.JPG)
In this study series, we are going to learn and equip ourselves with the word. of God and his instructions on:Managing money, God's .perspective
Why God provides money,
Making money is a means of blessing others
Why are we in debt?
Reasons for- becoming debt .free
God's plans for debt fee living
Study #1 (17 Match 2008): - a Managing money
Let's not duck the issue everyone needs money! At the same time money needs managing. If not, you can have a big money income and still be in debt. Money management has to be looked at from three angles -- who is the supplier, who are the users and where does lack or debt come from. Some Christians don't want to talk about money; however, the New Testament talks a lot about it. For example, in the Gospels, Jesus tells a parable about money entrusted into people's care. We see in the parable an expectation that money is to be managed profitably (Matthew 25:14-30). Money is entrusted into our care and needs to be administered in love, faith and wisdom,
Types of economy system
Read John 6:1-15 (for example), to identify the differences between God's and human's economy systems
God's economy system
Provider (v6)
Planner (v9)
Prayer of faith (v 11)
No waste (v12)
Multiplication (v13)
Human economy system
Impossibility (v7)
Futility (v9)
(Conclusion: Is your life arranged according to human economic principles or according to God's plan of economy? Are you like Philip who lived according to the principle of impossibility or like Andrew whose view is inclined toward the principle of futility?)
Biblical principles for money management
a. In Deut 8:18 God said, "And you shall remember the Lord your God. for it is He who gives you power- to get wealth that He may establish His covenant which lie swore to your fathers. Read also Ecc 5:19, Hos 2:8. (Remember/acknowledge(worship & praise) God,- He is the supplier; Covenant keeper; What the money/wealth is /Or)
b. Right priority & adaptation to circumstances. Matt 6:24; Heb 13:5; Php 4:12-13
c. Money comes through work/labour. God wants to have something to bless in your life - something that His power to get wealth can be applied to. This is why He exhorts us to have our hands involved in an honest work project. This will give Him something to work with — He can bless (empower to prosper) the works of our hands! Eph 4:28 says, "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good that he may have to give to him that needed.
d. Wise investment & accept that we are not equally moneyed. Matt 6:19-21; Matt 25:14-30; Php 4:17; Luke 12:33-34
e. Plan for family/children or building a lasting legacy. Pro 13:22; 1 Tim 5:7-8; 2 Cor 12:14
f. Giving/Offering/Tithing. Mal 3:6-12; Luke 20:22-25; 1 Cor 16:2; Due 24:15 (Due to God, Government, Church and Employees)
g. Plan for old age????
Conclusion
If God gave out a financial advice to you right now, would you take it? After all, who can better predict market forecasts or protect us from bad transactions or teach us how to best invest our resources? ONLY GOD! The study continues Saturday 31st May, don't miss it.
