Money Matters Pt1 • Ps Craig Clark • 9 November 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Stewarding: Releasing God's Authority Over Our Finances

True financial freedom begins by honoring God first with all we have, recognizing that tithing is not about religious obligation but about trusting God as our ultimate provider and placing Him above every area of our lives. When we return the first tenth to God, we declare His sovereignty over our resources, break the grip of materialism, and open ourselves to His provision and protection. This act is not about earning God’s love or favor, but about aligning our hearts with His principles and inviting His blessing into our finances. God invites us to test Him in this, promising to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings beyond what we can contain, not just for our own benefit but so that His house may be full and His purposes advanced through us. [22:21]

Malachi 3:6-10 (ESV)
“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, ‘How shall we return?’ Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”

Reflection: Is there an area of your finances where you have hesitated to trust God fully? What would it look like to make Him Lord over that area this week, even if it means taking a step of faith with your tithe or firstfruits?

Day 2: Seeding: Activating the Law of Sowing and Reaping

God has established a divine principle that as we sow, so shall we reap; generosity is not just about giving, but about positioning ourselves to be part of God’s abundance for every good work. When we give offerings and sow into needs as God leads, we participate in His multiplication—what may seem small in our hands can become a harvest of blessing in His. This is not about giving to get, but about living open-handed, ready to respond to God’s promptings, and expecting Him to use our seeds to bring about impact far beyond what we could imagine. Cheerful, purposeful giving breaks the cycle of scarcity and invites God’s joy and provision into our lives and the lives of others. [32:11]

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: When was the last time you asked God where He wants you to sow an offering? Take a moment today to pray and listen for His leading, then act on what He puts on your heart, no matter how small.

Day 3: Saving: Building a Generational Legacy

Financial freedom is not just about today, but about thinking generationally—saving and stewarding resources so that our children and grandchildren can start from a place of blessing and purpose. God’s desire is that we would leave an inheritance, not just of material wealth but of wisdom, stewardship, and faith, enabling future generations to go further and do more for His kingdom. This requires intentionality, discipline, and a commitment to live beyond self, embracing habits that build a lasting legacy rather than consuming everything in the present. Even small, consistent acts of saving can set up a future of overflow and opportunity for those who come after us. [35:08]

Proverbs 13:22 (ESV)
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.”

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to begin building a legacy—whether by starting a savings habit, teaching your children about stewardship, or planning for the future with generosity in mind?

Day 4: Spending: Living Within Our Means and Acting Our Wage

Wise spending is an act of worship and stewardship, requiring us to live within our means, resist the pull of instant gratification, and make intentional choices that honor God and our future. It’s easy to be swept up in comparison, impulse buying, or the pressure to keep up, but God calls us to act our wage, plan carefully, and embrace seasons of simplicity when needed. Setting a budget, tracking expenses, and seeking counsel are practical ways to break free from cycles of debt and anxiety, positioning ourselves for long-term freedom and generosity. Every small, disciplined choice is a step toward overflow and peace. [42:05]

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

Reflection: Review your spending habits this week—where can you make one intentional change to align your spending with your values and God’s wisdom, even if it means saying no to something you want right now?

Day 5: Surrender: Inviting God Into Every Area of Life

The greatest freedom is found not in financial abundance, but in surrendering every area of our lives—including our finances—to God, trusting Him as our provider, redeemer, and guide. God is not interested in religious routine or outward appearances; He desires a real, personal relationship where we invite Him into our needs, our hopes, and our struggles. No matter your past or present, God’s grace is available, and He longs to bring new beginnings, healing, and purpose as you open your heart to Him. True transformation starts with a simple prayer of surrender, allowing God to rewrite your story and lead you into freedom. [51:11]

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life—financial or otherwise—where you have kept God at a distance? What would it look like to invite Him in today, surrendering your plans and trusting Him for a new beginning?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered to open our hearts to God’s presence and to begin a journey into a topic that touches every part of our lives: money. Not as a source of pressure or manipulation, but as an invitation to discover God’s pathway to true financial freedom. Money is a powerful force—it shapes our decisions, our relationships, and even our sense of security. Yet, God’s desire is not that we be ruled by money, but that we learn to steward it under His authority, finding freedom regardless of how much or how little we have.

We explored how the Bible speaks extensively about money—not to burden us, but to guide us into a life where our finances serve God’s purposes, not our own anxieties. The journey to financial freedom is not about a sudden windfall or a magical prayer, but about living by God’s principles: stewardship, sowing, saving, and wise spending. Stewardship begins with tithing, not as a religious obligation, but as a declaration that God is first in every area of our lives. It’s a practical way to break the grip of the love of money and to invite God’s provision and protection over our resources.

Sowing, or seeding, is about generosity—giving beyond the tithe as God leads, trusting that He multiplies even the smallest seed for His kingdom and for our good. Saving is a commitment to think generationally, to build a legacy that blesses not just ourselves but our children and grandchildren. It’s about resisting the urge to consume everything now, and instead, preparing for a future where God’s faithfulness is evident across generations. Wise spending calls us to live within our means, to work diligently, and to practice delayed gratification, knowing that small, consistent steps—drip by drip—lead to overflow in due time.

Throughout, we were reminded that God’s ways work because they engage Him. He is not after our money, but after our hearts. As we align our financial lives with His principles, we position ourselves for breakthrough, for stories of provision that only He can write, and for a life that is a blessing to others. And above all, we were reminded that the greatest debt we carry is not financial, but spiritual—and Jesus alone is the answer, offering us a new beginning and true freedom.

Key Takeaways

1. Stewardship releases God’s authority over finances When we put God first through tithing, we declare His lordship over our resources. This act is not about legalism, but about trust—trusting that God can do more with our 90% than we could ever do with 100%. It breaks the power of the love of money and opens the door for God’s provision, protection, and purpose in our financial lives. [13:14]
2. Generosity activates the law of sowing and reaping Giving beyond the tithe—seeding into God’s kingdom and into the lives of others—positions us to experience God’s multiplication. Even small seeds, when sown in faith, can yield an abundant harvest. This is not about prosperity for self, but about being ready and able to respond to God’s promptings and to be a blessing wherever He leads. [26:29]
3. Saving builds generational legacy Financial freedom is not just for us, but for those who come after us. Saving is an act of faith that looks beyond today’s needs, preparing a foundation for our children and grandchildren. It’s a commitment to break cycles of lack and to enable future generations to start from a place of strength, stewardship, and generosity. [34:44]
4. Wise spending and diligence lead to overflow Living within our means, working diligently, and practicing delayed gratification are essential to financial health. Acting our wage, resisting impulse, and planning ahead may seem small, but over time, these habits create margin and opportunity. God honors faithfulness in the little things, and drip by drip, He brings us to a place of abundance. [40:51]
5. God desires our hearts, not just our habits Ultimately, every financial principle is an invitation to deeper relationship with God. He is not after our money, but after our trust, surrender, and willingness to let Him lead. As we invite Him into our finances, we discover that true freedom is found not in what we have, but in who holds our hearts. [48:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:26] - Honoring Our Teams and Volunteers
[00:57] - Faith Beyond Sunday: A 24/7 Walk
[02:01] - Introducing the Money Matters Series
[03:05] - How Money Directs Our Lives
[04:02] - The Impact of Money on Relationships
[05:36] - God’s Purpose for Our Finances
[06:33] - God’s Pathway to Financial Freedom
[09:28] - Taking the First Step: Open Hearts
[10:48] - God’s Promise of Abundance
[12:19] - Breakthrough Comes from Principled Living
[13:14] - Stewarding: Releasing God’s Authority
[15:53] - The Principle of First: Tithing
[17:38] - Is God Lord Over Every Area?
[19:42] - Tithing: Before, During, and After the Law
[21:44] - The Storehouse and God’s Guarantee
[25:58] - Seeding: Sowing and Reaping
[34:44] - Saving: Building Generational Legacy
[40:51] - Spending: Living Within Our Means
[44:06] - Practical Tools: Budgeting and Planning
[46:16] - Proportioning for Financial Freedom
[47:48] - Money Matters Course and Resources
[48:56] - Prayer for Financial and Spiritual Freedom
[50:10] - Invitation to Relationship with Jesus
[52:53] - Salvation Prayer and Celebration

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: God’s Pathway to Financial Freedom**

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### Bible Reading

**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.

**Malachi 3:10 (ESV)**
> Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

**Proverbs 13:22 (ESV)**
> A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.

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### Observation Questions

According to 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, what is the connection between how we give and what we receive?
In Malachi 3:10, what does God promise to those who bring the full tithe into the storehouse?
What does Proverbs 13:22 say about the kind of legacy a good person leaves?
The sermon described tithing as a way to “break the grip of the love of money.” What practical example did the pastor give from his own life about this principle? [[14:04]]

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### Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, “Stewardship begins with tithing, not as a religious obligation, but as a declaration that God is first in every area of our lives.” Why might putting God first in our finances be so significant for our spiritual growth? [[13:14]]
The pastor talked about “sowing” as giving beyond the tithe, trusting God to multiply even the smallest seed. How does this idea challenge the way people usually think about generosity and giving? [[26:29]]
Saving was described as “thinking generationally” and building a legacy for children and grandchildren. How does this perspective differ from a “consume now” mindset? [[34:44]]
The sermon said, “God is not after our money, but after our hearts.” What does it look like for someone to invite God into their financial decisions? [[48:56]]

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### Application Questions

The pastor said, “Tithing is a pathway to free us from the love of money.” If you’re honest, do you find it hard to trust God with your finances? What is one step you could take to put God first in this area? [[14:04]]
When was the last time you felt prompted to give generously—either to the church, a person, or a cause? Did you respond? What made it easy or difficult to act on that prompting? [[26:29]]
The sermon encouraged us to “save with the next generation in mind.” Are there any habits or patterns in your financial life that you would want your children or grandchildren to inherit—or avoid? [[34:44]]
“Act your wage” was a phrase used in the message. Are there areas where you are living beyond your means? What is one practical change you could make this month to live within your means? [[40:51]]
The pastor shared stories of God’s provision that came through faithfulness and small, consistent steps. Can you recall a time when you saw God provide in an unexpected way? How did that impact your trust in Him? [[39:21]]
The message said, “God’s ways work because they engage Him.” What would it look like for you to invite God into your financial planning or budgeting this week? [[48:56]]
The sermon ended by reminding us that our greatest debt is spiritual, not financial, and that Jesus alone is the answer. How does remembering this truth affect the way you view money and possessions? [[50:40]]

Sermon Clips

I truly believe that tithing is a pathway to free us from the love of money. Because what does the Bible say? The love of money is the root of all evil. Money isn't the root of all evil, but the love of it is. Right? And so God created this wonderful way for us to live free from loving something, that so wants us to lust after it. [00:14:34] (21 seconds) #TithingFreesUs

God over my 90% can super exceed what I would ever be able to do with my 100%. Right? He's first with every ever increase. When we sold a house, He's first. When I buy and trade some things sometimes, and I make $50, and I don't go, oh yeah, $50, that's mine. No, no, no. The first $5 of that goes to the tithe. It's increase. It's increase. [00:17:02] (23 seconds) #FirstFruitsFaith

So basically this is it. Tithing is a God trust decision. Try me now, he says. Tithing releases, God's provision. I'll open up the windows of heaven. You will not have room enough to contain it. Tithing denies the enemy's access. I will prevent pests from devouring and your fruit from dropping. Come on, I don't know, when all the crisis around finances and COVID and all that kind of happen is, oh man, how are we going to, I'll just tell you, Jehovah Jireh is my provider. When I tithe, I'm saying, Lord, I'm standing on you. I'm not standing on what's happening in society right now. [00:23:18] (37 seconds) #GodsProvisionPromise

``So let each one of us give what he's purposed in his heart, not grudgingly, not of necessity. For God, what does he love? Cheerful. He loves cheerful. He did it last week when it came to talking about Christmas box. Isn't it more of a blessing to give than it is to receive? Absolutely it is. We haven't got that freedom yet. It's because there's a wrestle. The moment we touch money, there's a spirit attached. Is it one of generosity and one of faith? Or is it one of mine? Mine? Precious? You know, like, but the reality is there is a wrestle. But every time we increase, come on, honor the tithe, protect the heart, but then live open-handed, live freely, portion and amount to what God can do. [00:32:11] (55 seconds) #GodsWaysFirst

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