Stewardship: Transforming Identity for Financial Freedom

Summary

Today begins a journey into “Freedom Through Finances,” not as a dry lecture on money, but as an invitation to examine the deeper motivations that shape our relationship with what God has entrusted to us. Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, is saturated with wisdom about resources—not just how to get them, but how to use, preserve, and share them as part of our calling as God’s people. While the world often reduces money to a source of stress or a measure of success, Jesus calls those who would be His disciples to a radically different perspective: one rooted in the heart, in identity, and in stewardship.

The teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6 are not random advice for the masses, but focused instruction for those serious about living as citizens of God’s kingdom. He warns against treasuring treasures on earth, not because possessions are evil, but because our hearts inevitably follow what we value most. The real question is not “What do I do with my money?” but “Who am I, really?”—because our financial decisions flow from our deepest sense of self.

Motivation, then, is not a matter of hearing the right sermon or adopting a clever principle. Real change happens as we move through five layers: ideas, viewpoints, values, habits, and, at the deepest level, identity. Ideas are fleeting; viewpoints are choices; values are priorities that sometimes conflict; habits are the ruts we live in, often unconsciously; but identity is the bedrock—how we define ourselves. If we see ourselves as owners, we will always be anxious and grasping. If we embrace our true identity as stewards, everything changes.

The call is not simply to adopt better financial habits, but to allow God to reshape our very identity. We are not owners, but stewards of all we have—our homes, our money, our opportunities. This shift is not easy, but it is the only path to true financial freedom and peace. As we move through this series, the challenge is to let God’s truth penetrate to the deepest level, so that our financial lives reflect the reality that God owns it all, and we are accountable to Him for how we manage His gifts.

Key Takeaways

- True transformation in our financial lives begins not with new ideas or principles, but with a change in identity. Until we see ourselves as stewards rather than owners, every attempt at budgeting or debt reduction will be superficial and short-lived. The heart of financial freedom is a heart surrendered to God’s ownership. [26:33]

- Our habits often betray our deepest beliefs, even when they conflict with our stated values or intentions. Lasting change requires us to address not just what we do, but why we do it—digging down to the ruts of routine and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. Only by confronting these ingrained patterns can we hope to live differently. [25:11]

- The tension between competing values—such as the desire for fun versus the desire for financial security—is a normal part of life. Wisdom is found not in denying these tensions, but in honestly assessing our priorities and making intentional choices that reflect what matters most in light of eternity. [23:06]

- Jesus’ teaching on money is not about asceticism or guilt, but about aligning our hearts with what truly lasts. Storing up treasures in heaven means investing in what has eternal value—generosity, relationships, and faithfulness—rather than clinging to what is temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. [13:57]

- Accountability before God is the ultimate context for our financial decisions. We will one day give an account for how we managed what was never truly ours. Embracing stewardship is both a sobering responsibility and a liberating truth, freeing us from anxiety and inviting us into joyful trust. [41:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Why Talk About Money?
[03:30] - The Bible’s Emphasis on Money
[05:19] - The Limits of Sermons and Real Change
[07:38] - Money as a Universal Stressor
[10:10] - The Audience of the Sermon on the Mount
[11:37] - Jesus’ Teaching: Treasures and the Heart
[15:40] - You Cannot Serve Two Masters
[17:26] - The Nature of Motivation
[20:28] - Five Layers of Motivation
[23:06] - Conflicting Values and Financial Choices
[25:11] - The Power of Habits
[26:33] - Identity: Who Are You?
[30:10] - From Ideas to Real Change
[34:05] - Credit, Debt, and Living Within Means
[36:55] - The Parable of the Lost Coin
[37:15] - Building Habits and Realistic Budgets
[39:20] - Stewardship: It’s Not Your Stuff
[41:01] - The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
[44:27] - Prayer and Closing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Freedom Through Finances (Week 1)

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### Bible Reading

- Matthew 6:19-24
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 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.”

- Luke 15:8-10
“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

- Luke 16:1-13
(The Parable of the Shrewd Manager—see especially verses 10-13 about stewardship and serving God or money.)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 6:19-24, what reasons does Jesus give for not storing up treasures on earth? What does He say about the connection between our treasure and our heart?
[[13:57]]

2. According to the sermon, who was Jesus’ main audience for these teachings in Matthew 6? Why is that important?
[[10:10]]

3. In the parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10), what does the woman do when she realizes she has lost something valuable? What does this show about her attitude toward what she has?
[[36:01]]

4. In Luke 16:1-13, what is the main point Jesus makes about stewardship and accountability?
[[41:01]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” How does this statement challenge the way people usually think about money and possessions?
[[13:57]]

2. The pastor described five layers of motivation: ideas, viewpoints, values, habits, and identity. Why is it so hard to change our financial habits if our identity doesn’t change?
[[26:33]]

3. The sermon points out that Jesus’ teaching is not about feeling guilty for having things, but about aligning our hearts with what truly lasts. What does it mean to “store up treasures in heaven” in practical terms?
[[13:57]]

4. The parable of the shrewd manager (Luke 16) ends with Jesus saying, “You cannot serve both God and money.” What does it look like to serve God with our finances instead of serving money?
[[43:26]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says that real financial freedom starts with a change in identity—from seeing ourselves as owners to seeing ourselves as stewards. How do you currently see yourself when it comes to your money and possessions? What would it look like to shift your mindset to stewardship?
[[39:20]]

2. The pastor mentioned that our habits often betray our deepest beliefs, even when they conflict with our stated values. Can you think of a financial habit you have that doesn’t line up with what you say you value? What story do you tell yourself about why you do it?
[[25:11]]

3. The sermon talked about the tension between wanting to have fun and wanting financial security. Where do you see this tension in your own life? How do you usually resolve it?
[[23:06]]

4. Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If someone looked at your bank statement or budget, what would they say you treasure most? Is that what you want your heart to be set on?
[[13:57]]

5. The woman in Luke 15 searched carefully for her lost coin. Are there areas in your finances where you need to “light a lamp and search carefully” to find out where your money is going? What practical step could you take this week to get a clearer picture?
[[36:01]]

6. The sermon says that one day we will give an account to God for how we managed what was never truly ours. Does this idea feel freeing, intimidating, or something else to you? Why?
[[41:01]]

7. The pastor said, “It’s not your stuff. It doesn’t belong to you.” How might this truth change the way you make decisions about giving, saving, or spending this month?
[[39:20]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for open hearts to see themselves as stewards, for wisdom in handling what God has entrusted to them, and for courage to make any needed changes in habits or priorities.

Devotional

Day 1: Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also
The way we handle our resources reveals the true orientation of our hearts. Jesus teaches that it is not wrong to own things, but the danger lies in treasuring them above all else. The things we store up—whether in our homes, garages, or bank accounts—can easily become the focus of our affections, subtly shaping our priorities and identity. Instead, we are called to invest in what truly matters, setting our hearts on eternal things rather than temporary possessions. This is not a command to live with nothing, but an invitation to examine what we value most and to align our hearts with the purposes of God. [14:55]

Matthew 6:19-24 (ESV)
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
No one 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.”

Reflection: What is one possession or financial goal that has captured your heart more than it should? How can you begin to shift your focus toward what truly matters in God’s kingdom today?


Day 2: Motivation Runs Deeper Than Good Ideas
Real change in our financial lives does not come from hearing good advice or agreeing with biblical principles alone. While ideas and inspiration are important, they are often fleeting and easily replaced by the next new thought or distraction. True transformation happens when we move beyond surface-level agreement and allow God’s truth to penetrate deeper—into our decisions, values, habits, and ultimately our identity. The journey toward financial freedom is not about collecting more information, but about letting God’s wisdom shape who we are and how we live. [30:10]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
“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: What is one financial principle you agree with but have not yet put into practice? What step can you take today to move from agreement to action?


Day 3: Living Within Your Means—The Value of the Lost Coin
Financial freedom is rooted in the commitment to live within the means God has provided, not within the limits of available credit. Jesus’ parable of the lost coin highlights the importance of knowing the value of what we have and being diligent in managing it. Rather than ignoring where our money goes or assuming we can always borrow more, we are called to pay attention, search out the leaks, and steward every resource with care. This kind of intentional living honors God and brings clarity and peace to our financial lives. [36:55]

Luke 15:8-10 (ESV)
“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Reflection: Where might you be losing track of your resources—time, money, or energy? What practical step can you take today to “light a lamp” and search out what is being lost?


Day 4: Habits Shape Your Financial Reality
Our daily habits, more than our intentions or values, determine the course of our financial lives. Even when we know what is right and desire to do better, ingrained routines can keep us stuck in patterns that undermine our goals. Developing a realistic budget and sticking to it—making room for both responsibilities and enjoyment—requires intentionality and perseverance. By changing small, consistent actions, we can gradually reshape our financial future and experience greater freedom and peace. [38:40]

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

Reflection: What is one small financial habit you can change this week to better align with your values and goals? How will you remind yourself to stick with it?


Day 5: Identity—From Owner to Steward
The deepest transformation comes when we stop seeing ourselves as owners and start living as stewards of all God has entrusted to us. Everything we have—our homes, finances, opportunities—ultimately belongs to God, and we are accountable for how we manage it. Jesus’ teaching about the shrewd manager reminds us that faithfulness in small things prepares us for greater responsibility, and that our true identity is found not in what we possess, but in how we serve the purposes of our Master. Shifting our self-definition from “owner” to “steward” changes everything about how we approach money, possessions, and life itself. [43:26]

Luke 16:10-13 (ESV)
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
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.”

Reflection: In what ways do you see yourself as the owner rather than the steward of your resources? What would it look like to surrender ownership to God in a specific area of your life this week?

Quotes

Money is going to be or is a stressor for you. You don't have enough of it. You're not sure where it goes. You have a bill coming up. There's a surprise. Something breaks on your car, your house, and money is like keeping you awake. [00:07:38] (00:00:16 seconds) Edit Clip

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one, the word hate is meseo, which means you will avoid, you will denounce, you will decrease the value of the one and love the other, or you'll be devoted to the one and despise the other. Why? You cannot serve both God and money. You just can't. [00:15:52] (00:00:27 seconds) Edit Clip

The challenge in all of this is not about my providing motivation to get you to do something that you wouldn't normally or want to do. And preachers do this all the time. I mean, that's the nature of going to church. You get yelled at and you're supposed to do something about it. You all agree and nod your head, raise your hand, and walk out and don't do it. [00:18:41] (00:00:21 seconds) Edit Clip

When you get to the level of identity, down to your culture, I'm not talking about the outside culture, when you get down to who you are, that's where you live out the hardest and most challenging aspects of your life. [00:26:58] (00:00:16 seconds) Edit Clip

It ain't your stuff. It doesn't belong to you. I'm living in a house that was built in 1905. I didn't build that house. I tried to research how many families in Hilton have lived at 202 Lake Avenue. Probably 15 or 18 or 20. People changed it, they painted it, they put wallpaper up, they tore wallpaper down, they put wiring in, they took wiring out, they changed the floors, they changed the level. We did a bunch of work, we made stuff happen. I technically own it so that the government can collect taxes for me. But even if I live to 113, I'm eventually leaving that house to someone else. Unless it burns down, someone else is going to live in my house. It's mine. No, I'm a steward of that house. [00:39:13] (00:00:54 seconds) Edit Clip

Whoever can be trusted with very little can be trusted with much. Whoever is dishonest with very little will be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own? [00:43:02] (00:00:17 seconds) Edit Clip

And ultimately, it is not just a single verse that will transform your life. It is working down through all these levels of motivation until you decide who are you for real and who do you want to be. [00:43:36] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip