When Financial Hardship Strikes: Biblical Principles for Faithful Stewardship

Devotional

Day 1: Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be

The way we handle our money reveals the true priorities of our hearts. When we dedicate all that we have to God, recognizing that He is the owner and we are merely stewards, our affections begin to shift from earthly possessions to the things of God. This act of surrender is not just about finances, but about aligning our hearts with God's purposes and trusting Him with every resource entrusted to us. As we intentionally place our treasure—our time, talents, and finances—into God's hands, our hearts will naturally follow, growing in love and devotion for Him above all else. [09:52]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Reflection: What is one possession or financial goal you tend to hold tightly to? How might you intentionally dedicate it to God this week as an act of trust and worship?

Day 2: Give the First Part to God

Honoring God with our finances means giving Him the first and best, not the leftovers. When we prioritize giving to God—whether through tithes, offerings, or acts of generosity—we acknowledge that all we have comes from Him and is for His purposes. This practice not only supports the work of God's kingdom but also shapes our hearts to be generous and open-handed, breaking the grip of materialism and self-centeredness. By making giving a priority, a proportion, and a practical part of our lives, we experience the joy and blessing that comes from partnering with God in His work. [15:11]

Proverbs 3:9 (ESV)
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;”

Reflection: Before you spend or save anything this week, how can you intentionally set aside a portion to give to God as your first act of financial stewardship?

Day 3: Saving Is Wisdom, Not Unbelief

Saving for the future is a biblical principle that reflects wisdom and foresight, not a lack of faith. The Bible encourages us to set aside resources for times of need, recognizing that life is unpredictable and challenges may arise. Living with margin allows us to respond to emergencies, care for others, and avoid the stress and bondage of financial crisis. Even small, consistent steps toward saving can build security and demonstrate responsible stewardship of what God has provided. [19:39]

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

Reflection: What is one small, regular expense you could reduce or eliminate this week in order to begin building a savings margin for future needs?

Day 4: Repay What You Owe

Living with integrity in our finances means honoring our commitments and repaying what we owe. Debt can easily become a form of bondage, limiting our ability to serve God and care for our families. The Bible warns that the borrower becomes servant to the lender, and encourages us to distinguish between wise investments and unnecessary expenses. By making a plan to pay off debts and avoiding new ones for consumable items, we free ourselves to use our resources for God's glory and our family's well-being. [25:03]

Proverbs 22:7 (ESV)
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.”

Reflection: Is there a debt—large or small—that you can take a concrete step toward repaying this week? What would that first step look like?

Day 5: Enjoy What You Have as an Act of Gratitude

God richly provides us with all things to enjoy, and it is an act of gratitude and worship to delight in His blessings. After dedicating our resources to Him, giving generously, saving wisely, and living with integrity, we are invited to enjoy what remains—celebrating God's goodness in our lives. Whether it's sharing a meal, taking a trip, or simply enjoying time with loved ones, these moments are gifts from God to be received with thankfulness, not guilt. True contentment is found not in the abundance of possessions, but in recognizing and rejoicing in the Giver of every good thing. [26:41]

1 Timothy 6:17 (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.”

Reflection: What is one simple blessing in your life that you can pause to enjoy and thank God for today, seeing it as a gift from His hand?

Sermon Summary

Financial valleys are a reality for everyone, regardless of age or circumstance. Even those who once thought they were set for life can find themselves in unexpected hardship, as illustrated by the story of a sweepstakes winner who lost his income when the company went bankrupt. Our culture of comparison and constant exposure to others’ lifestyles can fuel a desire to keep up, often leading to financial strain. But Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, speaks directly to these anxieties and offers a radically different perspective on money and possessions.

The heart of the matter is not just about how much we have, but about who or what we serve. Jesus warns that we cannot serve both God and wealth; our hearts will inevitably follow our treasure. The call is to dedicate everything we have to God, recognizing that we are stewards, not owners. This shift in perspective frees us from the tyranny of materialism and aligns our affections with God’s purposes.

Giving is a practical outworking of this dedication. By giving the first portion of our income to God, we acknowledge His ownership and prioritize His kingdom. This isn’t just about following a rule, but about cultivating a heart of generosity and trust. The biblical principle of the tithe—giving a tenth—serves as a starting point, but the deeper issue is the posture of our hearts: not everything that comes to us is for us. God blesses us so that we can bless others and advance His work.

Prudence is also a biblical virtue. Saving for the future is not a lack of faith, but an act of wisdom. The Bible commends those who store up resources for times of need, creating margin in life so that unexpected challenges do not become crises. At the same time, we are called to repay what we owe, distinguishing between wise investments and unwise debt. Debt can enslave us, limiting our ability to serve God and care for our families.

Finally, there is a call to enjoy what God has given. Gratitude and enjoyment of God’s blessings are acts of worship when they flow from a heart that has rightly ordered its priorities. True peace and fulfillment are not found in the accumulation of things, but in a life surrendered to God, stewarding His gifts for His glory and the good of others.

Key Takeaways

1. Dedicate all possessions to God Recognizing God as the true owner of everything shifts our mindset from ownership to stewardship. This perspective frees us from anxiety and the endless pursuit of more, allowing our hearts to be anchored in God rather than in material things. When we dedicate all we have to Him, our affections and priorities align with His purposes. [08:28]
2. Give the first portion to God Prioritizing God in our finances by giving the first and best portion is a tangible act of trust and worship. It reminds us that not everything we receive is for our own consumption, but for the advancement of God’s kingdom and the blessing of others. This discipline cultivates generosity and breaks the grip of greed in our lives. [14:16]
3. Save with wisdom and margin Saving is not a sign of unbelief, but of prudence and foresight. The Bible commends those who create margin in their lives, preparing for unforeseen challenges. Living without margin is not faith, but presumption; wise saving allows us to weather storms and serve others in times of need. [19:39]
4. Repay debts and avoid enslavement Debt can easily become a form of bondage, restricting our freedom to serve God and care for our families. The distinction between investment and expense is crucial; wise borrowing can build the future, but consumer debt often leads to servitude. Repaying what we owe is an act of integrity and faithfulness. [24:20]
5. Enjoy God’s blessings with gratitude Enjoyment of God’s gifts is not only permitted but encouraged when our hearts are rightly ordered. Gratitude transforms enjoyment into worship, reminding us that every good thing is from God. True contentment and peace are found not in abundance, but in recognizing and savoring God’s provision. [26:41]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - The Illusion of Financial Security
[02:53] - Financial Valleys Are Universal
[03:46] - The Pressure to Keep Up
[04:46] - Jesus’ Words on Money
[05:15] - Treasures on Earth vs. Heaven
[05:55] - You Cannot Serve Two Masters
[06:27] - God’s Care and Our Worry
[07:27] - Causes of Financial Distress
[08:03] - Five Biblical Financial Principles
[08:28] - Dedicate Everything to God
[13:47] - Give the First Part to God
[19:07] - Save for the Future
[23:03] - Repay What You Owe
[25:42] - Enjoy What You Have
[27:51] - Worship Through Gratitude
[29:26] - Prayer of Dedication

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 6:19-24, 31-33 (ESV) — 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,
23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

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

Proverbs 22:7 (ESV) — The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

Observation Questions

According to Jesus in Matthew 6, what is the relationship between our treasure and our heart? ([09:09])
What does Jesus say about serving two masters, and what are the two options he gives? ([10:14])
In Proverbs 21:20, what is the difference between the wise and the foolish person when it comes to resources?
What does Proverbs 22:7 warn about the consequences of borrowing?

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus connect our heart’s direction with where we place our treasure? How does this challenge the way people usually think about money and priorities? ([09:32])
What does it practically look like to “serve God” instead of “serving money”? How might someone know which master they are serving? ([11:02])
The sermon mentions that saving is not a lack of faith but an act of wisdom. How does this idea fit with the biblical call to trust God for our needs? ([19:39])
Why is it important to distinguish between wise investments and unwise debt? How can debt become a form of “enslavement” in someone’s life? ([24:20])

Application Questions

The sermon began with a story about someone who thought they were financially secure, only to lose everything unexpectedly. Have you ever experienced or witnessed a sudden financial valley? How did it affect your trust in God or your priorities? ([01:59])
The pastor said, “Not everything that comes to me is for me.” How does this idea challenge the way you view your income or possessions? Is there something you have received recently that you could use to bless someone else? ([14:16])
Giving the first portion to God is described as a practical act of trust and worship. What would it look like for you to give God the “first and best” rather than the leftovers? What obstacles make this difficult for you? ([15:11])
The sermon encourages creating margin by saving, even if it’s a small amount. Is there an area of your spending where you could cut back in order to start saving? What practical step could you take this week to begin building margin? ([22:26])
The message warns about the dangers of debt, especially consumer debt. Are there any debts in your life that feel like they are limiting your freedom or causing stress? What is one step you could take toward repaying what you owe? ([25:03])
Enjoying God’s blessings with gratitude is described as an act of worship. Do you find it easy or difficult to enjoy what you have without feeling guilty or anxious? How can you practice gratitude for God’s provision this week? ([27:51])
The sermon says that true peace and fulfillment are found not in having more, but in surrendering everything to God. Is there an area of your finances or possessions that you have not yet surrendered to God? What would it look like to dedicate that area to Him? ([29:59])

Sermon Clips

We live in a culture of TMI, too much information. I know too much. You know too much. I know too much about where you went on vacation, and you know too much about where I went. I know too much about the new car or new truck you got. I know too much about my neighbor's remodeling project. We just know way too much about everybody else, and we have this competitive spirit. There is this desire in our flesh to keep up. We got to have what everybody else gets. [00:03:33] (35 seconds) #TooMuchInfoCulture

When it comes to your finances, dedicate it all to God. Dedicate everything you have to God. It is all His. He is the owner of everything. I am a steward. I don't own anything. Now, I know according to my deed, I own a house. According to the title, I own a car. But in God's economy, here's the truth. He owns everything. I don't own anything. But He has given me the privilege of stewarding or managing some resources, some possessions. And I want to manage those in a way that they are dedicated to His glory and to advancing His kingdom. [00:08:19] (47 seconds) #StewardshipNotOwnership

Wherever your treasure is, your heart will follow. Your heart always follows. Some people get that backwards. They think that treasure follows heart. That's not what Jesus said. Jesus said that wherever your treasure is, then your heart actually follows. So if I say all that I have, all of my treasure, all of my earthly possessions don't belong to me, Lord. They belong to you. Then my heart begins to follow that. And my supreme affection is no longer for my stuff. It's for my Savior. [00:09:28] (32 seconds) #TreasureGuidesHeart

Money makes a great servant, but it is a cruel master. If you live your life for possessions and for stuff and for material gain, I'm going to tell you, there is a drumbeat of more, more, more that enters our souls and it consumes us. But wherever your treasure is, that's where your heart is going to go. [00:11:16] (29 seconds) #MoneyMasterOrServant

Not everything that comes to me is for me. Not everything that God pours into my life is for my consumption. God blesses me at times so that I will bless others, so that I will advance his kingdom. [00:14:35] (23 seconds) #BlessToBlessOthers

You need to give and be generous to the kingdom work of God through his church. There are other great ministries that do wonderful things. I would advocate for you to give to them. Absolutely. We don't want to be selfish and be hoarders here. But what we do want to say is this, that good things are happening here. You're being spiritually fed here. Your children are being ministered to here. We're reaching the nations here by going on mission. And when that happens, you ought to support that as a follower of Jesus through your local church. [00:18:30] (31 seconds) #SupportLocalChurch

If you have debt, then as a person of integrity, as a follower of Jesus, it is an obligation that we repay what we owe. Most of our indebtedness comes because we are impatient. We refuse to wait. And so plastic is fantastic and we go to the mall or we go wherever else it is and we begin to accrue high interest credit card debt. [00:23:13] (28 seconds) #RepayDebtResponsibly

When I find myself in debt, what I have done is I have found myself in the position of a servant to that lending company, to that credit card company. And whatever portion of my income is that is indentured to them, that's then enslaved to them, then here's what I can't do. I can't use that to glorify God. I can't even use that to provide for my family. Every dollar you spend on interest is a dollar you cannot spend either to advance the kingdom of God in the gospel or to enjoy for your family. [00:24:51] (44 seconds) #DebtIsEnslavement

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the enjoyment that comes from being able to provide for our families. It's Christmastime. Go shopping. Now, make sure you get the first four points in order. Don't go into debt to do it. But go shopping. Buy gifts. Some of you are blessed to have a place in Colorado. Go skiing. Or you're going to rent a place in Colorado. Go skiing at Christmas. It's great. It's fantastic. Enjoy the blessings of God. Enjoy what he's given. It is an act of gratitude. [00:26:53] (37 seconds) #GratefulEnjoyment

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