Financial Stewardship: Aligning Wealth with God's Purposes
Summary
Today, I spoke about the profound impact of financial stewardship and generosity, rooted in biblical principles, on our personal and communal lives. We began by acknowledging the new season our church is entering, emphasizing that as God elevates us, our foundations must deepen. This deepening involves a greater surrender to God, as demonstrated by the early church in Acts 2, where believers shared everything in common, exhibiting radical generosity.
We delved into the topic of money, a subject extensively discussed in the Bible. Jesus spoke about money extensively, indicating its importance in our spiritual lives. I stressed that our discussion on finances isn't about what we want from you but rather what we want for you—to live a blessed life by managing God's money God's way.
The current financial climate in the United States shows a grim picture of debt and poor money management, even among Christians. This scenario underscores the necessity of biblical financial principles. The average American, including many Christians, struggles with debt and lacks savings, which is contrary to what the Bible teaches about stewardship and generosity.
I highlighted the concept of mammon from the Bible, which represents wealth or riches as an entity that can dominate our lives. This is contrasted with the biblical mandate to serve God rather than money. The deceitfulness of wealth can choke God's word in our lives, making it unfruitful.
Our discussion then shifted to practical steps on how to confront these challenges. The biblical principle of tithing—the first 10% of our income—was emphasized as a starting point. Tithing is not merely an old testament concept but a continual biblical principle that honors God as our provider. This act of obedience positions us under God's financial blessing and protection.
Moreover, I shared personal testimonies and teachings from the book "The Blessed Life" by Robert Morris, which transformed my understanding and handling of finances. We also discussed the importance of programs like Financial Peace University, which we offer for free to help our congregation manage finances better and get out of debt.
In conclusion, the sermon called each of us to a higher standard of financial stewardship and generosity. By putting God first in our finances, managing well what we have, and being generous, we align ourselves with God's purposes and experience His blessings in abundance.
### Key Takeaways
1. Deep Foundations for High Elevations - As we aspire for higher spiritual heights, our foundational depth in Christ must increase. This principle is crucial for sustaining any spiritual growth or blessings that come our way. Just as the early church in Acts demonstrated, a deep communal sharing and generosity were key to sustaining their spiritual fervor and unity. [01:00]
2. The True Riches in Christ - Managing money God's way isn't just about avoiding debt; it's about understanding that true riches come from a life aligned with God's purposes. When we handle money as God intends, it becomes a tool for blessing rather than a source of worry or strife. This perspective shift is essential for living a truly blessed life. [03:40]
3. The Dangers of Mammon - Mammon, more than just money, represents a spirit of wealth that contends for our allegiance, which belongs solely to God. Recognizing this helps us avoid the trap of trusting in our possessions and positions, which can lead to spiritual barrenness. [06:02]
4. Biblical Tithing as Worship - Tithing is an act of worship that acknowledges God as the source of all our blessings. It's a declaration that God is first in our lives, which opens the door to further blessings and ensures our heart remains aligned with His. This principle of firstfruits goes beyond mere obligation; it's about honor and relationship with God. [09:05]
5. Generosity as a Lifestyle - Generosity should be a lifestyle, not just an occasional act. When we live generously, we reflect God's character and set into motion the principle of sowing and reaping. This not only blesses others but also enriches our own lives, making us conduits of God's blessings rather than mere recipients. [23:48]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
01:00 - Foundations of Spiritual Growth
03:40 - The Crisis of Financial Management
06:02 - Confronting the Spirit of Mammon
09:05 - The Power of Tithing
23:48 - The Joy of Generosity
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:44-45 - "All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need."
2. Matthew 6:24 - "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
3. 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Acts 2:44-45, how did the early church demonstrate their commitment to each other and to God?
2. In Matthew 6:24, what does Jesus say about serving two masters, and how does this relate to our relationship with money?
3. What promise does God make in Malachi 3:10 regarding tithing, and how does He challenge us to test Him in this area?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the example of the early church in Acts 2:44-45 challenge our modern views on possessions and generosity? [01:00]
2. What does Jesus mean when He says we cannot serve both God and money in Matthew 6:24, and how might this apply to our daily financial decisions? [05:23]
3. In Malachi 3:10, why do you think God invites us to test Him with our tithes, and what does this reveal about His character and our faith? [13:41]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Acts 2:44-45, how can you practice radical generosity in your own life? Are there specific possessions or resources you feel called to share with others in need? [01:00]
2. Considering Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:24, are there areas in your life where you might be serving money instead of God? What steps can you take to realign your priorities? [05:23]
3. Have you ever tested God in the area of tithing as described in Malachi 3:10? If not, what might be holding you back, and how can you take a step of faith in this area? [13:41]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of managing the other 90% of our income wisely. What practical steps can you take to improve your financial stewardship? [17:54]
5. How can you incorporate the principle of firstfruits into your financial planning, ensuring that God is honored with the first and best of your income? [09:05]
6. The pastor shared a personal testimony about the joy of giving generously. Can you recall a time when you experienced joy through generosity? How can you cultivate a lifestyle of generosity moving forward? [23:48]
7. Programs like Financial Peace University were recommended to help manage finances better. Have you considered participating in such a program? How might it benefit your financial health and spiritual growth? [20:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Deepening Foundations in Spiritual Growth
As we aspire to reach new heights in our spiritual journey, it is essential that our foundations in Christ are deep and strong. This concept of deepening our spiritual roots is not just about increasing our knowledge or attending more church services; it's about transforming how we live and share with one another. The early church in Acts demonstrated this through their radical generosity and communal living, showing us that our spiritual vigor and unity are sustained by such deep foundations. This principle is crucial for sustaining any spiritual growth or blessings that come our way. [01:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14CICuOgV1s&t=45s)
Acts 4:32-35 ESV: "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold."
Reflection: How can you practice radical generosity in your community to strengthen your spiritual foundation?
Day 2: True Riches in Alignment with God's Purposes
Managing money God's way isn't just about avoiding debt; it's about understanding that true riches come from a life aligned with God's purposes. When we handle money as God intends, it becomes a tool for blessing rather than a source of worry or strife. This perspective shift is essential for living a truly blessed life. By viewing our financial resources through the lens of stewardship and generosity, we open ourselves to the abundant life that God promises to those who trust Him with their finances. [03:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14CICuOgV1s&t=205s)
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: What is one step you can take this week to align your financial decisions more closely with God's purposes?
Day 3: Recognizing the Dangers of Mammon
Mammon, more than just money, represents a spirit of wealth that contends for our allegiance, which belongs solely to God. Recognizing this helps us avoid the trap of trusting in our possessions and positions, which can lead to spiritual barrenness. By understanding the deceitfulness of wealth, we can keep our hearts focused on serving God rather than money, ensuring that our spiritual life remains fruitful and aligned with God's kingdom. [06:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14CICuOgV1s&t=347s)
Luke 16:13-14 ESV: "No servant 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. The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him."
Reflection: In what ways might the spirit of mammon be influencing your decisions or attitudes towards money?
Day 4: Tithing as an Act of Worship and Honor
Tithing is an act of worship that acknowledges God as the source of all our blessings. It's a declaration that God is first in our lives, which opens the door to further blessings and ensures our heart remains aligned with His. This principle of firstfruits goes beyond mere obligation; it's about honor and relationship with God. By faithfully tithing, we position ourselves under God's financial blessing and protection. [09:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14CICuOgV1s&t=530s)
Proverbs 3:9-10 ESV: "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."
Reflection: How does tithing as an act of worship change your perspective on giving?
Day 5: Embracing Generosity as a Lifestyle
Generosity should be a lifestyle, not just an occasional act. When we live generously, we reflect God's character and set into motion the principle of sowing and reaping. This not only blesses others but also enriches our own lives, making us conduits of God's blessings rather than mere recipients. By adopting a lifestyle of generosity, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being part of God's work in the world. [23:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14CICuOgV1s&t=1413s)
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 ESV: "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: What are practical ways you can cultivate a lifestyle of generosity starting today?
Quotes
1. "Generosity is paradoxical. Those who give receive it back in turn. By spending ourselves for others' well-being, we enhance our own standing. In letting go of some of what we own, we ourselves move toward flourishing. This is not only a philosophical or a religious teaching, it is a sociological fact." [23:48]
2. "As a church, I believe we're entering a new season. That we're about to start entering into a new season and it starts right now. And I believe that God is leading us into a new season because I believe that God wants to take us higher." [01:00]
3. "The majority of Americans are one missed paycheck away from being completely, and utterly broke because they have no savings. It's not only the government that's terrible at this. It's not only Americans that are terrible at this. In the church, we're terrible at this." [04:39]
4. "The first way that the Bible tells us to confront mammon is by doing this. It's by putting God first. That's the first 10%. The Bible's very clear that the first belongs to God." [07:57]
5. "Tithing is bringing to God your first and your best 10%. Tipping is kind of giving whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it. And there's an exact example of this in Genesis 4 with Cain and Abel." [09:05]
6. "Bring the whole tithe, 10% into the storehouse. In the Old Testament, that was the temple. In the New Testament, the temple is not a physical building run by Levites. It's the people of God gathered. It's the local church." [12:45]
7. "Test me in this, says the Lord God 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." [13:41]
8. "If you graduate from college, you get your first job, you get settled, you're 25 years old. If you retire when you're 65, you have 40 years in your working life. So if you start your first job and you say, I'm gonna get a car payment at $530 a year, and you drive that car for a while, and then you get rid of that, you take out a new car payment, and you keep it at $530, which over the course of time, that car payment's gonna go up." [18:28]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?