A Steward Must Be Faithful
Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30
C.I.: The ABC's of Money
Last Sunday… - “Most financial problems are caused by behavior
not ignorance!”
So today we are going to look at some godly ways to modify our behavior!
Handling Our Money God's Way
“A” = Acknowledging that It's God's
Money
“Faith or Fear” : How do we approach the various
areas of our lives?
In the reading – God came first with the 5&2
talent men – they immediately put Him 1 st !
But the one talent man – his concerns caused
him to put God off (note his excuses!).
So people will act by FAITH and put Jesus as
#1 – or they'll act on FEAR putting Him last!
Where do we put God: With Our Plans ( Pro.
16:3 ), “Commit your works to the L. & your
plans will be established” - our Efforts
( Col. 3:17 )? - Our $$$ ( Haggai
2:8 ), “The ag is….”
Three Great Principles of Godly L(g)iving
#1: L(g)ive from your firstfuits =
the first & the best! - ( I Cor. 15:20 ), “Now
Christ has been
raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.”
Do we give God our best – or does He get our
leftovers?!
( Pro. 3:9-10 ), “Honor
the Lord from your wealth, and from the first of all your
produce; - so your barns will be filled with plenty & your
vats will overflow with new wine.”
He sees where He stands in our lives – by where
we put Him; 1st, last, or in the middle!
#2: L(g)iving should be a joyful experience.
1) The joy comes from our relationship with Jesus!!!
2) So whatever we do – JOY, ( Col. 3:23 ), “Whatever
you do, do your work heartily , - as for the
Lord – rather than for men .”
3) Thus, because of who we are & whose we are – our
lives (incl. our giving) filled w/ JOY!
4) ( II Cor. 9:7 ), “Let each one do
just as he has purpose in his own heart, not grudgingly….”
#3: L(g)ive as you have been blessed!
1) God does not expect us to give what we don't have – ( II
Cor. 8:12 ), “If the readiness….”
2) But to the extent that God has blessed us – He expects
us to use those blessings – to bless
others - ( II Cor. 9:10-11 ), “Now He who supplies seed
for the sower – and bread for food, -
will supply and multiply you're your seed for sowing and increase the harvest
of your
righteousness; - you will be enriched in everything for all liberality . ”
d. Our living & giving should be a reflection – of
God life & gift to us – in Christ Jesus!
1) Now T.V. preachers will tell you, “Give in order to receive!” – But
God says, “Give because
you already have received!!!”
2) A trick to beat Satan: When planning our l(g)iving – pray & plan
what you are going to do –
then when Satan tempts you to back down – DOUBLE what you were planning!!!
It works!
“B” = Budgeting God's Money
For many people budgeting is like eating a
brussels sprout & eggplant soufflé!
Reason many people are failing financially – is
because the fail to plan. – “Failing to plan….”
Now there are generally two ways to do things:
the right way and the easy way.
Too often Short-Term Happiness – gets in the
way of Long-Term Goals!
( Heb. 12:16-17 ), “See
to it there be no immoral or godless person like Esau who
sold his birthright for a single meal –afterwards when
he desired to inherit a blessing, he was rejected, - though
he sought for it with tears.”
Therefore, giving in to short-term thinking – will
destroy our long-term goals! (Budget!!!)
Three keys to a successful budget:
#1: Teamwork: You and your spouse need to be
in agreement on the items.
A family budget won't work unless the “family” is
involved.
( Amos 3:3 ), “Can two
walk together unless they have made an agreement?”
Have an agreement re: “Amount to Spend” – neither
can spend more w/o other's consent.
#2: Know your true income
1) This is your actual net (not your hoped for raise, overtime,
etc.) – what is actually earned.
2) “Wishful thinking” will destroy your budget – and put
you in the poor house.
3) 2 Old sayings, “Bank deposits must proceed cash withdrawals!” – “Earn
more – spend less –
invest wisely!”
#3: Have it written down & evaluated monthly
(the most important of the three keys!)
1) Until your budget is in writing – it will be of no use.-
2 benefits of a written budget…
a) Clarity: It can be reviewed, discussed, changed & understood
by all parties involved.
b) Commitment: Once it is accepted – it is easier to commit
to a budget in written form –
( Num. 30:2 ), “If a man makes a vow to the Lord… he shall
not violate his word!”
2) I have copies of a written budget if you would like to
take one.
“C” = Controlling God's Money (Control
your money or it will control you – “It is a useful servant but
a terrible master!”)
Three strategies for controlling money:
Learn to recognize & avoid the “instant
gratification trap”!
Short term pleasures (of any type; sex, drugs,
food, etc.) – will hurt long-term happiness.
( Heb. 11:25 ), “Moses
chose to endure ill-treatment w/people of God, rather than
enjoy….”
Chris' strategy: Pick up an item, carry it
around the store… then put it back!
ATMs (“ A dios T o my M oney”) should be avoided – OFTEN!
Realize we are only stewards of GOD'S possessions:
1) Remember the Scripture Reading? – We are only stewards
(taking care of God's stuff).
2) We will one day give an account – ( Matt. 25:19;
II Cor. 5:10 ), “Now after a long time the
master came and settled accounts with them.” – “We must all appear before the
judgment..”
Recognize what motivates us to “buy”
1) Ask yourself: Do I Need this or just want it? - Does
it tickle my vanity or impress others?!
2) Am I purchasing this to fill an emptiness in my life?
Is there a “Christ-shaped” hole in my life & I'm
trying to fill it w/ stuff ?! ( Rev. 3:17,
19 )!
Review Main Points! - Rom. 6:16, (“Every
saint has a past – every sinner has a future!”) 3-4!
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