Stewardship, Debt, and the Call to Generosity

Everything we have and everything we are belongs to God. This foundational truth shapes how we approach our finances, our possessions, and even our sense of self. When we recognize that our resources are not truly our own, but gifts entrusted to us by God, it changes our priorities and our sense of responsibility. Instead of being driven by the world’s constant push to acquire more through debt, we are called to steward what we have with wisdom and intentionality.

The culture around us normalizes debt as a way of life—loans for cars, homes, and even everyday purchases. Yet, Scripture consistently warns about the dangers of debt, describing it as a form of bondage and a source of stress and anxiety. While borrowing is not condemned outright, the language of the Bible is clear: debt can enslave us, distract us from God, and hinder our ability to be generous. The borrower becomes servant to the lender, and our hearts can become entangled in worry and obligation.

Practical steps, like budgeting and following a plan to pay off debts, are not just financial advice—they are spiritual disciplines. By being intentional with our money, we create space to live generously, to provide for our families, and to be free from the anxiety that comes with owing others. The “debt snowball” method—paying off the smallest debts first and rolling those payments into larger ones—mirrors the biblical principle of steady, faithful progress. It’s not about quick fixes or get-rich-quick schemes, but about cultivating a heart that is content, disciplined, and open-handed.

God’s vision for His people is one of freedom and generosity. In the Old Testament, debts were canceled every seven years, ensuring that no one remained perpetually burdened. This radical generosity is a reflection of God’s own heart, who canceled our greatest debt through Christ. We are called to live simply, within our means, and to seek the kind of financial freedom that allows us to respond to God’s call with open hands and open hearts.

Key Takeaways

• 1. True stewardship begins with the recognition that everything we have belongs to God. This mindset shifts our focus from ownership to responsibility, prompting us to use our resources in ways that honor Him and serve others, rather than simply accumulating for ourselves. [00:43]
• 2. Debt is not inherently sinful, but it is spiritually dangerous. Scripture describes debt as a form of bondage that can enslave us, create anxiety, and distract us from God’s purposes. The warnings are clear: debt can compromise our freedom and our ability to be generous. [06:37]
• 3. Intentional planning and budgeting are acts of faithfulness. Knowing what comes in and what goes out, and making a plan to eliminate debt, is not just about financial health—it’s about aligning our lives with God’s wisdom and preparing ourselves to be generous when opportunities arise. [03:22]
• 4. Contentment is a spiritual discipline that protects us from the endless pursuit of more. The world encourages us to chase after the next thing, often through debt, but true satisfaction comes from recognizing the sufficiency of what God has already provided and resisting the urge to compare or compete. [18:18]
• 5. Generosity is the ultimate goal of financial freedom. God’s command to cancel debts and care for the poor reveals His heart for a community marked by open-handedness. When we are free from the chains of debt, we are able to give joyfully and meet the needs of others, reflecting the generosity God has shown us in Christ. [16:22]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:43] - Everything Belongs to God
• [01:47] - The Debt Snowball Explained
• [03:22] - The Importance of Budgeting
• [04:12] - The Culture of Debt
• [05:19] - The Lure and Trap of Easy Credit
• [06:37] - What Scripture Says About Debt
• [09:57] - Changing Our Mindset About Money
• [10:56] - Debt as Bondage and Warning
• [12:24] - Where Is Your Heart?
• [13:29] - The Year of Debt Release
• [14:31] - Generosity in Lending
• [16:22] - The Freedom to Be Generous
• [17:29] - The Illusion of Satisfaction
• [19:36] - The Relief of Paying Off Debt
• [21:18] - Learning from Failure
• [22:44] - Living Simply and Generously
• [24:10] - Closing Prayer

Observation Questions

1. According to Romans 13:8, what is the one thing we are always obligated to “owe” to others?
2. In Proverbs 22:7, what kind of relationship does the Bible say exists between a borrower and a lender?
3. What did God command the Israelites to do every seven years in Deuteronomy 15, and what was the purpose behind this command? [13:29]
4. In the sermon, what are some of the words used to describe the experience of being in debt? (e.g., slave, caught, burdened) [09:57]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the Bible uses such strong language—like “slave” or “bondage”—to describe debt? What does this reveal about God’s heart for His people? [06:37]
2. The sermon says, “Everything we have and everything we are belongs to God.” How does this truth challenge the way most people view their money and possessions? [00:43]
3. In Deuteronomy 15, God commands the cancellation of debts and generosity toward the poor. What does this reveal about the kind of community God wants His people to be? [14:31]
4. The sermon mentions that budgeting and paying off debt are not just financial advice, but spiritual disciplines. Why might intentional financial planning be considered a spiritual act? [03:22]

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to see ourselves as stewards, not owners, of our resources. What is one area of your life (money, time, possessions) where you struggle to remember that it all belongs to God? How could you remind yourself of this truth this week? [00:43]
2. Debt is described as a form of bondage that can create anxiety and limit generosity. If you have debt, how does it affect your sense of freedom or your ability to give? What is one practical step you could take this month to move toward financial freedom? [06:37]
3. The “debt snowball” method is about steady, faithful progress. Is there a small debt or financial obligation you could focus on paying off first? What would it look like to celebrate progress, even if it’s slow? [01:47]
4. The sermon talks about the pressure to “keep up” and always want more. Can you think of a recent time when you felt this pressure? How did it affect your decisions? What would it look like to practice contentment in that situation? [18:18]
5. God’s vision is for His people to be generous and open-handed. Is there someone in your life or community who has a need you could help meet? What might be holding you back from being generous, and how could you take a step toward generosity this week? [16:22]
6. The sermon says that budgeting is a spiritual discipline. Do you currently have a budget or plan for your finances? If not, what is one small step you could take to start? If you do, how could you use it to create more space for generosity? [03:22]
7. The Old Testament law canceled debts every seven years. While we may not be able to do that literally, is there a “debt” (financial, relational, or emotional) you need to forgive or release in your own life? What would it look like to let go of that burden? [13:29]