Faithful Stewardship: Navigating Finances with Purpose
Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the practicalities of managing finances from a biblical perspective, focusing on the series "Money Moves." We explored the importance of community and the impact of financial freedom on our lives, our families, and our ability to fulfill God's calling. We had the privilege of hearing from financial experts Jared and Kyle, who provided insights and answered questions from the congregation about debt, saving, investing, and stewardship.
We began by acknowledging the power of being part of a faith community where lives are transformed. We emphasized the significance of finding your circle within the church to deepen your spiritual journey and experience support through life's challenges. We then transitioned to the heart of our discussion: financial stewardship and the role it plays in our lives as believers.
We tackled the topic of debt, recognizing the emotional weight it carries and the freedom that comes with being debt-free. We discussed the importance of having a vision for our finances and using a budget as a tool to align our spending with our goals. We addressed practical questions about debt repayment strategies, such as the debt snowball and avalanche methods, and the importance of prioritizing high-interest debts.
When it comes to saving, we highlighted the necessity of an emergency fund and the concept of saving with a purpose. We encouraged automatic savings as a discipline to ensure we are consistently setting aside funds for future needs and desires.
Investing was another key topic, with the consensus being that the best time to start investing is as soon as possible. We discussed the benefits of starting with employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s and the wisdom of seeking professional advice to navigate the complexities of investing.
Throughout the sermon, we wove in the biblical principles that underpin our approach to money. We reminded the congregation that God entrusts us with resources not just for our own provision but also to be a blessing to others and advance His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
1. Community is essential for spiritual growth and support in all areas of life, including financial stewardship. Being part of a church family provides encouragement and accountability as we navigate our financial journeys. [37:55
2. Debt can be a significant burden, but with a clear vision and a strategic approach, it is possible to achieve financial freedom. Tools like budgeting software can help us track our spending and make informed decisions about debt repayment. [53:13
3. Saving should be purposeful and intentional. By setting specific goals and automating our savings, we can ensure that we are preparing for future needs and desires without being overwhelmed by the process. [01:11:07
4. Investing is a critical component of financial stewardship. Starting early and seeking professional guidance can help us grow our resources and prepare for long-term goals, such as retirement. [01:15:17
5. Our financial practices should reflect our faith. As we manage our money, we must remember that everything we have is from God, and we are called to use it in a way that honors Him and furthers His purposes. [01:23:14
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Money Moves"
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 22:7 - "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender."
2. Malachi 3:10 - "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."
3. Luke 16:10-11 - "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 22:7, what is the relationship between the rich and the poor, and how does debt play a role in this dynamic?
2. In Malachi 3:10, what does God promise to those who bring the whole tithe into the storehouse?
3. From Luke 16:10-11, what does Jesus say about trustworthiness in handling worldly wealth and its connection to true riches?
4. What practical advice did Jared and Kyle provide about managing debt and saving money? ([45:02])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being a "slave to the lender" in Proverbs 22:7 influence our understanding of financial freedom and stewardship?
2. What does Malachi 3:10 suggest about the relationship between faith and financial giving? How might this apply to someone struggling with debt? ([01:03:47])
3. In Luke 16:10-11, what might Jesus mean by "true riches," and how does this relate to our management of money and resources?
4. How can the practical strategies discussed by Jared and Kyle, such as the debt snowball and avalanche methods, help someone achieve financial freedom? ([55:11])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Proverbs 22:7, what steps can you take to avoid becoming a "slave to the lender"? Are there specific debts you need to prioritize paying off? ([45:02])
2. Malachi 3:10 challenges us to test God with our tithes. Have you ever tested God in this way? What was the outcome, and how did it affect your faith and finances? ([01:03:47])
3. Considering Luke 16:10-11, how can you demonstrate trustworthiness with the financial resources you currently have? What changes might you need to make to align your financial practices with biblical principles?
4. Jared and Kyle emphasized the importance of having a vision for your finances. What is your financial vision, and how can you use a budget to align your spending with your goals? ([51:31])
5. The sermon highlighted the significance of community in financial stewardship. How can being part of a faith community provide support and accountability in your financial journey? ([37:55])
6. Saving with a purpose was a key point in the sermon. What specific savings goals do you have, and how can you automate your savings to ensure consistency? ([49:22])
7. Investing early was recommended by the financial experts. Have you started investing? If not, what steps can you take to begin, and who can you seek for professional advice? ([01:15:17])
This guide aims to foster meaningful discussion and practical application of biblical principles in managing finances, encouraging participants to reflect on their financial habits and align them with their faith.
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Community for Financial Wisdom
In the journey of financial stewardship, the value of a supportive community cannot be overstated. Within the context of a faith community, individuals find not only encouragement but also practical wisdom as they navigate their financial paths. This collective journey allows for shared experiences, where the successes and challenges of one can become the learning opportunities for many. It is in this togetherness that accountability takes root, and the principles of financial management are not just learned but lived out. The community acts as a mirror, reflecting back the areas of growth and the milestones achieved, ensuring that no one walks the path of financial stewardship in isolation [37:55].
Proverbs 15:22 (ESV)
"Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed."
Reflection: Who in your faith community can you partner with to gain wisdom and accountability in managing your finances?
Day 2: Breaking Free from the Chains of Debt
Debt is often a heavy burden that can hinder one's financial and spiritual freedom. However, with a clear vision and a strategic approach, it is possible to break free from this burden and step into a life of financial freedom. By employing tools such as budgeting software, individuals can gain a clearer understanding of their financial situation, allowing them to make informed decisions and prioritize their debt repayment. Strategies like the debt snowball or avalanche method can be effective in systematically reducing and eventually eliminating debt. This process is not just about numbers; it's about aligning one's financial actions with their values and goals, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life [53:13].
Ecclesiastes 5:5 (ESV)
"It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to create or refine your debt repayment strategy?
Day 3: Purposeful Saving as an Act of Faith
Saving money is an act of wisdom and an expression of faith in God's provision. It is not merely about accumulating wealth but about preparing responsibly for future needs and desires. An emergency fund, for instance, is a testament to one's trust in God while also acknowledging the practicalities of life's uncertainties. Saving with a purpose means setting specific goals and automating savings to ensure consistency. This disciplined approach to saving allows individuals to be ready for opportunities and challenges without being overwhelmed by the process. It is a balance between trusting God for the future and taking wise steps in the present [01:11:07].
Proverbs 21:20 (ESV)
"Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it."
Reflection: How can you adjust your current savings plan to better reflect your long-term financial and spiritual goals?
Day 4: Investing with Eternity in Mind
Investing is not just about growing one's wealth; it is a critical component of stewardship and preparing for the future. Starting early and seeking professional guidance can help individuals make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals, such as retirement. It is important to recognize that investing is a way to ensure that the resources God has entrusted to us are being used effectively and with foresight. By investing wisely, one can not only secure their own future but also have the means to bless others and contribute to God's kingdom [01:15:17].
Matthew 25:21 (ESV)
"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'"
Reflection: What is one action you can take to become more informed about investing for your future?
Day 5: Faithful Stewardship Reflects Our Beliefs
Our approach to money management is a direct reflection of our faith and our understanding of God's provision. Recognizing that all we have is from God, we are called to use our resources in a way that honors Him and furthers His kingdom. This means making financial decisions that are not self-serving but rather serve a greater purpose. It is about being a conduit of God's blessings, using our financial resources to impact the lives of others and advance the mission of the church. As stewards of God's gifts, our financial practices should be a testament to our trust in Him and our commitment to His purposes [01:23:14].
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
Reflection: How can your current financial practices be more closely aligned with your spiritual values and God's calling for your life?
Quotes
1) "A budget can be one of the most freeing things because it's really about knowing where your money is going. It can begin to show you what you need to cut out." [49:54
2) "When you think about your money, ask yourself what do you want it to do. That creates that goal where you're like, 'Okay, I want to be generous, I want to do these things with my money.'" [01:21:31
3) "I think about generosity. When I see opportunities to give to other people, it's so much fun to give. It changes your format; it's almost like, 'Hey money, I don't really care about you that much because I can give it away.'" [01:21:31
4) "I think about this room of people, there's no one else I'd rather sit in front of and share because I think most of you want to honor God. Our response to God's irrational grace is a life of irrational generosity." [01:22:43
5) "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much. Money is just a tool; it's not the end game. It's something that we need and God recognizes that and says I'll give you provision." [01:24:27
6) "I want to be the kind of person that is trustworthy with what God has entrusted to me, so that I can be a vessel for Him to use my family to change the world, to change the lives of those around us because we can be generous." [01:28:52
7) "The key for getting out of debt is to get a vision for your finances. A budget helps facilitate the vision. Align your budget to your vision, and that's when you start to see change." [51:31
8) "Debt is an emotional thing, and one of the things I just was thinking about scripture as just a reminder of how important maybe a budget can help. The borrower is slave to the lender." [52:03
9) "I think when you're generous, you're just saying to money, 'You're not that important to me.' And I think that's a powerful position to be in, one that anybody in this room can certainly get to." [01:21:31
10) "Saving for a purpose changed everything for me. When I got really intentional about saving for a purpose, it wasn't just money sitting there; it was money with a mission." [01:13:46
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