A Steward Must Be Faithful

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

C.I.: The ABCs 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!