Money Matters

I.         We live in a society consumed with the desire for wealth

            A.        Since money is a part of a Christian’s life, we need to know how to properly regard money and wealth.

            B.        We need to know how to properly handle money.

II.        Wealth comes from God and not hard work

            A.        Deut. 8:17-18 - We flatter ourselves into thinking we deserve what we gain.

            B.        I Chron. 29:11-12 - Riches and honor come from God.

            C.        Eccl. 5:18-20 - A gift to be able to labor and enjoy God’s blessings.

            D.        But God doesn’t reward the lazy. We must work for our living, but we must realize that our ability to work and our good health is God’s blessings.

                        1.         Prov. 12:11 - We must work for a living

                        2.         Eph. 4:28 - Labor for our meals.

                        3.         II Thess. 3:7-12 - Must work in order to eat.

            E.        Work must be balanced

                        1.         Don’t overwork. Wealth is temporary. - Prov. 23:4-5

                        2.         Laziness will cause poverty to creep up on you. - Prov. 24:30-24

                        3.         Be diligent in your labors. - Prov. 27:23-27

III.       Christians work, but not for wealth

            A.        IF wealth is granted, that is from God.

            B.        Heb. 13:5 - Be content with what you have

            C.        I Tim. 6:17 - Don’t trust in riches. Also Prov. 11:28.

            D.        Eccl. 5:10 - Don’t desire things, you never have enough money.

            E.        I Tim. 6:6-10 - Godliness with contentment is gain.

IV.      Righteous living is far more important

            A.        Prov. 15:6 - God rewards the righteous

            B.        Prov. 15:16-17 - Godliness and love are better

            C.        Prov. 16:8 - A little with righteousness is better

            D.        Prov. 16:16 - Wisdom is better.

V.        Living within your means doesn’t just happen

            A.        Handling money is something learned.

                        1.         You need advise - Prov. 15:22

                        2.         By proper teaching, we leave not only a monetary inheritance, but one that lives through succeeding generations as our instruction is past on. - Prov. 13:22

                        3.         We have to learn from our mistakes and when others correct us. - Prov. 13:18

                        4.         Talk with members who seem to have a handle on their funds. How did they mange it? How do they save some aside?

            B.        Proper handling is something planned.

                        1.         Prov. 20:4 - The lazy won’t prepare

                        2.         Prov. 30:24-25 - The ants are feeble, but they overcome by preparation

                        3.         Prov. 21:25-26 - It takes more than a desire, we must be willing to work for the things we need.

                                    a.         Example: Mom thought a dishwasher would be useful with the five kids she was raising. They didn’t have the extra cash with Dad’s salary, so she took a part-time job at Hardees for the lunch hours only (while we were in school). She worked only to save up enough for the dishwasher and a new refrigerator.

                                    b.         Note: These were conveniences. They saved first, then purchased.

                        4.         Prov. 21:5-6 - No rash decisions

                                    a.         A problem in this society. A desire for instant gratification.

                                    b.         It is often why we buy on credit. I get it now and I’ll worry about the cash later.

                                    c.         If this is a problem:

                                                (1)       Never buy from a salesman immediately. Wait three days. If it still sounds like a good deal and you have the spare cash, then decide.

                                                (2)       Only carry the cash you need for that day. If an unexpected purchase comes up, wait until the next day to buy. If it is worth the deal it is worth the wait. Anything that can’t wait until tomorrow is not a good deal.

                                                (3)       Take at least two days to make a major purchase. First save, then a day to locate the best deal and finally purchase the following day.

                                                (4)       NEVER buy on a credit card unless you know how you will be paying it off at the end of the month.

                                                (5)       NEVER borrow unless you have room in your budget for the long term payments. Remember, you are making a promise to repay. Failure to repay is not keeping your word and a bad refection on the Lord.

                        5.         Prov. 21:30 - Don’t squander. Spending all that you have.

                                    a.         Set aside funds for the emergencies that are bound to come up.

                                    b.         Save for anything you need without taping into plans for other purchases.

            C.        Learn the difference between need and want

VI.      Don’t leave God out of your plans

            A.        The rich fool - Luke 12:13-21

            B.        Our treasure should be in heaven - Matt. 6:19-20