you're God. I acknowledge you. You're not going to limit me. You're not going to limit me. You're not going to limit me. You're not going to limit me. In fact, Lord, 90 % with you goes further than 100 % with me. How does six days go further than seven days? It doesn't make sense. Yeah, it doesn't make sense. Somehow God's hand upon our lives blesses our lives." ([00:18:44] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "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. This is the sixth is that 90 % of us spend more than we make." ([00:23:49] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "True godliness with contentment oh goodness we could say god's trying to help us let's read that sentence again true godliness with what with contentment is what it's great wealth you know a lot of us in here we can be godly but we can at the same time we can win in west gr certainly there's the doubt that if you're an time be lacking contentment. And so great wealth, prosperity, The ability to be a blessing eludes us." ([00:27:41] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "If you have four friends who are disciplined, energized, going somewhere, they have faith, they have vision, they're trying to achieve something, don't be surprised if you're the fifth one. That has desire and wanting to achieve and has faith and has vision for something in their life. Well, Pastor Charlie, where in the world do I get those friends? You find those friends in the right atmosphere and soil. You'll find them in the house of God." ([00:42:44] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "Small -minded, negative, down -and -out, depressed people speaking in your ear. And it's washing over your soul and your mind. But you're in God's house. And the Spirit of God is trying to wash that out of your soul and out of your spirit. What has always been does not have to always be. Your best days are not behind you. Your most successful, prosperous financial days are not behind you. Yeah, but I had a mistake. God can see you through that mistake." ([00:47:04] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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