1Tm 6:10 the love of money is root of all evil: some people eager for money, have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows

I. The Means of money (job) can be just as much an idol as the product (power, pleasure, possessions) or money itself

J. Enslaved and robbed by Debt = Bondage (a sign of God’s Judgment for lack of self control)  Dt 28:12  The LORD shall open to you his good treasure…and to bless all the work of your hand: and you shall lend to many nations, and you shall not borrow.

Pr 22:7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

K. Wrong Values Heb 11:26  Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he was looking to the reward.

L. No stewardship mentality rooted in the fear of God; Don’t think God owns it (see Part 1) 1Ch 29:11

M. Giving less than 10%; Only 10% belongs to God (See Part 4) Malachi 3  [Give 10; Save 10; Be a good steward of the rest]

N. Hoarding rather than Generous;  Stewardship is not hoarding Pr 11:24

O. No trust God will provide (unrighteous walk); Dollar and a dream eliminates God from the scheme

P. Devourer not rebuked Mal 3:11  I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; nor vine fail…

Q. Not seeking Kingdom and righteousness first Matt 6:33…and all these things (that the Gentiles seek) will be added to you

R. Money controls decisions; Worshipping the almighty buck Mt 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

S. Love things and use people; {Gothard: Love Money if…}

II. Why God Gives us Money:

Not to use according to our will. but to use according to the will of God

Ezra 7:18  And whatever seems good to you to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do according to  the will of your God.

A. As a channel for His provision  Matt 6:11 daily bread; 2Thess 3:10 no work, no eat; I Tim 5:8 provide for own…infidel

B. Pay taxesMt 17:24 master pay tribute? 27…fish…opened his mouth, you shall find a piece of money…give to them for me and you.

C. Restoring debts Lk 19:8 Zacchaeus: Lord, half I give to the poor; if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

D. Save Pr 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spends/devours all he has.

E. Evangelize Lu 16:9 Make friends with the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

F. Ministry/Eternal Dinner Parties Lk 14:12 dinner, call not friends, kinsmen, rich neighbors; lest they invite you back and you be repaid.

G. Test us  Lk 16:11  If you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

H. Develop contentment Ph 4:11…learned, in whatever state…to be content. 12…full…hungry…abound...suffer need. 13  I can do all things thru…

I.  Enjoy both present and future  1Tm 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; 18  That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to share; 19  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

J. Cause joy by being lavish toward God and generous toward others (remember, money is not their real need) 2Cor 9:12  this service not only supplies the need of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings to God; (See Part 4 Giving to God and Others)

K. Give to bring pleasure to GodIsa 43:24 You have bought me no sweet cane with money…you have wearied me with your iniquities. Pr 3:5-6

III. How to Spend Strategically

A. Courageouslybe a good stewards/managers of income/outgo whether we have a little or a lot

B. Establish a “wartime” budget prayerfully and increase you ability to earn (self-limits, laziness, lack skill/knowledge/experience)

C. Go for value: Consider value in the context of stewardship of time and talents (opportunities); Pray before you pay (Will of God)

D.  Lifestyle Frugality/Carefulness Jn 6:12…let nothing be wasted  Lk 15:8 ten pieces of silver…lose one…seek diligently till she find it?

E.  Develop sales and desire resistance;  How do you stop an elephant from charging? Ps 62:10…if riches increase, don’t set your heart on them.

F. Consider: need, make do or live without, alternatives, standard/quality, reasons, rent, sale, budget, counsel, witness , pray, wait, will of God?

G. Spend on your needs while investing in your future pleasure. Lk 16:11 If not faithful in the unrighteous mammon…entrust with the true riches?

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. If we agree that it all belongs to God, why do we spend on ourselves what even belongs to others? 

2. Is saving inconsistent with trusting God? Is it better to increase earnings or decrease spending? What if God doesn’t provide?

3. How can a believer justify spending on their own pleasure while in the midst of a “spiritual war” and starving people?

4. How do you know if you’re being a good steward and your spending is honoring/glorifying God?

5. If you’re not living within a God-honoring imitable budget, why not? What steps can you take to deny yourself and follow Christ?