Study Group September 2014 Listening Guide Definition of a transferable concept: an idea or a truth which can be transfered or communicated from person to another and then to another, spiritual generation after spiritual generation, without distorting or diluting its original meaning. II Timothy 2:2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. A transferable concept is something that Is a compelling illustration Is easily understood and communicated Is personally useful Is useful to train and teach others Has its roots in biblical wisdom Has lifetime impact Know Believe Do Changing behavior begins in the head, goes to the heart, and works itself out in the hands. Adopting a particular behavior begins with intellectual challenge or knowledge. All behavior is a function of a belief system and flows from personal conviction. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he Proverbs 23:7a (KJV) Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2 (NKJV) Copyright 2014 Kingdom Advisors All Rights Reserved 1
An iceberg only shows 10% of what s above the water. The why? question is more important than the how? question. What is the belief system, perspective, worldview, or paradigm that generates the how? In a financial discussion, we bring clients back to the why? question to help uncover priorities and motivations in financial decision-making. The how? should never dictate what you are doing unless you have answered the why? question. Tool, Test, Testimony God uses money in three ways: a tool I can use, a test in my life, and a testimony to others. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: Philippians 4:11 The question when we face financial change or challenge is, What do you want me to learn in this circumstance? In Matthew 5:13-16, we are called to be salt and light. The world should look to me and see something different. Copyright 2014 Kingdom Advisors All Rights Reserved 2
Implications of God Owns It All And he said: Naked I came from my mother s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21 (NKJV) If I believe that God owns it all, then Every spending decision is, in reality, a spiritual decision We do not have to fear loss Money management is the only area of the Christian s life that can t be faked Five Uses of Money This is the shift to how do I make it work? Using the five uses of money (giving, taxes, savings, debt, and lifestyle) allows certain things to surface: 1. There are limited resources with unlimited alternatives. 2. We aim to manage finances in a way that maximizes use among the five buckets. 3. There is always a tradeoff between short and long term. (Note - In the tape, Ron mentions that savings is the only long term use, when he would normally include giving in this classification, as well.) 4. Decisions about the use of money reveals values and beliefs. Copyright 2014 Kingdom Advisors All Rights Reserved 3
Six Fundamental Principles of Money and Money Management Spend less than you earn Avoid the use of debt Build liquidity (Proverbs 6:6-8) Set long-term goals Cultivate an eternal perspective by remembering that God owns it all Rejoice in generosity because generosity breaks the power of money Three Financial Decision Making Principles 1. There are no independent financial decisions. Once I put money in one bucket, I can t then put it into another bucket. 2. The longer term the perspective, the better the decision today. The Christian can think eternally and can live with an eternal perspective. 3. Financial maturity is giving up today s desires for future benefits. These concepts allow you to counsel and advise anyone, because they are not going to shift based on circumstances. Copyright 2014 Kingdom Advisors All Rights Reserved 4
Discussion Questions: Take the time in your group to discuss the following questions: 1. Discuss the idea of a transferable concept. In your life experience, what transferable concepts can you identify as significant or meaningful? What about in your financial advisory career? 2. How can you help your clients move from know to believe to do in their desire to apply wisdom to their financial decisionmaking? Discuss specific interactions you have had that evidence these types of shifts with your clients. 3. Walk through the six transferable concepts and discuss the application of each one of them in your client counsel. How might they be helpful? Where might each one fit in your flow of communication with clients? Monthly Content September Theme: Transferable Concepts Using transferable concepts allow you to pass biblical wisdom to clients in a clear and memorable manner. Study Group: Implementing Transferable Concepts with, Kingdom Advisors National Teleconference: Interview with Advisor Panel: John Dodd: Ronal Blue & Co. Jerry Black: Legacy Planning Group. Jeff Rogers: Stewardship Legacy Coaching Tools and Resources: Transferable Concepts Video Clips from Monthly Focus Resources available at Kingdomadvisors.org/MemberHome If you would like to become a member of Kingdom Advisors, please see your Study Group leader for an application. For more information about Kingdom Advisors, please visit www.kingdomadvisors.org. Join us for our October Study Group! Copyright 2014 Kingdom Advisors All Rights Reserved 5