Trusting God: The Path to Financial Freedom
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate our mission of igniting a passion for Jesus Christ and showing compassion for people. We reflected on our recent evangelism efforts, where we saw God's hand at work, and shared testimonies of stepping out in faith. We emphasized the importance of putting God first, especially in our finances, and discussed how materialism can distract us from our true purpose. We explored the story of Abraham and Melchizedek, highlighting the principle that all blessings come from God and the importance of tithing as an act of faith and gratitude.
We also discussed the significance of heavenly resources and how God provides for us when we trust Him. The story of John D. Rockefeller served as a powerful example of how prioritizing God over wealth can lead to true fulfillment and blessings. We were reminded that God owns everything and that our role is to be good stewards of His resources. By putting God first and seeking His kingdom, we can experience financial freedom and blessings that go beyond material wealth.
Finally, we introduced a 90-day tithing challenge, encouraging everyone to trust God with their finances and see how He will bless them. We emphasized the importance of faith and using God's Word in our prayers to experience breakthrough in our lives. We also announced upcoming events, including a financial class to help us grow in our understanding of biblical financial principles.
### Key Takeaways
1. All Blessings Come from God: Recognize that every blessing in your life, whether it be your family, job, or home, comes from God. This perspective shifts our focus from materialism to gratitude and stewardship. By acknowledging God as the source of all blessings, we align ourselves with His purpose and experience His provision in every area of our lives. [01:18:16]
2. Heavenly Resources Are Available: God has given us everything we need for life and godliness. When we understand that God is the creator of heaven and earth, we realize that He has unlimited resources at His disposal. Trusting in His provision allows us to break free from a poverty mentality and live in the abundance He has promised. [01:24:42]
3. Faith in God's Word: Many people struggle financially because they do not take God at His Word. Jesus emphasized the importance of faith, stating that our lack of trust in Him is often the root cause of our financial struggles. By believing and acting on God's promises, we can experience His supernatural provision and breakthrough in our finances. [01:39:21]
4. God Gets the Glory: When we put God first and follow His principles, He gets the glory for our success. Abraham refused to take credit for his wealth, acknowledging that it was God who blessed him. By living with integrity and not cutting corners, we allow God to be glorified in our lives and demonstrate His faithfulness to others. [01:43:30]
5. The Principle of Tithing: Tithing is a biblical principle that predates the law and is an act of honoring God with our finances. By giving a tenth of our income, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God and trust Him to provide for our needs. This act of faith opens the door for God's blessings and helps us develop a heart of generosity. [01:44:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[47:25] - Introduction and Mission
[47:52] - Evangelism Testimonies
[48:39] - Stepping Out in Faith
[49:19] - Sharing Evangelism Experiences
[55:15] - Overcoming Fear in Evangelism
[55:47] - Representing Jesus Christ
[56:29] - Surrendering to Jesus
[57:24] - Facing Opposition
[58:07] - Upcoming Church Events
[58:44] - Connect Groups and Baptism Class
[59:43] - Water Baptism and VBS
[01:00:37] - There Must Be More Conference
[01:01:14] - Church Picnic
[01:02:41] - Tithes and Offerings
[01:03:27] - Financial Series Introduction
[01:04:10] - Materialism and Contentment
[01:05:34] - Putting God First
[01:07:45] - Is Money Important to God?
[01:08:49] - Advancing the Kingdom with Finances
[01:09:41] - Biblical Principles on Finances
[01:12:24] - Abraham's Story
[01:14:52] - Abraham's Covenant with God
[01:16:41] - Blessings Come from Above
[01:19:32] - John D. Rockefeller's Testimony
[01:24:10] - Heavenly Resources
[01:32:31] - Faith and Financial Freedom
[01:39:21] - Trusting God's Word
[01:43:30] - God Gets the Glory
[01:44:50] - The Principle of Tithing
[01:49:23] - Faithful Stewardship
[01:52:30] - 90-Day Tithing Challenge
[01:54:03] - Praying God's Word
[01:56:24] - Upcoming Financial Class
[01:57:58] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 14:14-24
2. Philippians 4:19
3. Proverbs 13:22
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Abraham do when he heard that his nephew Lot had been captured? (Genesis 14:14-16)
2. How did Melchizedek bless Abraham, and what did Abraham give him in return? (Genesis 14:18-20)
3. According to Philippians 4:19, who supplies all our needs and from where do these resources come?
4. What does Proverbs 13:22 say about the inheritance of a good person and the wealth of a sinner?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Abraham refuse to take any goods from the king of Sodom, and what does this tell us about his character? (Genesis 14:22-23) [01:41:59]
2. How does the story of John D. Rockefeller illustrate the principle that all blessings come from God? [01:19:32]
3. What does it mean to have a "poverty mentality," and how can trusting in God's provision help break free from it? [01:25:20]
4. How does the principle of tithing, as demonstrated by Abraham, reflect an act of faith and gratitude? [01:44:50]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you recognized that a blessing in your life came from God. How did this realization impact your perspective on material possessions? [01:18:16]
2. In what ways can you shift your focus from materialism to gratitude and stewardship in your daily life? [01:05:34]
3. How can you practically trust God with your finances this week? Consider taking the 90-day tithing challenge mentioned in the sermon. [01:52:30]
4. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to take God at His Word. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in this area? [01:39:21]
5. Think about a recent financial decision you made. Did you put God first in that decision? How can you ensure that future financial decisions align with biblical principles? [01:07:45]
6. How can you use your resources to advance God's kingdom and help others, as exemplified by John D. Rockefeller's philanthropy? [01:22:04]
7. What specific actions can you take to be a good steward of the resources God has entrusted to you? [01:48:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing God as the Source of All Blessings
Description: Every blessing in our lives, whether it be our family, job, or home, comes from God. This perspective shifts our focus from materialism to gratitude and stewardship. By acknowledging God as the source of all blessings, we align ourselves with His purpose and experience His provision in every area of our lives. This understanding helps us to live with a heart full of gratitude and a mindset of stewardship, knowing that everything we have is a gift from God. [01:18:16]
1 Chronicles 29:12-13 (ESV): "Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name."
Reflection: Think of a specific blessing in your life that you may have taken for granted. How can you express your gratitude to God for this blessing today?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Unlimited Resources
Description: God has given us everything we need for life and godliness. When we understand that God is the creator of heaven and earth, we realize that He has unlimited resources at His disposal. Trusting in His provision allows us to break free from a poverty mentality and live in the abundance He has promised. This trust in God's provision helps us to live with confidence and peace, knowing that our needs will be met according to His riches in glory. [01:24:42]
2 Peter 1:3 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust God's provision. What steps can you take today to surrender this area to Him and trust in His unlimited resources?
Day 3: Acting on Faith in God's Word
Description: Many people struggle financially because they do not take God at His Word. Jesus emphasized the importance of faith, stating that our lack of trust in Him is often the root cause of our financial struggles. By believing and acting on God's promises, we can experience His supernatural provision and breakthrough in our finances. This act of faith requires us to step out of our comfort zones and trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives. [01:39:21]
James 1:6 (ESV): "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."
Reflection: What is one promise from God's Word that you need to believe and act on today? How can you take a step of faith to trust in this promise?
Day 4: Giving God the Glory for Our Success
Description: When we put God first and follow His principles, He gets the glory for our success. Abraham refused to take credit for his wealth, acknowledging that it was God who blessed him. By living with integrity and not cutting corners, we allow God to be glorified in our lives and demonstrate His faithfulness to others. This lifestyle of integrity and humility points others to God and shows them the source of our blessings. [01:43:30]
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV): "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent success or achievement in your life. How can you give God the glory for this success and share His faithfulness with others?
Day 5: Embracing the Principle of Tithing
Description: Tithing is a biblical principle that predates the law and is an act of honoring God with our finances. By giving a tenth of our income, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God and trust Him to provide for our needs. This act of faith opens the door for God's blessings and helps us develop a heart of generosity. Tithing is not just about giving money; it's about trusting God with our resources and recognizing His lordship over our lives. [01:44:50]
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: If you are not currently tithing, what is holding you back from trusting God with your finances? How can you take a step of faith to begin tithing and experience God's blessings in this area?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Sometimes you just got to take it by faith. And so me and evangelist Robert, he texted me. He was like, hey, what are we going to do? I was like, and we were talking about it. It was like, we're just going to take it in faith. Two hours, it's not going to rain from 7 to 9. And literally, that's exactly what happened from 7 to 9. There was no rain. And we went out there, you know, like I said, just worshiping in the middle of the park." [48:39] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And listen, everyone has to step out in faith. I was a person, I'm telling you, years ago, I would be the last one to go out on the streets because I was scared. You know, just to tell you. Honestly, oh, what are people going to say? I don't know how to defend the Bible. You know, I don't know enough. What if, you know, somebody, you know, has a rebuttal or whatever it is. You know, I don't know how to argue. Or just like, oh, yeah, like when people brush me off. Like, you know, sometimes you could take it personally that they're rejecting you. But Jesus said, listen, if they're not rejecting you, they're rejecting me." [55:15] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I know the first step is surrendering to Jesus Christ. Come on, can I get amen? And I said, listen, that's the first step. Take that first step of surrendering to Jesus Christ. And he's going to literally. Just transform your life. Because I was in a, and I shared, you know, you could be open. Hey, I was in a place. I didn't know how to, how to live right. I didn't know how to go after God. I didn't know how to hear God's voice. But guess what? Everything changed from that one surrender. From that one says, Jesus, I need you. And it's full surrender." [56:29] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God. And all these things shall be given unto you. What was the first point? Is that every, we have to understand every blessing comes from above. Second thing we have to understand is heavenly resources. Listen, God owns everything. Everything belongs to him. It doesn't matter what I'm going through in my life. Listen, if I make a covenant with God, and if I do it God's way, he's going to bless me. He's going to take care of me. He's going to take care of every detail, every need." [01:41:11] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. See, that's why you got to know the Bible. Otherwise you'll say, oh, no, it's just random. It's just a random circumstance. It's just karma. You know, it's like, you know, people, I heard all of karma. If God wants to do this, then he'll do it. No, surely, I claim the word of God. Surely goodness, death and life come from your tongue. Surely, say that together. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. We have to understand." [01:47:05] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And so when we say, hey, listen, I'm dead. It's no longer what I who live by what Christ lives in me. So now I live by faith in the son of God. And so when I go out there, I'm representing who? Jesus Christ. And so when we go out there on the streets, we represent Jesus Christ. And it's so powerful, just that testimony of that brother that was living that gang life. He got, he, and I was just talking to him back and forth. He said he got shot multiple times. He lost his eye with a bullet and all that. You know, kind of thing where, you know, it's, and I'm not saying it's, it's an easy life." [55:47] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so the question I want to put out there, is money important to God? Is money, think about that question. Is, yes or no? Okay, I'm going to take a poll. How many say yes, money isn't important? Put your hand up. How many say no, like money is not important to God? Okay, we're almost actually split in the middle. It's a trick question, yes and no, right? No, it's not important to God, because in heaven, is there money? Is there U.S. dollar bills in heaven? Are you going to be like, hey, Jesus, I brought my tithe in. You know, it's like when you die and go to heaven, are you going to be even taking anything with you? No. No. No. No. There's no value of money in heaven." [01:08:17] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so what happens? What happens is that when you're a good manager of the dollar bills, guess what happens? It goes up now. God says, man, I could trust you. I could trust you. So now, you got $10 in here. Doreen, can I trust you with the nine and you give me back one? Yes. Come on. God is good. God is good. See, there's a faith there. There's a faith there that says, man, even though, man, this money looks good, but hey, I'm still going to honor God. Listen. It's not mine. I didn't deserve it. Everything comes from God." [01:50:31] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And it says that Abraham gave a tent. The amazing thing that, so powerful, because, you know, I argue with people sometimes about tithing. And people say, man, that's not biblical. That's not biblical. Just keep it low. That's not biblical. You know when Abraham paid the tithe? It's before the law was given. You know where is the tithe? It's in the law. It's the law of Moses. When did that happen? Book of Exodus. Where are we at? Genesis. This is before even the law was given. Before it was required for you to honor God with your money. He said, I'm going to honor God because he's been so good. I'm going to give a tithe." [01:44:50] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Everything in the kingdom is about, and I borrowed this from Miles Monroe. Everything in the kingdom is about management. If you mismanage your marriage, you lose your marriage. Come on. If you mismanage your children, a lot of times they will go astray. you don't spend time with your children, you don't pour into your children, many times they will go astray. If you mismanage your job, guess what? A lot of times you'll lose your job. You don't go in on time. You don't care about people. If I'm going in as a PA, I don't care about my patients. I do whatever you want. It's like, guess what? I'll lose that job. So even in the area of finances, if you mismanage your money, guess what? You're never going to succeed. You'll always be in the hole. You'll always be in deficit. Why? Because you're mismanaging." [01:48:45] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jul 23, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?