Embracing Financial Faithfulness for Generational Blessings
Summary
Today, I began by expressing gratitude for the worship team and their reminder of the jubilee year, a time of freedom and triumph for the children of Israel, which prophetically aligns with the financial blessings I believe God is preparing for us. I also acknowledged Pastor Jeff Neidfeldt for his leadership in baptism and communion, humorously noting his lengthy talk almost caused my bread to mold.
I then shifted to discuss the upcoming National Black Fellowship Reach Conference in Atlanta, emphasizing its importance in equipping us to be transformational leaders in our communities. This conference aims to break the cycle of death and poverty in black and brown communities, offering workshops for entrepreneurs, young adults, and families, and encouraging participation from our local community.
Transitioning to the sermon, I addressed the temptation of theft, a common struggle transcending economic status. I shared personal experiences and biblical narratives to illustrate how theft stems from a lack of faith and trust in God’s provision. This led to a deeper exploration of the spiritual and communal consequences of stealing from God, particularly through the withholding of tithes and offerings.
I emphasized the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, using Isaac’s example during a famine as a testament to God’s faithfulness in tough times. I stressed that financial obedience, including tithing, protects us from curses and aligns us with God’s promises of abundance.
I concluded with a call to action, urging everyone to examine their financial faithfulness and to respond by aligning with God’s command to give. This act of obedience is crucial not only for individual blessing but for the communal eradication of generational poverty and scarcity.
### Key Takeaways:
1. The Importance of Jubilee and Prophetic Alignment in Our Lives:
The concept of jubilee, a time of liberation and debt forgiveness, is not just historical but holds prophetic significance today. As we embrace this concept, we align ourselves with God's cycles of blessing and freedom, preparing our hearts to receive and manage the financial increase God has planned for us. This alignment is crucial for walking in the fullness of God's promises. [02:43]
2. Transformative Leadership Through Conferences:
Attending conferences like the National Black Fellowship Reach Conference is not merely about personal growth but about equipping ourselves to effect real change in our communities. By learning and growing in these settings, we can return to our communities as bearers of life and transformation, breaking cycles of death and poverty that plague many minority communities. [04:21]
3. The Spiritual Consequences of Theft:
Theft, especially of tithes and offerings, is not just a legal or moral issue but a spiritual one that affects our relationship with God and our community. When we withhold what is due to God, we place ourselves and our communities under a curse, as illustrated by the story of Achan. Conversely, obedience in giving sets us up for blessings and breaks the curse of poverty. [38:43]
4. Sowing in Famine – The Principle of Trusting God in Hard Times:
Isaac’s act of planting during a famine and reaping a hundredfold is a powerful testament to the principle of sowing in hard times. This story encourages us to trust God's faithfulness and to act on His word, even when circumstances seem contrary. Our obedience in giving, even in tough times, positions us for miraculous provisions. [37:46]
5. Generational Impact of Financial Obedience:
Our financial practices, especially tithing and offerings, have the potential to influence generations. By faithfully participating in God's financial principles, we can break generational curses of poverty and establish a legacy of blessing and abundance for our descendants. This generational impact underscores the importance of our obedience to God’s financial commands. [42:38]
### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [02:43] - Gratitude and Prophetic Declaration
- [04:21] - Invitation to the Reach Conference
- [07:16] - Addressing the Temptation to Steal
- [18:32] - Biblical Examples of Theft and Consequences
- [28:24] - Abraham's Example of Humility and Wealth
- [37:46] - The Principle of Sowing and Reaping
- [42:38] - Breaking Generational Curses Through Financial Obedience
- [47:54] - Concluding Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Malachi 3:8-10 (NIV)
> "Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."
2. Genesis 26:12-13 (NIV)
> "Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy."
3. 1 John 4:18 (NIV)
> "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Malachi 3:8-10, what are the consequences of robbing God in tithes and offerings?
2. In Genesis 26:12-13, what was the result of Isaac planting crops during a famine?
3. What does 1 John 4:18 say about the relationship between love and fear?
4. In the sermon, what personal experience did the pastor share about stealing from God? [09:23]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of tithing in Malachi 3:8-10 relate to the idea of financial obedience discussed in the sermon? [37:46]
2. What does Isaac’s example in Genesis 26:12-13 teach us about trusting God during difficult times? [35:05]
3. How can the principle of "perfect love driving out fear" in 1 John 4:18 be applied to our financial decisions and trust in God’s provision? [12:55]
4. Why does the pastor emphasize the importance of attending conferences like the National Black Fellowship Reach Conference for community transformation? [04:21]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own financial practices. Have you ever struggled with the temptation to withhold tithes or offerings? How did you overcome it, or how can you start to overcome it now? [09:23]
2. Isaac sowed during a famine and reaped a hundredfold. Are there areas in your life where you need to trust God and take action despite difficult circumstances? What steps can you take this week to demonstrate that trust? [35:05]
3. The sermon mentioned the spiritual consequences of theft, especially from God. How can you ensure that your financial practices align with God’s commands to avoid these consequences? [38:43]
4. The pastor spoke about the generational impact of financial obedience. How can you model financial faithfulness to your children or younger people in your community? [42:38]
5. The concept of Jubilee was highlighted as a time of liberation and debt forgiveness. How can you incorporate the principles of Jubilee into your financial planning and community involvement? [02:43]
6. The pastor shared about the importance of conferences for equipping transformational leaders. How can you actively participate in or support such initiatives to bring positive change to your community? [04:21]
7. Reflect on 1 John 4:18. Are there fears in your life that are hindering your trust in God’s provision? How can you actively work on replacing those fears with faith and love? [12:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Jubilee as Prophetic Liberation
The concept of Jubilee is deeply rooted in the idea of liberation and renewal. Historically, it was a time when debts were forgiven, slaves were freed, and the land was given rest. Today, this concept transcends its historical context to offer a prophetic vision of financial and spiritual freedom. By aligning with the principles of Jubilee, individuals are invited to prepare their hearts for the blessings and increase that God has planned. This alignment is not passive but requires active participation and faithfulness in managing what God provides, ensuring readiness for the abundance to come. [02:43]
Leviticus 25:10, "And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan."
Reflection: How can you prepare your heart and actions to align with God's timing and blessings in your life?
Day 2: Transformative Leadership Through Learning
Attending transformative conferences like the National Black Fellowship Reach Conference is not merely about personal enrichment but about becoming a catalyst for change in one's community. These conferences equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to address and break the cycles of death and poverty in minority communities. By engaging in these learning opportunities, individuals can return to their communities empowered to enact real change, fostering environments where life and prosperity can flourish. [04:21]
Jeremiah 29:7, "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to use your learning from conferences or workshops to make a tangible difference in your community?
Day 3: Understanding the Spiritual Weight of Theft
Theft, particularly of tithes and offerings, is a spiritual issue that extends beyond mere legal or moral wrongdoing. It reflects a deeper issue of trust and faith in God's provision. Withholding what is due to God can lead to spiritual and communal consequences, as it disrupts the covenant relationship with Him. Conversely, obedience in giving, as demonstrated through tithes and offerings, aligns individuals with God's promises of blessings and abundance, setting a foundation for communal prosperity and spiritual health. [38:43]
Malachi 3:8-9, "Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you."
Reflection: Are there areas in your financial stewardship where you have not fully trusted God? How can you begin to rectify this?
Day 4: Sowing in Times of Famine
The biblical story of Isaac sowing seeds during a famine and reaping a hundredfold is a powerful illustration of faith in action. It teaches the principle of trusting God's faithfulness and provision, even in the most challenging circumstances. This act of obedience—sowing in famine—demonstrates a profound trust in God's word and His ability to provide miraculously. Such faith not only sustains but also multiplies, providing a testimony of God's goodness that can strengthen the faith of others. [37:46]
Genesis 26:12, "And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The Lord blessed him."
Reflection: What 'famine' are you experiencing in your life right now, and how can you demonstrate your trust in God's provision through your actions?
Day 5: Legacy of Financial Obedience
The practice of tithing and giving offerings is not just about obedience to God's commands; it's about setting a foundation for future generations. By faithfully adhering to these principles, individuals can break generational curses of poverty and scarcity, establishing a legacy of blessing and abundance. This commitment to financial obedience serves as a cornerstone for building a future where descendants can thrive, free from the burdens of past financial disobedience. [42:38]
2 Chronicles 31:5, "As soon as the command was spread abroad, the people of Israel gave in abundance the firstfruits of grain, wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field. And they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything."
Reflection: How can your current financial practices influence not just your immediate family but also future generations?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Temptation is not sin. Temptation is a question. Temptation says, will I do it my way or will I do it God's way? Temptation says you got a real need for food, a real need for sexual gratification, a real need for money, a real need for increase or whatever it might be but it asks will I do it my way will I turn these stones into bread and feed myself or will I do it God's way." [18:32]
2. "Whatever God has promised for you. You ain't got to be in a hurry to get it. You know why? Cause goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life. Blessings shall overtake you. You're the head and not the tail. You're blessed above and not beneath. I ain't got to hurry up." [21:53]
3. "Fear is a failure to trust and to love. Just think about it. You've been on road trips with some people and it's their turn to drive and your turn to sleep. But I ain't going to sleep. I'm going to watch with you. I'm going to watch with you. I'm going to watch with you. I'm going to watch with you. I'm going to watch with you. I know I should be sleeping, but no. You hit them turns too fast. I cannot sleep. I don't trust you. I got to keep an eye on you. Make sure you wake. I am watching. You okay? Okay. Just making sure. That's fear." [14:50]
4. "You have to sow in order to grow. If you don't sow, you are stealing from God. You are robbing God of his glory. You are robbing God of the opportunity to be love. And love is giving. God so loved the world that he gave. You are not allowing God to be himself. You're taking the glory for yourself." [37:46]
### Quotes for Members
1. "When we steal from God, we are literally spitting upon his goodness because of fear. We're saying to ourselves, self, what if he doesn't provide? What if he is not Jehovah Jireh? What if he's not on time? So I better take matters into my own hands so that I feel safe." [09:23]
2. "The temptation to steal is common to all of us. Nobody is excluded from it. We often see it more publicized among those that are familiar with poverty. They grew up in poverty. Grew up in a situation where there was lack and they struggled." [07:16]
3. "Isaac planted crops in the land and the same year reaped a hundredfold because the Lord blessed him. Didn't y'all just get through saying tough times? Listen, in spite of tough times, God is faithful. In spite of being in a strange land, God is able to make you for the head and not the tail." [36:01]
4. "The devoted thing is that which is dead to you because you've given it to God. Whatever you've given to God, whatever you devoted to God, you can't have no feelings about it anymore." [41:21]
5. "God raises up a new generation. It's a prophetic word. the first city, the fall is Jericho and the, and Rahab had. That's faith. And she and her household are saved. And God says, listen, the first don't take anything from it. It belongs to me." [39:54]
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