Just as the perils of money cause us worry and frustration, God’s plan for our finances brings with it peace and freedom. This Freedom manifests its self in every aspect of a Christian’s life, the release from worry about over due bills, and in a clear conscience in knowing God is once again in control. This isn’t to say that you will never again have financial problems; we are human, and subject to making mistakes. But once God is in charge of our finances, his divine correction will bring this area back under control.
There are steps to achieving Gods plan. For every promise God makes to us, He has a prerequisite. In each case, some action is required to bring his power into focus in our lives. That might be prayer, fasting, or simply believing, but it will always require a free act of will.
A Christian who is seeking Gods will and direction for themselves and their family must be willing to submit to his will and direction. There are many Christians who say that they accept Gods direction, but their actions deny it. They follow only when it is convenient to do so. Remember God’s will is not always compatible with our wishes.
You must realize there is no getting around this step. If you believe that you are the owner of even one single possession, then the ups and downs affecting that possession will be reflected in your attitude. If, you however transfer all ownership to God, you will realize that the event is God’s way of moving providentially to accomplish his will.
Proverbs 3:19 - The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
This verse tells us who the real owner is.
Why should we seek Gods total control?
Proverbs 8:18 - Riches and honor are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
What four things does God promise here?
What is Debt?
A Scriptural condition of debt exists when any of the following circumstances are true.
- Money, goods, or services are owed to other people with payments pas due.
- The total of unsecured liabilities exceeds total assets (in other words, if disaster struck, there would be a negative balance.)
- Financial responsibilities produce anxiety. God will give a sense of peace when financial responsibilities are managed according to his will.
a. Evaluate every purchase before buying (Proverbs 18:15 - The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.)
- Does it enhance God’s work through you?
- Is it necessary?
- Can you do without it?
- Is it the best possible buy?
- Does it add to your family relationships?
- Will it depreciate?
-
Will it require costly upkeep?
b. Use a written budget (Proverbs 16:9 - A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.)
How does this verse apply to maintaining a written budget?
c. Buy on a cash only basis (Romans 13:8 - Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.)
How does this verse apply to the cash only policy?
d. Practice saving money regularly (Proverbs 21:20- There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.)
Worry over finances will disappear when a Christian accepts God’s direction. We must believe His wisdom is superior to ours and that He does care about our every need.
Matthew 6:31 - Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
What is anxiety?
What are needs?
Psalm 127:2 - It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
What does this verse tell us God gives us?
What in your own words does this
mean?
We have gone over 3 of the 10 principles in this section Please join us again next week as we continue studying Biblical Finances. Thank you all for coming