Do you need more money? (A guide to financial discipleship)
25/09/2022 - Matt Destry
Do you need more money?
Money is a form of power — power should be wielded with emotions in check.
“There are three conversions necessary: the conversion of the heart, the conversion of the mind, and the conversion of the purse.” Martin Luther
Biblical framework: Old Testament –
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
Proverbs 10:4 (NIV)
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
Proverbs 13:11 (NIV)
“One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.”
Proverbs 22:16 (NIV)
Truth: Wealth is morally neutral. It’s what you do with it that matters.
Biblical framework: Gospel –
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be loved to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:32-34
Truth: Money is a servant
Biblical framework: Epistle –
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs…
<So> Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19
Truth: Sharing is happiness
- Focus on the heart
- Don’t fall for the comparison trap
- Develop an approach to $$ management
Questions:
Family of origin — who did you learn from about how to use money? What it helpful?
Identity – – who are you when you’re reduced to nothing?
Trust – can you allow God to be your eternal security?
Faith – can you obey God and give even when you’re not ‘feeling’ it?
Planning – what do you need to do next? Who can help you? Who can you learn from?
Generous intentions require generous priorities.