Living with Margin: Embracing God's Financial Principles
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the concept of "margin" and its transformative power in our lives, especially in the realm of finances. We began by acknowledging the stress and strain that money can place on our lives, relationships, and even our spiritual walk. The Bible has a lot to say about money, and it offers a clear choice: to follow God's way or our own. We explored the idea that living with margin—having extra space in our time, talent, and treasure—can lead to a more fulfilling and less stressful life.
We used the story of Ruth and Boaz to illustrate the biblical principle of margin. Boaz, a business owner, left the edges of his fields unharvested so that the needy could glean from them. This act of leaving margin was not just an act of generosity but a command from God, as outlined in Leviticus. This principle teaches us that living with margin allows us to be a blessing to others and to be obedient to God's commands.
We also discussed practical steps to create financial margin: trusting God radically, budgeting consistently, spending wisely, and giving obediently. Trusting God means recognizing that He is the source of all our provisions. Budgeting helps us manage what we have effectively, and spending wisely ensures that we don't live to the edges of our means. Finally, giving obediently allows us to partner with God in His work, making a significant impact in our communities and beyond.
By applying these principles, we can reduce stress, set a sustainable pace for our lives, and be in a position to bless others. Living with margin is not just about financial freedom; it's about aligning our lives with God's way, which ultimately brings peace, joy, and fulfillment.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Choice: We have to make a conscious decision to follow God's way in every aspect of our lives, including finances. This choice is personal and cannot be made by anyone else for us. When we choose God's way, we find freedom and joy, knowing that He has everything figured out. [29:44]
2. Biblical Principle of Margin: The story of Ruth and Boaz teaches us the importance of leaving margin in our lives. Boaz left the edges of his fields unharvested for the needy, illustrating that living with margin allows us to be a blessing to others and to be obedient to God's commands. [39:56]
3. Trusting God Radically: Trusting God means recognizing that He is the source of all our provisions. When we trust God radically, we are freed from the stress of trying to control outcomes. Our job is to plant and water; God is responsible for the growth. [49:33]
4. Budgeting Consistently: Budgeting is a practical step that helps us manage our resources effectively. It allows us to live within our means and ensures that we have enough margin to handle life's unexpected events. Budgeting is not restrictive; it is liberating. [54:43]
5. Giving Obediently: Giving is an act of obedience to God. When we give obediently, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him. This act of giving not only blesses others but also aligns us with God's will, allowing us to be part of something greater than ourselves. [01:01:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:44] - The Power of Choice
[31:17] - Generosity and Heart Posture
[32:37] - Introduction to Margin
[34:05] - Donut Illustration
[39:56] - Ruth and Boaz: Biblical Margin
[42:43] - God's Way in Leviticus
[47:23] - Creating Financial Margin
[49:33] - Trusting God Radically
[54:43] - Budgeting Consistently
[58:12] - Spending Wisely
[01:01:48] - Giving Obediently
[01:07:08] - Practical Steps and Resources
[01:09:01] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ruth 2:2-3 (NIV)
> And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” Naomi said to her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.
2. Leviticus 19:9-10 (NIV)
> When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God.
3. 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 (NIV)
> I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions does Leviticus 19:9-10 give regarding the harvest, and why are these instructions significant?
2. In Ruth 2:2-3, what actions does Ruth take to provide for herself and Naomi, and how does this relate to the concept of margin discussed in the sermon?
3. According to 1 Corinthians 3:6-8, who is responsible for the growth of the seeds that are planted and watered, and what does this imply about our role in financial stewardship? [49:33]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the principle of leaving the edges of the field unharvested in Leviticus 19:9-10 reflect God's heart for the needy and the foreigner? How can this principle be applied to our modern financial practices?
2. In the story of Ruth and Boaz, how does Boaz's obedience to God's command in Leviticus demonstrate the importance of margin in our lives? [39:56]
3. What does it mean to trust God radically with our finances, as discussed in the sermon? How does this trust impact our stress levels and our ability to give? [49:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current financial situation. Are you living to the edges of your means, or do you have margin? What steps can you take to create more financial margin in your life? [36:59]
2. The sermon mentioned budgeting consistently as a practical step to create financial margin. Do you currently have a budget? If not, what is one step you can take this week to start budgeting? [54:43]
3. Trusting God radically was highlighted as a key principle. Think of a time when you struggled to trust God with your finances. How did that situation resolve, and what did you learn from it? [49:33]
4. Giving obediently is an act of acknowledging that everything we have comes from God. How can you practice obedient giving in your life? Is there a specific area where you feel God is calling you to give more generously? [01:01:48]
5. The sermon used the story of Ruth and Boaz to illustrate the importance of margin. How can you apply the principle of leaving the edges of your "field" unharvested in your daily life, not just financially but also in terms of time and talents? [39:56]
6. Consider the stress levels in your life. How might creating margin in your finances, time, and talents reduce your stress and improve your relationships with others? [45:47]
7. The pastor shared a personal story about receiving a financial blessing from a friend. Have you ever been in a position to bless someone else financially or otherwise? How did it feel, and what impact did it have on your faith? [01:05:10]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Choice
Description: We have the power to make a conscious decision to follow God's way in every aspect of our lives, including our finances. This choice is deeply personal and cannot be made by anyone else for us. When we choose God's way, we find freedom and joy, knowing that He has everything figured out. This decision to follow God's principles over our own desires can lead to a life of peace and fulfillment.
Choosing God's way means trusting in His wisdom and provision, even when it goes against our natural inclinations. It requires us to surrender our control and allow God to guide our financial decisions. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will and open the door to His blessings. [29:44]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one financial decision you are facing right now where you need to choose God's way over your own? How can you trust Him more in this area today?
Day 2: Biblical Principle of Margin
Description: The story of Ruth and Boaz teaches us the importance of leaving margin in our lives. Boaz, a business owner, left the edges of his fields unharvested so that the needy could glean from them. This act of leaving margin was not just an act of generosity but a command from God, as outlined in Leviticus. This principle teaches us that living with margin allows us to be a blessing to others and to be obedient to God's commands.
Living with margin means intentionally creating space in our time, talent, and treasure to serve others and fulfill God's purposes. It is about not living to the edges of our means but leaving room for unexpected opportunities to bless others. By doing so, we reflect God's heart of generosity and compassion. [39:56]
Leviticus 19:9-10 (ESV): "When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God."
Reflection: In what areas of your life can you create more margin to serve and bless others? How can you start implementing this principle today?
Day 3: Trusting God Radically
Description: Trusting God means recognizing that He is the source of all our provisions. When we trust God radically, we are freed from the stress of trying to control outcomes. Our job is to plant and water; God is responsible for the growth. This radical trust allows us to live with confidence and peace, knowing that God will provide for our needs.
Radical trust in God involves surrendering our fears and anxieties about the future. It means believing that God is faithful and will take care of us, even when circumstances seem uncertain. By trusting Him, we can experience the freedom and joy that comes from relying on His promises. [49:33]
Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God completely? How can you take a step of faith to trust Him more radically today?
Day 4: Budgeting Consistently
Description: Budgeting is a practical step that helps us manage our resources effectively. It allows us to live within our means and ensures that we have enough margin to handle life's unexpected events. Budgeting is not restrictive; it is liberating. It provides a clear plan for how we use our finances, aligning our spending with our values and goals.
Consistent budgeting helps us avoid the stress and strain that comes from financial mismanagement. It empowers us to make informed decisions and prioritize our spending. By budgeting, we can create a sustainable financial plan that honors God and provides for our needs. [54:43]
Proverbs 21:5 (ESV): "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty."
Reflection: Do you have a budget in place? If not, what steps can you take to create one? If you do, how can you improve it to better align with your financial goals and values?
Day 5: Giving Obediently
Description: Giving is an act of obedience to God. When we give obediently, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him. This act of giving not only blesses others but also aligns us with God's will, allowing us to be part of something greater than ourselves. Giving is a tangible expression of our faith and trust in God's provision.
Obedient giving involves prioritizing generosity in our financial planning. It means setting aside a portion of our income to support God's work and help those in need. By giving, we participate in God's mission and experience the joy of contributing to His kingdom. [01:01:48]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "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: How can you make giving a priority in your financial planning? What specific steps can you take to give more obediently and generously?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We got to choose are we going to walk in in God's way are we going to walk through God's door are we going to walk this the way the Bible teaches and the way that God lays it out for us to do whatever it is, life, money, parenting, marriage, whatever. Am I going to do this God's way or am I going to do this my way? Are we going to do this our way?" (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What if I were to come up here today and I were to say, if you will take and apply this, your marriage will get better. You'll be a better parent. You'll be a better follower of Jesus. Your life will be less stressful. Come on, anybody with me on that? Y'all acting real holy up in the room today. You know, your life will be less stressful. You'll be a better friend. What if I were to tell you you'll be a better co-worker, right? It won't be as bad in life because let's be real, life, life's sometimes. And it gets hard. But what if when those moments come, I don't have to be as stressed. I don't have to be as anxious." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I believe that margin actually shows obedience. It allows for obedience. I believe that margin actually creates a greater opportunity for me to partner with God to make a bigger difference than I can make by myself. In fact, I believe that everybody has this innate desire deep down on the inside of them to be a part of something bigger than ourselves." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When I trust God with outcomes, I'm not trying to force anything. I'm just trying to do the best I can with what I have. And I just go, You know what, God? And hear me. Stewardship doesn't matter about the amount. You got to hear that. Proper stewardship doesn't start whenever you make $10,000 every two weeks. Proper stewardship starts whenever you're getting... Because stewardship is management. It means I'm a manager of something that's not mine." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I think God does want us to have fun, but what are we doing with what he's given us? So we have to trust God radically. I've got to keep going. Number two, I think the second thing we can do to create margin in our finances is we trust God radically and we budget consistently. Budget consistently." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I don't believe that it's a problem of wanting to be generous. I don't believe it's a problem of wanting to give. I don't believe it's a problem of want. I think it's a problem of can't. For many of us, it's so stretched. It's so stressful. It's so frustrating. Here, Chris, do something with those. Hand them behind you. I don't know. I just realized I didn't put them back in the box. What happens is our margin is completely taken up by, what if I were to tell you, by things that we didn't have to have?" (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What if I didn't live my life to such the edges that when I went home, my kids actually got something from their dad? What if I didn't live my life to such the edges for everybody else that my wife has to suffer because everybody else got what she deserved? Come on, y'all. What if I didn't live with financial financially to the edges so much that when God needs or God asks, I've got? That when the local, you know what I'm saying? Like, tithe doesn't have to be an option because now I've created margin." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When I don't trust God radically, I have to create the outcomes. And I will stress myself. And I will stress everybody around me. And I will live to the edges. And I will run hard. And I will go tough. And I will do all these things. All in the name of outcome. I know what I need to accomplish. I know where I need to go. I know what I need to do. And so therefore, I've got to create the outcome. But when I trust God, my job is to plant the seed and water the seed. I can't do a thing to create the growth." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I believe parameters are better than not having parameters. In fact, parameters are biblically freedom. It's God going, here's the parameters of the life with me. It's not God limiting your life. It's God giving you life. He's going, you don't have to worry about all the other areas. Live within these parameters. In finances, budgeting is doing the same thing." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I don't believe buying things is bad. I believe buying things you can't afford is. And that means that I need to put off what I want now for what I need most. Are you with me? I've got to create that margin. Because just like Boaz, he had this field. And Naomi and Ruth were in need, and they knew where they could go to get what they needed. What if you and I created so much margin, we budgeted consistently, we trusted God radically, we spent so wisely, that we know, that people know I can go to them for love and prayer." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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