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Explore God's teachings on finances, differentiation between wealth and attitudes, and biblical success factors. Learn how to budget wisely and avoid materialistic traps. Discover the significance of serving Jesus and prioritizing God's way over the world's way.
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I. God’s heart A. Theme of Bible = God establishing His Kingdom on earth Isa 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
B. Through salvation we have chosen to become servants and slaves for Jesus Christ: Rom 1:1 “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ” Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, Rom 12:1-2 We are to be a living sacrifice…..and Romans 8:29 We are to be conformed to Christ’s image.
Most important point to keep you out of the counseling office: • Internalize this - This world is NOT heaven: • It is a boot camp for young Christians • It is a battlefield for mature Christians • Set you goals and expectations accordingly!
C.Also know - Our lives and particularly how we handle God’s gifts is a Testof our obedience which will help determine our position in God’s heavenly kingdom: Matthew 25:23
II. Money God’s point is for us to differentiate between Attitudessurrounding wealth and wealth its self ! 1 Tim 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
III. Finances are God’s test of our spiritual maturity and obedience; God’s way vs World’s way. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 2Cor 5:17 – 18
Fruitful– as in God sees eternal purpose in what we are doing. 1Co_8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him. – you are a living witness for Him Col_1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
D. Do you have ajoyful life? Mat_6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
IV. Traps that prevent us from doing things Gods way: A. The evil of Greed: Pro 1:10-19 B. believers we have no basis for Fear– God promises!!
Things people worry about: 40% - About things that never happened 30% - About things that we can not change 12% - Needless worry about health 10% - Petty and miscellaneous 8% - Real problems!!
World’s version of success equals Get Rich Quick and then show it with physical results. All based in PRIDE! Get rich quick schemes = SIN Attitude is the key, Most lose a lot; Pro 28:22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
Practical ways of how you can avoid Get Rich Quick schemes: 1. Avoid the thought that there is an easy way to get rich quick. 2. Avoid people who try to sell / talk you into get rich schemes. 3. Never make quick investment decisions – many try to force quick decisions, If Good today = good tomorrow. 4. Stick to what you know– use the talents God gave you 5. Never risk borrowed money. 6. Buy investments with utility/ sure value –More on this in later lessons. 7. Seek good counsel– Christian spouse, friends, remember sellers benefit from higher $$$.
V. Biblical success depends only on our Relationship with God. Success Dfn: One who accomplishes goals and is able to enjoy the fruits of them.
Know God’s way to success: 1. Ecc 12:13 - Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 2. Hebrews 12:28 - Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Christians become trapped because the world’s Lies are so convincing. Why do we get trapped? Because we have adjusted our expectations and made them relative to those around us. We try to live our Christian lives by the lost world’s standards.
Keys on how to trust God: 1. Find God’s plan for your life and work diligently to fulfill it. 2. Accept God’s provision. 3. Make a conscience decision to trust God. 4. Develop a long range viewpoint = eternal – not retirement, but further out.
Success: Man’s way is to focus on: Location, Vocation, Motivation, Relationship God’s Way is to focus on: Relationship, Motivation, Vocation, Location
VI. Budgeting 1st step in creating a budget is understanding the difference between Needs vs. Wants vs. Like to Haves • You must keep these straight!
2nd step - Determine the standard of living God desires for you.
3rd Step - Have a written plan 1. To clarify our plan in our minds (eliminate ambiguity) Habakkuk 2:2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables,
2. To give us vision for the future (a plan) Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
3. To solidify our plan in our minds so we do them (eliminates creeping goals) Ezekiel 43:11 ………. and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them.
