Lights in a Dark World

1. 2019 Theme Lights in a Dark World Philippians 2:15

2. The Christian and His Money

3. Understanding money • What is money? • A medium of exchange • Money is morally neutral • There is no virtue, nor shame in wealth OR poverty • We need money

4. Understanding money • How do we use it?1 Timothy 6:10, Proverbs 30:8-9 • With wealth comes responsibility - 1 Timothy 6:17 • We live in a society that does not always encourage wise management of our money

5. Understanding money • Money will not bring true satisfaction • Ecclesiastes 5:10 • Do not trust in uncertain riches – 1 Timothy 6:17Luke 12:16-21 – the rich foolJames 1:9-11

6. Understanding money • HOW can the way we manage our money affect our influence? • Are we hindered from doing more for the cause of Christ? • Does it stand in our way of doing what we SHOULD do? Attend? Participate? Prefer our brethren? Study with others?

7. Understanding money • Does the world see materialism in us? • Does it affect how we view others who are different? • Does it lead to sinful behaviors? • Do we do our best to sustain ourselves? (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:10) • Do we live as if we would be fine without the Lord? Does the world see our trust in God?

8. Principles that govern money • The Bible has much to say about money. • More than 2300 verses (about 7.5%) – directly and indirectly • God understood its impact, both for good and for evil

9. Principles that govern money Dangers of Materialism • Aware of dangers • Matthew 6:24 – you cannot serve God AND mammon • Ephesians 5:5 - idolatry • Mark 10:17-22 • 1 Timothy 6:9-10 – consequences • Matthew 13:22 – the “thorny ground”

10. Principles that govern money Stewardship • We are stewards – all that we have belongs to God and is ours to manage • Steward – a servant, trusted with authority (e.g. Joseph) • Luke 12:42-43– a faithful and wise steward • Matthew 25:14-30 – your talents • Luke 16:10 – faithful in least, much • 1 Corinthians 4:2

11. Principles that govern money Honesty • MUST reflect who we are • It is related to how we manage what we have • 2 Corinthians 8:21– providing things honorable… • 1 Peter 2:12 – conduct honorable among the Gentiles • Ephesians 4:25 – speak truth to your neighbor

12. Principles that govern money Honesty • Do we pay our taxes and bills? • Do we cheat or take advantage of others? • Are we honest with ourselves?- Our future – debt, future doesn’t matter, etc.- Thinking spending will make us feel better- Honest with our family • The world is watching!

13. Principles that govern money Contentment • Also VERY fundamental • Hebrews 13:5, 1 Timothy 6:6-7 • Which is more difficult to be content – when you have much or little? • Philippians 4:11-13 • This is a way we can let our lights shine!

14. Principles that govern money Sharing • The life of a Christian. Not selfish, a miser, etc. • The Bible is filled with examples of benevolence • Are we willing to accept help? • Galatians 6:10 • Hebrews 13:16

15. Is God first with what I have?