Christians and

1. Money Finance ? Christians and • You should be giving more of it away ? • Get rid of it… or else ? • $$$ =  ? • $$$ = SIN? The Bible and money: what do you think?

2. Money has great potential for good or evil What you do with [money] – or desire to do with it – can make or break your happiness forever. What you feel about money can destroy you: Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction (1 Tim. 6:9) Or what you do with your money can secure the foundation of eternal life: They [the rich] are to be liberal and generous, thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed. (1 Tim. 6:18-19) John Piper, Desiring God

3. Why study finance? • To recognize and avoid the dangers associated with money. • To see the good that can be done with money. • To learn how to be wise and faithful stewards of what God has given us.

4. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 & 17-19 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. … As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

5. Why Shouldn't We Pursue Riches? • We can be tricked into giving up deep, lasting satisfaction in God in order to get the much more shallow and temporary satisfaction with money. • What is the source of profit? Money? No – it is godliness with contentment. • 1 Tim. 6:6 - Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment. It is very profitable to not pursue wealth.

6. Why Shouldn't We Pursue Riches? We can't keep our money, but we will desperately try to. Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven. Prov. 23:4-5

7. Why Shouldn't We Pursue Riches? • Our joy can (and should) be found in the simple necessities of life. But why? • God himself gives us peace and security. • Next to God Himself, our greatest pleasures come from God's free gifts in creation and relationships. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Heb. 11:5-6

8. Joy in Contentment • Our joy can (and should) be found in the simple necessities of life. • God himself gives us peace and security. • Next to God Himself, our greatest pleasures come from God's free gifts in creation and relationships. • We are freed to give more to the kingdom of God. The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Cor. 9:6 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. Prov. 19:7

9. Why Shouldn't We Pursue Riches? Because the pursuit of wealth will end with the destruction of your life. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Tim. 6:9-10

10. Why Shouldn't We Pursue Riches? • A false sense of security • Discontentment, anxiety and fear • Reduced blessings • A poor return on your investment Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven. Prov. 23:4-5 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep. Ecc. 5:10-12 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Cor. 9:6

11. What Blessings Are Associated with Money? Yes! Are there any?? Money can be invested for eternal rewards in heaven. As for the rich in this present age… they are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. 1. Tim 6:17-19 Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:32-34

12. What Blessings Are Associated with Money? Money can be used to help others in need. Money can be used to spread the kingdom of God. No-one would remember the Good Samaritan if he'd only had good intentions. He had money as well. U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

13. Money has great potential for good or evil What you do with [money] – or desire to do with it – can make or break your happiness forever. What you feel about money can destroy you… or what you do with your money can secure the foundation of eternal life. John Piper, Desiring God