Studies in Practical Christian Living Setting Yourself Up for Fullfillment
Biblical Record of Giving Revelation of God s Giving Nature (Gen.1:29) Cain and Able brought offerings to God (Gen.4:4-7) Noah gave (Gen.5:20) Abraham gave (Gen.14:17f) Israel gave Tithes and Offerings (Exodus) We are called to Give (Matt.6:24; Lk.6:38) To Christ, Mtt.19:27; - To One another, Acts 2:44 To God s Servants, 1Cor.9:14; - God s work, 2Cor. To Send out Missionaries, 3John 6-8
As Christians: Giving is not just what we do, but Who we are in Christ And yet, Giving doesn t Determine who you are, but Displays who you are.
We ve Seen: Biblical Record of Giving Biblical Approach and Ways to Give Wrong Reasons to Give Right Reasons to Give
Results of Give 1. When I Give God s way, He will make sure my personal needs are met.(prov.3:9-10) 2. When I give God s way, my Children are blessed (Ps.37:25-26) 3. As I give, God will give me more to give (2Cor.9:10) 4. My giving will result in thanksgiving and glory to God (2Cor.9:12-13) 5. Sacrificial giving develops greater faith and dependence in me (Mal.3:10; Lk.6:38) 6. Lifestyle, sacrificial giving, defies the god of this world (materialism), and displays God s grace to a lost world (Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-33)
For many Americans spending becomes an uncontrollable force in their lives - The issue is not whether it s okay to have nice things; - The issue is a matter of Control and timing. - A driving force behind spending can be to mask all kinds of hurt, insecurity and pain in life. - It can also be a force that tears families apart. (1 Timothy 6:6f)
Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21) - Given by Christ as a result of a family fighting over an inheritance; - The man thought just a little more was the answer - He viewed all his wealth as for him - He had never stopped to consider the length of his life and Eternity. When earthly treasures cloud my point of view; Jesus reminds me that I m only passing through
The Goal of the Christian should be Financial Freedom in Christ. 1. Freedom from Anxiety.(Phil.4:6-7) 2. Free to Receive and Provide for Selves (1Tim.5:18) 3. Freedom to Enjoy (1Tim.6:17) 4. Freedom to give and be generous (1Tim.6:19) 5. Free from lust to Acquire (1Tim.6:9-11) 6. Free from Envy and Comparisons (Jas.3:14-16) 7. Freedom to be Content (Phil.4:11-12) 8. Free from Debt and Debt related Issues (Prov.22:7) 9. Free to prepare-leave Inheritance (Prov.21:20, 13:22
The Dangers of Debt 1. Debt always presumes on the Future (Jas.4:13-17) 2. Debt can impede our ability to give God opportunity to work (Jas.4:2) 3. Debt creates a loss of freedom and an increase of stress in life (Prov.22:7) 4. Debt makes it more difficult to respond to the Holy Spirit s promptings to give (2Cor.8)
Practical Realities of Debt 1. Personal Debt ultimately lowers your standard of living 2. Compounding Interest works against you 3. It is much easier to get into debt than to get out of debt 4. Debt can set up a cycle of generational bondage to creditors.
Financial Principles 1. There is no such thing as an Independent financial decision.... When you spend on one thing, you are excluding every other possibility for where that money could be spent. 2. How we use money can be influenced by what we believe gives us value or happiness. 3. There is always a tension between living responsibly and having our treasure in Heaven 4. Money is deceitful and can hinder our walk with God 5. If we don t develop biblical value for money, the world will dominate our decisions
Priorities in Spending 1. Being willing to delay pleasure in the short run, to gain financial freedom in the long run. 2. Pay off High interest debt 3. Keep an emergency fund 4. Plan your purchases and save for them 5. Set long-term goals.. Invest, etc. God will bless you with the ability to participate in what He is doing on earth.. For Eternity... All giving is to God