Financial Stewardship: Aligning Resources with God's Principles

Devotional

Day 1: Mastery Over Money Through Budgeting

Budgeting is not merely an exercise in finance; it is a spiritual discipline that brings one's financial decisions into alignment with divine wisdom. It is an act of exercising dominion over one's resources, ensuring that money serves its purpose without becoming a controlling factor in life. This practice is deeply rooted in the biblical principle of counting the cost before embarking on a venture, ensuring that one's actions are deliberate and well-planned. By budgeting, individuals can prioritize their spending, save for the future, and give generously, all while living within their means. This approach to finances is a proactive stance against the consumerist culture that often leads to financial strain and stress. [39:11]

"Which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" - Luke 14:28 ESV

Reflection: How can implementing a budget reflect your trust in God's provision and wisdom in your life?

Day 2: Freedom in Debt Liberation

Debt freedom is more than a financial milestone; it is a form of spiritual and practical liberation. The Scriptures caution against the entanglement of debt, likening the borrower to a servant of the lender. By striving for debt freedom, one is not only managing money responsibly but also reclaiming the freedom to use resources in a way that glorifies God and furthers His kingdom. This liberation from financial obligations allows for a life of service that is unencumbered by the stress and limitations that debt can impose. [43:20]

"The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender." - Proverbs 22:7 ESV

Reflection: What steps can you take today to move towards debt freedom and how might this enhance your ability to serve God?

Day 3: Community in Financial Fellowship

Building relationships with those who share similar financial goals and values is crucial for maintaining focus and accountability on one's financial journey. These connections provide encouragement and support, helping individuals resist the societal pressures to indulge in consumerism. Such fellowship fosters an environment where one can grow in financial wisdom and stewardship, reinforcing the commitment to live out biblical principles in all aspects of life, including finances. [44:59]

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17 ESV

Reflection: Who in your life can act as a financial accountability partner, and how can you engage with them to support each other's stewardship goals?

Day 4: Prudence in Saving and Investing

Saving for emergencies and investing wisely are prudent acts of stewardship that reflect a biblical understanding of resource management. These practices demonstrate foresight and wisdom, preparing individuals for the uncertainties of life. By creating a financial buffer, one can face unexpected challenges with confidence and peace, knowing that they have been a good steward of the resources entrusted to them. This preparation is an act of faith, acknowledging that while the future is unknown, one can take steps to navigate it with wisdom. [46:53]

"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." - Proverbs 21:5 ESV

Reflection: What practical steps can you take to build an emergency fund, and how does this act of preparation demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty?

Day 5: Generosity as a Way of Life

The joy of giving is a profound expression of faith and obedience to God's call to be cheerful givers. This act of generosity is not about the amount given but the heart behind the giving. Prioritizing giving in one's budget is a tangible way to align one's heart with God's heart for others, experiencing the true joy that comes from selfless generosity. This practice transcends the temporary happiness derived from material possessions and reflects a life that values eternal treasures over earthly ones. [49:13]

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

Reflection: How can you incorporate intentional giving into your budget, and what impact do you hope your generosity will have on others and your own spiritual growth?

Sermon Summary

In this sermon, we have journeyed through the importance of financial stewardship and the profound impact it has on our lives and relationships. We have explored the biblical principles that guide us in managing our resources wisely and the practical steps we can take to achieve financial peace and stability.

Growing up, I learned the value of hard work and the significance of being thankful for what we have. My parents instilled in me the importance of stretching a dollar and working hard. This upbringing was a privilege, not because of material wealth, but because it taught me the value of earning and appreciating money.

As I shared part of my story, I emphasized how AJ and I, through Financial Peace University, paid off $79,000 in debt. This was not because we had high incomes, but because we managed our money as God instructed. We learned to live on a budget, save for emergencies, and avoid debt, which Scripture warns us about, likening the borrower to a servant of the lender.

We also discussed the importance of building relationships with those who share our financial goals and values. This support system is crucial as we navigate our financial journeys. We must balance our relationships with both Christians and non-Christians to grow and maintain our values.

The sermon highlighted the joy of giving and how it should be a priority in our lives. We are called to be cheerful givers, and when we put God at the top of everything, including our finances, we experience a powerful transformation.

As we concluded the series, I reminded everyone of the opportunity to learn more about financial management through our Financial Peace University. This program is a testament to the generosity of our members and is available to all who wish to participate.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 14:28-30 (NIV) — > "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’"

2. Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)
> "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender."

3. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
> "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Observation Questions

What does Luke 14:28-30 teach us about planning and budgeting? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on financial stewardship? [39:11]
According to Proverbs 22:7, what is the relationship between the borrower and the lender? How was this principle illustrated in the sermon? [43:20]
In 2 Corinthians 9:7, what attitude does God love when it comes to giving? How did the sermon describe the joy of giving? [49:13]
What personal story did the pastor share about paying off debt, and how did it illustrate the principles of financial stewardship discussed in the sermon? [34:30]

Interpretation Questions

How does budgeting as described in Luke 14:28-30 help us align our financial decisions with God's wisdom? What are some practical steps mentioned in the sermon to achieve this? [39:11]
Proverbs 22:7 describes the borrower as a servant to the lender. How does this concept of debt as a form of servitude impact our ability to serve God and others? [43:20]
The sermon emphasized building relationships with like-minded individuals. How does 1 Corinthians 15:33 ("Bad company corrupts good character") support this idea, and why is it important for financial accountability? [44:59]
The joy of giving was highlighted in the sermon. How does 2 Corinthians 9:7 challenge our typical views on generosity and material possessions? [49:13]

Application Questions

Reflect on your current budgeting practices. Are there areas where you can improve to better align with the biblical principle of counting the cost before undertaking a project? What specific steps can you take this week to start or improve your budget? [39:11]
Consider any debts you currently have. How does viewing debt as a form of servitude change your perspective on managing and paying off debt? What actions can you take to work towards debt freedom? [43:20]
Think about your circle of friends and family. Do you have relationships that support your financial goals and values? How can you cultivate more of these supportive relationships, and what steps can you take to distance yourself from negative influences? [44:59]
Saving for emergencies was discussed as an act of stewardship. Do you have an emergency fund? If not, what steps can you take to start one? If you do, how can you ensure it is adequately funded for potential future needs? [46:53]
Reflect on your giving habits. Are you a cheerful giver as described in 2 Corinthians 9:7? What changes can you make to prioritize giving in your budget and experience the joy that comes from generosity? [49:13]
The pastor shared a personal story about financial peace and stability. How does this story inspire you to take control of your finances? What specific actions can you take to follow the principles shared in the sermon? [34:30]
The sermon mentioned the importance of Financial Peace University. Have you considered participating in a financial management program? How might this help you achieve financial peace and stability? [27:00]

Sermon Clips

"When we manage our money as God instructed, we learn to live on a budget, save for emergencies, and avoid debt. This isn't just about money; it's about stable families and communities." [37:31 ](Download | Download)

"Budgeting is a spiritual discipline. When we don't tell our money where to go, it leaves anyway, and we wonder where it went. Budgeting aligns our financial decisions with God's wisdom." [38:39 ](Download | Download)

"Debt freedom is liberating. It allows us to serve God and others without the chains of financial obligations. Proverbs 22 teaches us that the borrower is a servant to the lender." [43:20 ](Download | Download)

"Building relationships with those who share our financial goals is crucial. It's about mutual encouragement and accountability, helping us resist societal pressures to conform." [44:59 ](Download | Download)

"Saving for emergencies and investing wisely are acts of stewardship. By creating a buffer against unforeseen events, we demonstrate wisdom and foresight." [46:53 ](Download | Download)

"The joy of giving transcends material possessions. Prioritizing giving in our budget aligns our hearts with God's heart for others and brings true joy from generosity." [49:13 ](Download | Download)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?