Trusting God: Freedom from Fear and Financial Stewardship

Devotional

Day 1: Everything Belongs to God

Recognizing that everything in our lives—our jobs, relationships, possessions, and even our very breath—belongs to God changes the way we live and steward what we have. When we accept that God is the true owner and we are simply managers, it shifts our perspective from entitlement to gratitude and responsibility. This truth invites us to honor God with all that we have, knowing that nothing is truly ours but entrusted to us for His purposes. The way we care for our resources, our time, and our relationships reflects what we truly value and how much we trust the Owner. [35:10]

Psalm 24:1-2 (ESV)
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.

Reflection: What is one area of your life—finances, relationships, time, or talents—that you have been treating as your own rather than as God’s? How can you intentionally honor God as the owner in that area today?

Day 2: God Always Provides

God’s provision is not just a promise for the future but a reality for today; He knows our needs before we even ask and cares for us more than we can imagine. Just as He clothes the lilies of the field and feeds the birds of the air, He is attentive to every detail of our lives, inviting us to trust Him instead of being consumed by worry or anxiety. When we truly believe that God provides, we can live with open hands, generosity, and peace, knowing that our security is not in our own efforts but in His faithful care. [40:13]

Matthew 6:28-30 (ESV)
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Reflection: Where in your life are you most tempted to worry about provision? What would it look like to trust God with that specific need today?

Day 3: Put God First and the Rest is Blessed

When we seek God first in every area—our finances, relationships, work, and time—He promises to take care of all our needs and bless what remains. Putting God first is not about giving Him what’s left over, but about honoring Him with our best and our first, trusting that He can do more with a blessed 90% than we could with a full 100% kept for ourselves. This principle of first things first is a foundation for a life of blessing, peace, and purpose, as we align our priorities with God’s heart. [44:55]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Reflection: In what practical way can you put God first today—whether in your finances, your schedule, or your relationships—and trust Him to bless the rest?

Day 4: Tithing is a Test of Obedience and Trust

Tithing is not about the amount or a religious obligation, but about obedience and trust—demonstrating that God is truly first in our lives and that we believe He is our provider. God invites us to bring the first 10% to His storehouse, not as a burden, but as a test and a promise: “Test me in this,” He says, “and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out blessing.” When we tithe, we declare our dependence on God, and we open ourselves to His supernatural provision and blessing, both for ourselves and for our community. [56:01]

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.

Reflection: What step of obedience is God asking you to take in your giving? Are you willing to trust Him and “test” His promise in this area?

Day 5: Faithfulness in Little Leads to Faithfulness in Much

The way we handle what we have now—no matter how small—reveals our character and prepares us for greater responsibility and blessing. God is looking for people He can trust with more, but that trust is built as we are faithful with what is already in our hands. Whether it’s our finances, our time, or our talents, being faithful in the little things is the pathway to experiencing God’s increase and using our resources to impact others for His kingdom. [01:01:50]

Luke 16:10 (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.

Reflection: What is one “small” area where you can practice faithfulness today, trusting that God sees and will honor your obedience?

Sermon Summary

Fear and anxiety often try to take hold of our lives, but in the mighty name of Jesus, we are reminded that God is present with us—no matter our circumstances. God’s love and presence mean we don’t have to be ruled by fear, worry, or stress. Instead, we are called to walk in the freedom, protection, and grace that Jesus has secured for us. As we gather, it’s not just about singing songs or following a routine, but about declaring and living out the truth that God’s love changes everything.

One of the most challenging areas to trust God is with our finances. Money is a powerful tool, but it makes a terrible master. Whatever we put first in our lives becomes our god, and if money takes that place, it will ultimately control us. The Bible speaks more about money than even faith and prayer combined, which shows how important it is to God that we handle our resources according to His principles. The principle of the tithe—giving the first 10%—is not about an amount, but about obedience and trust. It’s a declaration that God is above any possession or amount we could ever have.

Everything we have belongs to God. Our jobs, relationships, and resources are all gifts from Him, and we are called to steward them well. When we recognize God as the owner, we begin to live differently, honoring Him with how we manage what He’s entrusted to us. God always provides for our needs, and when we put Him first, the rest of our lives are blessed. This isn’t just a financial principle, but a spiritual one that affects every area of our lives.

Tithing is a test of trust and obedience. It’s not just an Old Testament law, but a principle that predates the law and is affirmed by Jesus in the New Testament. God invites us to test Him in this area, promising to pour out blessings when we honor Him first. The local church is called to be a beacon of hope in the community, and our generosity fuels that mission—here, near, and far. For those struggling financially, the challenge is not whether you can afford to tithe, but whether you can afford not to. Faithfulness in little leads to faithfulness in much, and God can do more with a blessed 90% than we ever could with a cursed 100%. Ultimately, God desires not something from us, but something for us: freedom, blessing, and a life fully surrendered to Him.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Presence Drives Out Fear and Anxiety When we truly grasp that God is with us—right here, right now—fear and anxiety lose their grip. The presence of the Holy Spirit is not just a comfort, but a catalyst for transformation, reminding us that we are never alone and that God’s love is greater than any darkness we face. This truth invites us to live boldly, knowing that our future is secure in Him. [25:53]
2. Whatever We Put First Becomes Our God The things we prioritize—whether money, success, relationships, or comfort—ultimately shape our hearts and direct our lives. If money is first, it becomes a cruel master, but when God is first, everything else finds its proper place. This principle challenges us to examine our hearts and reorder our lives so that God alone sits on the throne. [32:18]
3. Stewardship Flows from Recognizing God’s Ownership Everything we have is God’s, and we are stewards, not owners. This perspective changes how we handle our resources, relationships, and opportunities. When we value what God values and manage His gifts faithfully, we honor Him and open ourselves to His blessing. [33:28]
4. Tithing Is a Test of Trust and Obedience, Not Just a Law The tithe is not merely an Old Testament requirement, but a timeless principle of putting God first. It’s a test that asks: Do I fully trust God, and can God fully trust me? Jesus affirms the tithe as a starting point, not a ceiling, for generosity, inviting us to experience God’s faithfulness in tangible ways. [57:45]
5. Generosity Fuels the Mission and Blesses the Giver The local church is called to be a beacon of hope, and our giving enables ministry to happen here, near, and far. God invites us to test Him, promising that when we honor Him with our first and best, He will provide abundantly. Faithfulness in giving not only meets needs but transforms our hearts, teaching us to trust God more deeply and live with open hands. [53:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[25:53] - Declaring Freedom in Jesus
[28:07] - Series Introduction: When Pigs Fly
[32:18] - Money: A Great Tool, a Terrible God
[33:28] - The Principle of First Things
[40:13] - God’s Ownership and Provision
[53:14] - The Storehouse: Church as a Beacon of Hope
[54:55] - God’s Invitation: Test Me in Tithing
[56:01] - Tithing as a Test of Trust
[57:45] - Is Tithing Just an Old Testament Law?
[58:49] - Tithing in the New Testament
[60:24] - The Floor, Not the Ceiling: Generosity Beyond Tithing
[62:00] - What If I Can’t Afford to Tithe?
[64:00] - The Financial Ladder: Next Steps
[67:00] - Prayer and Invitation to Jesus

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading

- Psalm 24:1-2
"The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers."

- Matthew 6:31-33
"So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

- Malachi 3:8-10
"Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 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

According to Psalm 24:1-2, what belongs to God, and what does that mean for how we view our possessions?

(see [33:28])

In Matthew 6:31-33, what does Jesus say about worry and what we should seek first in our lives?

(see [40:13])

What is the purpose of the tithe according to Malachi 3:8-10, and what does God promise if we bring the whole tithe into the storehouse?

(see [54:55])

The sermon says, “Whatever you put first is your God.” What are some things people might put first in their lives, and what happens when money takes that place?

(see [32:18])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon teaches that everything we have is God’s and we are just managers. How might this change the way someone handles their job, relationships, or money?

(see [33:28])

Jesus says to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” What does it look like to put God first in practical, everyday decisions—not just with money, but in all areas of life?

(see [40:13])

The tithe is described as a “test of trust and obedience.” Why do you think God invites us to test Him in this area, and what does it reveal about our relationship with Him?

(see [56:01])

The sermon mentions that tithing is not just an Old Testament law, but a principle affirmed by Jesus. How does this affect the way we view giving and generosity today?

(see [57:45])

Application Questions

The sermon says, “God’s presence drives out fear and anxiety.” Is there an area of your life where fear or worry is taking over? What would it look like to invite God’s presence into that situation this week?

(see [25:53])

When you look at your calendar and your bank statement, what do they say about what you value most? Is there something you want to change about what you put first?

(see [33:28])

The principle of stewardship means recognizing God’s ownership of everything. Is there a specific resource (time, money, talent, relationships) that you struggle to see as God’s? What’s one step you could take to honor God with it this month?

(see [33:28])

The sermon challenges us to “test God” by tithing. If you’ve never tithed before, what fears or obstacles hold you back? What would it take for you to take a step of faith in this area?

(see [54:55])

The local church is described as a “beacon of hope” for the community, fueled by our generosity. How have you seen generosity make a difference in your church or community? Is there a way you feel called to be more generous—financially or otherwise?

(see [53:14])

The pastor said, “God can do more with a blessed 90% than we ever could with a cursed 100%.” Have you ever experienced God’s provision in a way that didn’t make sense on paper? Would you be willing to share that story?

(see [01:00:24])

For those who feel like they “can’t afford to tithe,” the sermon suggests maybe we can’t afford not to. What practical steps could you take to begin trusting God with your finances, even if it feels risky?

(see [3720s])

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to put God first, for freedom from fear and anxiety, and for hearts that trust God with every area of life—including finances.

Sermon Clips

Money is a great tool, but a terrible God. Money is a great tool, right? If you don't think money is a great tool, can I tell you, then don't get paid this week? Come on. Don't go to work this week, right? Take that paycheck and just put it in your pocket. Don't put it in your bank account, you know? No, money is a great tool. Can we just be honest about that, right? It supports, it provides from day one throughout the Bible even, even before there was the U .S. currency and things that we know as the dollar bill and all that stuff, there was a harvest and there was livestock and there was land was the currency of the day. And all that stuff was used to provide and support needs in your life, support your family, to be a part of what God is doing in your life, and to be a part of that. Money is a great tool, and God said it that way. [00:31:23] (49 seconds)

We've created this stigma in church that when we talk about money it's because we care more about what we get from what God wants from us then what God wants for us but how many of you know that anything that's good for you require something from you come on y 'all are way quiet today y 'all gonna have to help me out a little bit in your marriage if you want a good godly marriage guess what that's gonna require something from you it's gonna require a sacrifice from you if I want to be the parent God's created me to be not only is that for me but it requires something from from from me right I have to become so I have to give things up I have to be sacrificial in my parenting. [00:34:27] (42 seconds)

I believe that if we'll put the first things first in our lives if we allow to build on the right foundations and we put God first not money first we put God first nothing else first I believe it changes everything else. [00:35:17] (15 seconds)

Everything in your life is God's your job is from God you're not there by accident it's not some kind of just happenstance that took place your job is the avenue of provision of God in your life okay your your spouse is the avenue of provision for love of God in your life the friends that you have everything you're encountering in life God created and God knows about why everything in the world is God's until we accept that everything is God's we will not live like it God's. [00:37:55] (34 seconds)

But seek first his kingdom in his righteousness and all these things will be added to you here's what he's saying everything you need God will provide when you seek God what first not with what's left when you seek God first when you seek his kingdom in your marriage in your parenting in your job in your time management in your financial management in your prayers in your serving in your generosity with time talent treasure when you seek God first all these things will be added to you God should never take a backseat to anyone else God should never take a backseat to anything else why he's God he deserves top row he deserves the top seat. [00:48:55] (48 seconds)

Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce remember livestock harvest grain land was all currency in that day so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine here's what he's saying if you honor God first he'll take care of everything else. [00:49:47] (19 seconds)

Tithe is about obedience it's not even about the amount it's not about the check it's not about the the the recurring giving it's not about how much you drop in the buckets tithe is simply about obedience. [00:50:55] (16 seconds)

This place should be the place where everybody goes, that's a place of hope. That's where I can go to get love. That's where I can go to find Jesus. That's where I can go to connect with life -giving people that love me for who I am, but will not leave me there. That is the local church. That is the beacon of God in this place. That is where our community can go and see the hope of Jesus. Nowhere else. [00:52:33] (26 seconds)

Can you imagine the difference in our personal finances if we fully trusted God and God's ways? Can you imagine the difference in the local church if we fully trusted God in all of his ways and he could fully trust us? Could you imagine the difference in your, the next generation of your lineage in your life if we taught them to fully trust God and be fully trustworthy from God? It'd change everything. [00:57:09] (27 seconds)

He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much and he was unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much I don't know about you but I don't know anybody in the room that would go hey God I don't want you to trust me with more in fact I want less don't bless my money don't give me more don't give me more opportunity and more tool don't make me do you know don't don't bless me no I don't know anybody that would say that but I do know people that would go God I'd love to have more and I just want you to know that if I'm not faithful in a little bit I'll never be faithful with a lot of it and I know that's not great English and here's why because money just expands as we already said who we already are and so really the tithe is this test to go hey God how much do I trust you. [01:02:59] (47 seconds)

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Trusting God: Freedom from Fear and Financial Stewardship

Devotional

Day 1: Everything Belongs to God

Day 2: God Always Provides

Day 3: Put God First and the Rest is Blessed

Day 4: Tithing is a Test of Obedience and Trust

Day 5: Faithfulness in Little Leads to Faithfulness in Much

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Trusting God: Freedom from Fear and Financial Stewardship

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