Your Money and Your Life A Discipleship Journal Bible Study
© 2000 by The Navigators All rights reserved. Permission is granted to download and print one copy to use with a study group.
A Discipleship Journal Bible Study on Managing Money Biblically
YOUR MONEY AND YOUR LIFE B Y
S U E
K L I N E
NAVPRESS1
BRINGING TRUTH TO LIFE P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80935
A Discipleship Journal Bible Study on Managing Money Biblically
YOUR MONEY AND YOUR LIFE B Y
S U E
K L I N E
NAVPRESS1
BRINGING TRUTH TO LIFE P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80935
Our Guarantee Guarantee to You You We believe so strongly in the message of our books that we are making this quality guarantee to you. I f for any reason you are disappointed with the content of this book, return the title page to us with your name and address and we will refund to you the list price of the book. To help us serve you better, please briefly describe why you were disappointed. Mail your refund request to: NavPress, P.O. Box 35002, Colorado Springs, CO 80935.
The Navigators is an international Christian organization. Our mission is to reach, disciple, and equip people to know Christ and to make Him known through successive generations. We envision multitudes of diverse people in the United States and every other nation who have a passionate love for Christ, live a lifestyle of sharing Christ’s love, and multiply spiritual laborers among those without Christ. NavPress is the publishing ministry of The Navigators. NavPress publications help believers learn biblical truth and apply what they learn to their lives and ministries. Our mission is to stimulate spiritual formation among our readers. © 2000 by The Navigators All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from NavPress, P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, CO 80935. www.navpress.com ISBN 1-57683-166-3 Cover illustration by John Maggard Cover design by Dan Jamison Creative Team: Team: Eric Stanford, Marla Kennedy, Kennedy, Lori Mitchell, Vickie Howard Unless otherwise identified, all Scripture quotations in this publication are taken from the Holy Bible: New International Version® Version® (NIV®). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Other versions used include : The Message: New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs (MSG) by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group; the New American Standard Bible (NASB), copyright © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977; The Living Bible (TLB), copyright © 1971, used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, all rights reserved; the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, used by permission, all rights reserved; The New Testament in Modern English (PH), J. B. Phillips Translator, copyright © J. B. Phillips 1958, 1960, 1972, used by permission of Macmillan Publishing Company; The Holy Bible, New Century Version copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas 75039. Used by permission; The New English Bible (NEB), copyright © 1961, 1970, The Delegates of the Oxford University Press and The Syndics of the Cambridge University Press; and the King James Version (KJV). Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Translation , copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 / 04 03 02 01 00 FOR A FREE CATALOG OF NAVPRESS BOOKS & BIBLE STUDIES, CALL 1-800-366-7788 (USA) OR 1-416-499-4615 (CANADA)
Contents Introduction
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SESSION
1 Material World
7
2 I Can’t Get No Satisfaction
19
3 Land of the Free, Part 1
31
4 Land of the Free, Part 2
41
5 The Habit of the Wise
51
6 What Do I Do with All This Stuff? 7 Money’s Kingdom Power 8 Your Money and Your Life
73 87
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Introduction
Money Madness Money. We love it; we hate it. It makes our lives easier; it complicates our lives. It allows us to help spread the gospel; it distracts us from truly living for Christ. Even Jesus seemed ambiguous about money at times. On one occasion He called it mammon—an idol. On another, He told His listeners to use money to make friends. Is it any wonder that we struggle to discern money’s place in our lives? Over the years, Discipleship Journal has published a number of articles that address the topics of money and possessions. This study compiles some of those significant articles and combines them with discussion questions and innovative learning activities that will help you discover how to handle your wealth—great or small—in Christ-honoring ways. As you interact with the articles, questions, and activities, you’ll examine the following questions about your money and your “stuff”:
What is materialism, and how do I know if I am materialistic? When does a longing for more turn into greed? How can I learn true contentment? What principles from the Bible can set me on the road to financial freedom? If I save money, am I failing to trust God? For what should I be saving, and how am I supposed to save when I can’t even make ends meet? I’ve got a lot of nice things. Does that make me unspiritual? How can I use my money and possessions in ways that will be eternally significant?
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How This Study Guide Works
This Discipleship Journal Bible study may look a little different from study guides you have used in the past. In addition to the Scripture that you’ll be looking at in each article, we’ve combed through issues of Discipleship Journal magazine and selected some of the best articles on a variety of topics essential to living life as a disciple of Christ in today’s world. This combination of Scripture texts and the sharpened insights of experienced communicators should give you plenty to contemplate as you discover what it means to follow Jesus in your life situation. The idea is to help you to be a “doer” of the Word and not merely a “hearer” ( James 1:22, NRSV). Not all questions incorporate specific verses of Scripture, but they all are intended to help you think through what it means to apply biblical truth. Sometimes that will involve changing the way you think, and often it will mean changing the way you act. This study guide is designed to be used either individually or in a small-group setting. (Your experience will likely be enhanced by the input, perspective, and prayers of like-minded believers.) Even if you work on this study on your own, we encourage you to share your insights and discoveries with someone who can help “sharpen” you in your walk with God (see Proverbs 27:17). Our prayer is that God’s Word will both challenge and encourage you as you seek to follow Him “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30).
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SESSION
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Material World In an introduction to the article that follows, Steve Thurman wrote, An old Jack Benny skit illustrates many people’s attitudes toward money. Jack is walking along when suddenly an armed robber approaches him and demands, “Your money or your life!” There is a long pause. Finally the robber impatiently asks, “Well?” “Don’t rush me,” Benny replies. “I’m thinking about it.” We laugh at such irrational behavior, but some of us may laugh a little nervously! We live in an age when life without money is unthinkable. And in many ways, money is essential for life. It buys us food and drink to sustain life. It pays for shelter and clothing to protect us from the elements. Without it, we would be unable to obtain medical care, acquire an education, and so on. If we cannot live without money, then how do we learn to live with money? The following article, entitled “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Just a Little More” by Steve Thurman (excerpted from Issue 53), will give us some guidelines for living with money without falling in love with it. As you work through this study and the ones that follow, you may find it works best to read the article once without stopping to answer the questions. Underline any portions that stand out to you. Then read the article a second time, responding to the related questions and exercises as you go. 7
DJ Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Just a Little More Madness about money. It’s everywhere. Few, if any, escape its grasp. Advertisements convince us that we must have it all, and state lotteries promise us that we can have it all now. And the problem is not just “out there” in the world somewhere. The bride of Christ herself has focused much of her attention on the things of this world, much to the grief of her Lord. Some of us love money. We love the things it will buy. We love the comfort and the pleasure we think it will bring into our lives.
1. a. When you hear the word money, what emotions do you feel?
b. Now ask three other people (preferably at least one nonChristian) the same question and record their responses.
2.
Steve Thurman says even followers of Christ are too in love with money. Do you agree? Why or why not?
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DJ We call this money madness materialism. And though the Scriptures do not give us a definition, you might be surprised at how “biblically” some of our secular dictionaries define the problem. Listen to Webster’s Third New International Dictionary: Materialism is “a preoccupation with, or tendency to seek after or stress material rather than spiritual things.” My children’s Thorndike and Barnhart Junior Dictionary defines a materialist as “a person who cares too much for the things of this world and neglects spiritual needs.” Someone at Webster and at Thorndike and Barnhart has been reading the Bible! A materialist is preoccupied with the things of this world. He spends his days dreaming only of the next acquisition. And he is frustrated if he can’t get what he wants when he wants it. For the materialist, life is a preoccupation with jewelry, or landscaping, or remodeling the home, or trips abroad, or nice cars, or a business deal. Life revolves around these things. He is obsessed with the “stuff” of life.
3. a. This description of a materialist sounds a lot like some people Jesus described in Luke 8:4-8,11-15. What phrase describes the people in verse 14?
b. What similarities do you find between this description and Steve Thurman’s description of a materialist?
c. From this parable, what is one danger of being materialistic?
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d. Have you seen this occur in your life? If so, describe the situation.
DJ Look at the picture Jesus paints of a materialist in Luke 12:16-21: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” There he is—a man not “rich toward God,” a man preoccupied with treasure for himself. The spiritual dimension is set aside, the kingdom of God is given second place to the kingdom of this world. This is the materialist.
4.
Most of Jesus’ parables contain an element of surprise, an “aha” moment when what you expect does not occur. In this parable, the “aha” is in verse 20: “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” Why might it come as a surprise to Jesus’ listeners to hear God call this man a fool? How does that go against conventional wisdom?
10
5.
Look at the use of “I” and “my” in this story. What do they reveal about the man’s attitude toward his wealth?
6.
How do you think Jesus would respond to the modern slogan “The one who dies with the most toys wins”?
7.
The following verses describe other prosperous people who acted like “fools.” Match the verses on the left with the foolish behaviors on the right by drawing lines between them. Deuteronomy 6:10-12
8.
complacency
Proverbs 1:32
self-sufficiency
Proverbs 18:11
forgetting God
James 4:13-16
misplaced trust
Revelation 3:17
overconfidence in the future
Which of these attitudes toward wealth have you observed in your own life or in the lives of those around you? Give a recent example. (Or think about examples from movies, television shows, or advertising.)
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9.
10.
God’s complaint against the farmer in the parable is not that he is rich, but that he is not “rich toward God.” How might someone “rich toward God” have behaved differently?
What are some ways you try to be “rich toward God” with your money and possessions?
DJ It’s important to note that materialism is not mere possession of material things but obsession with them. That’s the distinction we must make in our minds. Furthermore, materialism is not just the disease of the rich. Rich and poor alike can be obsessed with having more and having it now. Bible teacher Howard Hendricks puts it like this: “Materialism has nothing to do with the amount. It has everything to do with attitude.” In 1 Timothy 6:17 we see the attitude of preoccupation with money and material things. Paul wrote, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth.” Notice he did not say, “Command the rich to get rid of their wealth.” He did not say, “Command the rich to feel guilty about being wealthy.” He didn’t say any of those things. He said, “Command the rich not to put their hope in wealth.” That’s materialism—putting hope in riches instead of in God. You may be frustrated by this definition of materialism. Why? Because there is no formula by which to judge when we have crossed the line. We want numbers or categories: “Oh yeah, he’s materialistic. He just paid ______ for his house.” Or, “She’s not rich toward God; she owns a fur coat!” Or, “Yep, he just crossed the line. He bought a Cadillac.” 12
But it doesn’t work that way. That’s not in the Scriptures. Materialism is not a number. It isn’t determined by how much or how little we have. It’s a matter of the heart.
11.
Do you agree that “materialism has nothing to do with the amount”? Why or why not?
12.
By what standards do you tend to measure a person’s materialism (for example, $500,000 house, fur coat, Cadillac)?
13.
How does 1 Samuel 16:7 support the article’s position that a person cannot be labeled as materialistic based solely on what he or she owns?
DJ If materialism is so subjective, what are some of its “warning signals”? Let me share a few of mine. When I go from managing my money to being anxious over it, I know I have crossed the line into materialism. When I compare what others have with what I have, I know I’m on the wrong track. When I begin to lose appreciation for what the Lord has already given me—when I begin to focus on what I don’t have—I know I am preoccupied with material things. When I focus on keeping rather than giving, on building
13
my little financial empire rather than reducing it for someone else’s good, then I know I am caring too much for the material over the spiritual. These are the warning lights on my spiritual dashboard. When they start flashing, I’d better check under the hood. My conscience is muddied, my Lord is grieved, and I can feel it in my spirit.
14.
The author gives four warning signs of materialism: worry, envy, ingratitude, and stinginess. Circle the one you encounter most often in your life.
15.
What circumstances are most likely to cause you to worry, envy, be ungrateful, or be stingy?
16. a. Look up the verses below that relate to the warning sign you wrote down. Worry—Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7 Envy—Proverbs 14:30; James 3:13-17 Ingratitude—Deuteronomy 8:10; Romans 1:21; Colossians 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Stinginess—Proverbs 11:24-25; Luke 12:33; Acts 20:35
b. Do the verses you’ve read contain any warnings? Record what you found in the space below.
c. Did they suggest any new behaviors or attitudes to adopt?
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d. Was any promise of blessing for obedience mentioned?
17.
The next time you find yourself giving in to worry, envy, ingratitude, or stinginess, what could you do differently?
DJ The good news is that we aren’t doomed to materialism. We can choose another road. Look at 1 Timothy 6:6-8: “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” Albert Schweitzer was a medical missionary who died in 1965 at the age of ninety. His standard attire was a white pith helmet, white shirt and pants, and a black tie. He had worn one hat for forty years, the tie for twenty. Told one day that some men owned dozens of neckties, Schweitzer remarked, “For one neck?” Imagine what our lives would be like if we were preoccupied with goodness and simplicity and the Lord Jesus Christ instead of with money and the stuff it buys!
18.
How might a focus on godliness instead of wealth affect the following aspects of life? Be specific.
Family relationships
Worship
Work
Leisure
Personal ministry 15
DJ I assume that you, like me, will not walk away from reading this with the problem of materialism solved. The process of overcoming money madness will take more than an overnight prayer, reading this article, or hearing a good sermon. I find hope in something Paul wrote in Philippians 4:12-13: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Did you catch it? Paul learned to be content in the circumstances of life, rich or poor. And he learned how to do this in relationship with Him who strengthens. Let us go and do the same.
19.
The author ends his article on a note of hope. Restate the basis of his hope in your own words.
20.
What words of encouragement do the following verses offer those who are trying to resist the pull of materialism and focus on living for Christ?
2 Corinthians 12:9
Philippians 4:13
2 Peter 1:3-4
1 John 5:3-5
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21.
Glance back at what you have discovered in this session. What is the most important insight you have gained?
22.
What concrete step(s) can you take to reinforce the lessons from this session?
Parting Thought
Ultimately, worshiping mammon means worshiping self. For we covet wealth not for its own sake, but for our benefit. And that perspective betrays a broader and deeper attitude: everything, we think, exists to serve us. Thus we put ourselves in the place of God, for whose pleasure all things were created (Revelation 4:11). —E. Calvin Beisner, “The Idol of Mammon,” Issue 40
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I Can’t Get No Satisfaction How much is enough? Let’s face it, living in the materialistic world as we do, we can find it hard to rid ourselves entirely of that nagging longing for more. Is it possible to be truly, deeply satisfied? The Bible speaks of something wonderful called contentment. Have you found contentment to be elusive? In our next article, entitled “Eager for More” by Tricia McCary Rhodes (excerpted from Issue 112), the author argues that contentment is not possible until we ask ourselves some searching questions.
DJ Eager for More Most of us don’t see ourselves as greedy. Few of us aspire to be millionaires. But we all have those pervasive “if only” dreams: If only I made a little more money. If only I had a more reliable car, a faster computer, a better job. If only we could take that vacation. How does this continual wish for more fit with biblical admonitions to be content with what we have?
1.
What do you think would satisfy you? To help you answer that question, fill in the following blanks:
If only I had If only I could If only I didn’t If only I wasn’t
. . . . 19
2.
Do you know a contented person? How would you describe him or her?
DJ The Greek word pleonexias comes from two root words meaning “eager to hold more in quantity or quality.” It is most often translated greed (or, in some versions, covetousness). To be eager for more is to be greedy. The degree to which we fill that desire may depend on our income (or our credit rating), but the Bible warns against an inner discontent that says we just don’t have enough. In Luke 12:15 Jesus alerts us, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Both Ephesians 5:3 and Colossians 3:5 list greed among behaviors and attitudes that are part of our old life and don’t belong among “God’s holy people.”
3.
How does Jesus’ statement that “a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” challenge contemporary values and lifestyles?
4.
Read Ephesians 5:3 and Colossians 3:5. What other behaviors are listed in these verses alongside greed?
5.
Are you surprised that greed is placed in such “bad company”? Why or why not?
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DJ The Israelites knew well the power—and the consequences—of greed. Two years into the wilderness, they tired of manna (Numbers 11:1-4). God was so angry at their discontent that He sent blazing fire around their camp. Then He gave them what they wanted, in ironic abundance and promised they’d be so sick of quail that it would come out of their noses. While they were still chewing the meat, He sent a plague to destroy the complainers. Their burial spot was called Kibroth Hattaavah, the place of greediness.
6.
Psalm 106:13-15 is a commentary on what happened in the wilderness. What fed the Israelites’ greed (v. 14)?
7.
Is there something you’ve been craving lately? If so, what is it?
8. a. Make a list of some of the things God has done for you.
b. Record how making the list affected the craving you wrote down in question seven.
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DJ Scripture paints a graphic picture of greed’s slippery slope. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang. (1 Timothy 6:8-10, NASB) Paul defines rich by contrasting it with life’s primitive needs. He does not say wealth is sinful, nor does he define how much is enough. But he does imply that if our basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing are met, it is wrong to live in a state of discontent.
9.
What is your “gut” response to Paul’s instruction to be content with “food and covering”?
10.
Paul said that wanting to get rich leads to nothing but trouble. Proverbs 15:27 describes one area of life that can be affected by greed. What is it?
11.
How might a person’s greed bring trouble to an entire family?
DJ An eager or anxious longing for more than what God has provided catapults us into Satan’s domain where we are ripe for temptation. Greed leads to immersion in a worldview that is hard 22
to resist. Traps await us at every turn, and before long, foolish and harmful desires pierce our hearts, robbing us of the joy of our faith.
12. a. Luke 4:5-8 describes one of the ways in which Satan tempted Jesus. According to these verses, what did he offer Jesus?
b. How did Jesus respond to this offer of power and wealth?
13.
When we are tempted by greed, what comfort can we draw from Hebrews 2:18?
DJ How do we know if our spending or our desires reflect greed? Because the answers come in shades of gray rather than black or white, many of us don’t even ask the questions. Yet it is critical that we do, given the strong admonitions in Scripture. In fact, as Christians, we should confront the issue of greed almost daily. One way to do so is to pause and reflect before we purchase anything beyond basic necessities. Why am I buying this? What need am I meeting? Is there a deeper source of longing I’m not aware of? We are needy people. Satan knows this and constantly tosses out bait designed to lure us into his schemes. Recognizing his strategy is key to avoiding sinful greed. What is that strategy? To appeal to the lust of our flesh, the lust of our eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16, KJV). 23
14.
Think back on the last purchase you made that you regretted. What was it? What questions did you ask yourself before you bought that item? Are there questions you wish you had asked? What are they?
DJ The Lust of the Flesh: What Satisfies You? Within each of us is an indefinable thirst, a feeling that things aren’t as they should be. When Jesus stood up shortly before His death and cried out, “If any man is thirsty . . .” [John 7:37, NASB], it was a setup. He knew they were thirsty, because He had made them that way so they would come to Him and drink. Spiritual thirst, if misdirected, turns into lust of the flesh—a desire for sensual pleasure. The gratification of these lusts is short lived, and so we seek more, plunging us into a downward spiral of discontent and dissatisfaction. Author Rodney Clapp stated that the Industrial Revolution in America brought the capability of creating enormous quantities of product—more than we could ever use. This overabundance spawned modern advertising, a tool designed to create need in people’s minds. Today, hundreds of ads bombard us in ways we probably don’t even realize, telling us we’re missing something. Clapp calls this the “constant encouragement of insatiability.” But the lust of the flesh can never be satiated. At some point we may find ourselves drowning in the destruction of an idolatrous culture.
15.
Leaf through a newspaper or magazine, noting the advertisements. What evidence do you find of the “encouragement of insatiability”?
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16. a. Below are some other translations of the term “lust of the flesh” found in 1 John 2:15-17.
The Message: “wanting your own way” New Century Version: “wanting to please our sinful selves” New Living Translation: “the lust for physical pleasure” New International Version: “the cravings of sinful man”
b. Write your own definition of the lust of the flesh. What would lust of the flesh “look like”? It may be helpful to get input from a few friends about their understanding of this term.
17.
According to 1 John 2:15-17, what is a better path to satisfaction than surrendering to the lust of the flesh?
DJ The Lust of the Eyes: What Diverts You? The infinite and sovereign I AM fills the universe with His glory. Whether intrigued by the detail of a spider’s web or breathtaken by an evening sunset, we can’t help but give expression to what we’ve seen. This is worship—a primal need in the heart of every human being. But Paul showed us in Romans how we can shift our focus from Creator to creation. The “lust of the eyes” results in a craving for novelty, a relentless drive to experience something new. (Who can settle for a VCR when the technology of DVD awaits us?) Often, even before our newest toy is out of the box, we feel the emptiness and long for something more. Manufacturers, competing vigorously for our business, offer an ever-expanding array of choices. We can’t imagine people who eat only rice and who have never rented the latest video. Daily we are 25
driven by the endless diversions of the kingdoms of this world, failing to grasp the deeper yearnings behind our pursuit.
18.
The author writes, “Even before our newest toy is out of the box, we feel the emptiness and long for something more.” How does Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 support her statement?
19.
The author offers worship of our Creator as the flip side to lust of the eyes. How does worship affect your attitude toward possessions and money?
DJ The Pride of Life: What Defines You? When God breathed a soul into human flesh, He separated us from all other beings, giving us a sense of destiny, a need for meaning in our existence. He instills in each of us a longing that can only be fulfilled in seeking first His kingdom. He promises that one day we’ll hear Him say, “Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34, NASB). But the pride of life compels us to conclude that we are our own destiny. Slogans abound that reflect this attitude: Have It Your Way, Just Do It, Break All the Rules. As self-made men, we glory in our achievements and take comfort in our status on this earth. And much of that achievement and status is measured by possessions. 26
20.
What possessions are you most proud of (for example, house, high-tech computer, car, wardrobe)?
21. a. Read Psalm 49:16-19. What reasons did the man referred to in these verses have to be proud of his life?
b. What comment does the psalmist make about the value of these things?
c. How would someone who is focused on inheriting God’s kingdom differ from the man in Psalm 49?
DJ The Path to Contentment What do our deepest longings and daily drives tell us about the condition of our souls? Are we settling for tawdry toys and empty experiences when the unfathomable, inscrutable, unsearchable God bids us to taste and see that He is good? Are we building a kingdom destined for destruction when a city awaits us whose architect and builder is God Himself? Not long ago, God brought me face to face with some of these 27
tough questions when health problems required me to eliminate all sugar from my diet. I was completely unprepared for the battle that ensued. Because I’d never been greatly overweight, I’d convinced myself that food was not an issue in my spiritual life. I was wrong. In the first several weeks, I was irritable, frustrated, and depressed. I fixated on food several times a day. Not knowing what else to do, I decided to seek God’s face every time I wanted a snack. When others ate desserts around me, I asked God to uproot my unhealthy lusts. As Satan taunted me, I pleaded with God not to ease up on me until I was convinced from the depths of my being of His all-sufficiency. Now, many months later, I thank Him continually for bringing me through that process. As I am learning—dozens of times a day—to run to Him instead of food, our intimacy is taking on a depth I couldn’t have imagined. I grieve at what I gave up through the years and pray this reality will grip my heart whenever the world beckons me to leave my Lord’s precious side. There is only one guarantee of contentment, and that is our all-satisfying God who ever lives to fill us with the knowledge of Himself. Because He is our Shepherd, we shall not want. Daily He spreads before us the cup of His kindness, the grapes of His goodness, the bread of His justice, or the meat of His mercy, bidding us to come and dine. He promises we’ll never hunger or thirst again. This is the secret of being content with what we have, for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU” (Hebrews 13:5, NASB). How can we settle for anything else?
22. a. Solomon had it all and tried it all. How did he describe his life in Ecclesiastes 2:4-10?
b. What conclusion did he draw in verse 11?
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23. a. Paul also had it all—at least all that mattered to a Jewish religious zealot of his day. Summarize his description of himself in Philippians 3:4-6.
b. According to verses 7-11, in what did Paul finally find contentment and satisfaction?
24.
With which of these men—Solomon or Paul—do you identify more? Why?
25. a. Did this session challenge the way you’ve been viewing your money and possessions? If so, how?
b. What would you like to do differently in response to that challenge?
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Parting Thought
The things we hold on to keep Christ at arm’s length. Only when we turn loose of things are our hands free to take hold of the hands of Jesus. —Frank Martin, “Lighten Your Load,” Issue 78
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SESSION
3
Land of the Free, Part 1 In the first two sessions we looked at the world we live in. A world where the person with the most toys wins. A world where enough is never enough. A world where most people have an unhealthy relationship with money. Can we ever break out of the world’s destructive mold? God has not left us to flail about. His Word is full of helpful truth about our finances—and the truth will set us free. Which word best describes your current relationship with money—bondage or freedom? If your answer is bondage—or if you wish you could help a friend in money trouble—read the following article, entitled “Financially Free” by Becky Brodin (excerpted from Issue 88), and discover five of God’s principles of financial freedom. We will be examining this article in both sessions three and four. 1. a. The following test can help you measure the extent of your financial bondage or freedom. Rate the following statements on a scale of 0 to 5 (0 = No or Never; 5 =Yes or Frequently). If you are married, take the test separately from your spouse, then compare notes. __ My mind is occupied with finances: “Where’s the money coming from?” __ I skip giving commitments or give less than pledged. __ I have difficulty paying credit card balances in full each month. __ I receive past-due notices on bills several times a year. 31
__ I forgo saving most months. __ I charge items because “I’m short” in cash or my checking account. __ My net worth is decreasing annually. __ My housing payment exceeds 35 percent of my gross monthly income. __ I invade savings to meet current expenses. __ I feel resentment toward creditors, government, and my employer. __ I compare myself materially with coworkers, business friends, and siblings. __ I sometimes use spending as emotional therapy. __ I ignore or exceed budget limits on clothes, entertainment, or food. __ I wonder when I’ll start saving for my kids’ college or my retirement. __ My “emergency only” savings is less than two months’ living expenses. __ My current credit card balance is greater than $500. __ I borrowed to buy my current car. TOTAL: __ Scoring: 0-18 Excellent 19-36 Good 37-49 Danger 50-85 Financial bondage
b. What surprises emerged as you took this test?
c. How do the results of this test make you feel?
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DJ Financially Free Every time I stepped on my brakes, my car let out an awful, metalon-metal screech. I didn’t have the money to get them fixed, so I kept driving. But when my car developed a lurch to the right, I had to do something. I screeched and lurched to a neighborhood garage. The mechanic looked at my brakes and told me he didn’t know how I was going to get home, but I wouldn’t be driving! This wasn’t the first time I had faced a sudden expense. I was scared to death. A few years later I worked for a surgeon who was in deep debt and constantly complained about money. He was especially put out with several banks that refused to extend him credit for a new swimming pool. He netted six times what I earned in one year, yet we had something in common—we were both in financial bondage. It doesn’t matter whether you earn a little or a lot, whether you spend everything or hoard it all. People in financial bondage are preoccupied with money, anxious about meeting present obligations, or are driven to get more money. They are often behind in paying bills, save very little for the future, and are discontent with God’s provision. People in financial bondage are not able to make their own decisions regarding money. Circumstances dictate their decisions.
2.
Have you ever had an experience similar to the one Becky Brodin had with her brakes? Describe the dilemma. How did it turn out?
3.
Reread the third paragraph in the preceding excerpt and circle the phrases, if any, that describe your relationship with money.
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DJ I began to notice individuals who were financially free. I watched one friend in particular who was not anxious about money. She understood money matters, had a savings plan, purchased what she wanted, was debt-free, and gave generously. She even bought a new car—with cash! I was impressed. Over time, I discovered five biblical principles that characterize people who are financially free. Applying these principles to my own life helped me break out of financial bondage and begin the journey to financial freedom. The Principle of Understanding Money People who are financially free understand money. Many of us don’t understand how money works because we were never taught. Money management is not a common dinner-table topic that families discuss. How many of us were offered a class in money management in grade school, high school, or college? Who told us about the power of compounding interest when we were young enough to begin a substantial savings program? When credit card companies send their cards, they don’t attach an instruction sheet explaining how a 21 percent interest rate works for them and against you when you don’t pay off your bill. For years I didn’t balance my checkbook because I didn’t know how to. When my checking account got messed up enough, I’d close out that account and open a new one. I didn’t make wise decisions because I didn’t know what I was doing. Proverbs 17:16 challenged me to stop being foolish and learn about money: “Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?” The first wise step I took was to balance my checkbook—three years of canceled checks and bank statements!
4.
From what sources have you learned about managing money? Check all that apply. My parents Books, magazines, or tapes Seminars
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My spouse The example of friends Sermons Television I’ve had to figure it out on my own I haven’t learned money management yet
5.
In what area of money management would you most like more wisdom?
6.
How is wisdom related to wealth and poverty?
7.
Psalm 25:12-13
Proverbs 24:3-5
According to Psalm 119:104 and James 1:5, what are two ways we can attain greater wisdom and understanding?
8.
Does it seem “worldly” to you to seek wisdom about money? Why or why not?
9.
Summarize what Proverbs 11:14, 12:15, and 15:22 say about where else we can find wisdom.
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10. a. Write here the name of someone you know who is wise about money.
b. Write here three questions you would like to ask that person about how he or she handles financial decisions.
c. Call the person you named above and ask if you can meet for coffee and to talk over your three questions. If the person lives far from you, send a letter or e-mail in which you pose your three questions. d. Record below the most helpful thing you learned from your “wise counselor.”
DJ The Principle of Design People who are financially free manage their money by design, not by default. Engage a financially free person in conversation about money and you will hear him talk about his goals for saving, investing, giving, and so on. He knows what’s coming in and what’s going out and is making conscious choices all along the way. Bringing design to our money management requires that we assess how much we have, identify what is coming in, track what we’ve spent it on, and estimate what we will have for the future. 36
11. a. Author and financial counselor Ron Blue has said, “Your checkbook reveals all that you really believe about stewardship.” Take out your check register and credit card statements for the past three months. Using general categories (food, car, house, giving, and so forth), write down, on a separate piece of paper, everything you’ve spent money on and the amount spent. b. If you were a stranger looking at your list, what conclusions would you draw about the owner of the checkbook and credit cards? What is important to that person? How would you describe his or her lifestyle?
c. Calculate the percentage of the total amount spent for each of the categories. (If your total income for the period was $1,000 and you spent $300 on food, then food would account for 30 percent of your expenditures.) List the results of your calculations here.
d. Do any of these percentages surprise you? Which ones, and why?
e. What changes do you want to make in your spending as a result of this exercise?
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DJ Bringing design to our money management implies having a plan or (here it comes—the “B” word) a budget. And that can seem painful—unless you value the freedom that comes with planning. The alternative is to be at the mercy of never knowing where you are financially. C. E. Hoover described the function of a budget as “telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” As long as I avoided a budget, I was vulnerable to impulse spending. Unfortunately, once money is spent, it’s gone.
12.
According to the following verses, what are some benefits of planning and forethought?
Proverbs 14:15
Proverbs 18:15
Proverbs 21:5
Proverbs 22:3
13.
The author speaks of “the freedom that comes with planning.” Do “freedom” and “planning” seem contradictory to you? If so, ask the following question of someone you know who practices budgeting: “In what ways does a budget bring you greater freedom?” Record his or her answer here.
14.
If you live by a budget, how has that helped you manage your finances more wisely?
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15. a. If you do not currently use a budget, which statement below best describes your attitude toward beginning this practice? Check one.
I don’t like structure. I always have money left over at the end of the month, so I don’t need a budget. I have no idea how to set up a budget. I don’t have time to make a budget. I don’t make enough money to need a budget. I’m terrible at math. I’d really like to live by a budget, but I need someone to help me get started. I’ll start a budget when I’m older.
b. Excellent resources are available to help you begin and maintain a budget. Visit a Christian bookstore to see their collection of books by wise advisers such as Ron Blue or Larry Burkett. Ask one of your money-wise friends if he or she has a favorite resource. Or ask that same person if he or she would help you structure a workable budget.
DJ Managing money by design also means being honest and faithful in the details of money management. Luke 16:10 says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Jesus put an emphasis on faithful stewardship. Having a design for our money is a definite act of stewardship.
16.
Complete the following statement: To me, being a good steward means . . .
17.
Read Luke 16:10-12. What reasons are given for being faithful stewards?
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18.
How can having a plan (budget) for your money make you a better steward?
19.
Review your answers to the quiz in question one, part a, at the beginning of this session. Focus on those responses where you circled a 3 or higher. Place an “M” next to any areas that would be improved by applying the principle of understanding money. Place a “D” by those areas that are related to the principle of design.
20.
What is one change you would like to make as a result of what you learned in this session?
Parting Thought
Look for someone who can explain the basic concepts of money management in simple terms, who lives by the principles, and who will commit to meet with you every pay period. Just a jump start and some accountability may be all you need to change deeply ingrained habits. In the process, you’ll be defining new principles you can live by even when the accountability is gone. —Anne Meskey Elhajoui, “How I Tamed the Money Monster,” Issue 88
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SESSION
4
Land of the Free, Part 2 In the last session we examined two of God’s principles for financial freedom: the principle of understanding money and the principle of design. In this session, we continue with the article entitled “ Financially Free” by Becky Brodin, looking at biblical principles addressing debt, contentment, and generosity. 1.
Which of these statements best describes your attitude about debt? Check one.
2.
I haven’t paid for the shirt on my back yet, and I don’t care! I haven’t paid for the shirt on my back yet, and it keeps me awake at night. I want to change. I’ve abused debt in the past, but I am steadily repaying all my creditors. I only go into debt for big-ticket items: a new car, an annual vacation, a home mortgage, college tuition. A home mortgage is the only debt I consider legitimate. I avoid all debt.
How do you decide what to borrow for and what to save for?
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DJ The Principle of Understanding Debt People who are financially free work to stay clear of debt. Now that doesn’t mean they never use credit of any kind, purchase largeticket items, or even spend money frivolously from time to time. It simply means they have chosen not to take the first step down the road to debt. Several years ago, I knew a young woman who graduated from college with a school debt of more than $20,000. The first thing she purchased was a brand new car, increasing her debt to $30,000. The saddest part of all was that she had a deep desire to go overseas as a missionary. It would take years of careful, disciplined money management before she could even consider it. Proverbs 22:7 warns, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” When we are in debt, we give our personal power away to lenders.
3.
In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Polonius advises his son, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be.” How does that statement compare with Scripture? (See Exodus 22:25; Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Psalm 37:26; Psalm 112:5; Matthew 5:42; Luke 6:35.)
4. a. What blessing does God promise to Israel in Deuteronomy 15:6?
b. Conversely, what warning does God give Israel in Deuteronomy 28:43-44?
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5.
Does it seem contradictory that Scripture approves of lending but not of borrowing? Why or why not?
6.
Describe the consequences the following biblical characters faced for failure to repay debt.
The prophet’s widow (2 Kings 4:1)
The extorted Jews (Nehemiah 5:1-5)
7.
In what ways has debt been a form of slavery in your life or the life of someone close to you?
8.
If you live free from debt, how has that made your life different from the lives of your debt-ridden friends?
9.
In what ways might being debt-free allow a person to serve God more effectively?
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DJ The Principle of Contentment People who are financially free are content—they simply aren’t obsessed with getting more money. I’m not sure who the fabled Joneses are or how they came to represent a standard of achievement, but content people aren’t pressured to keep up with them. When I was in financial bondage, I thought about money constantly, always trying to figure out how to get more. But as I have climbed out of financial bondage and now work to carefully manage my money, I am content. I am not afraid. I have enough. Contentment doesn’t mean complacency or avoidance. I am willing to take risks, to invest, to learn, and to grow so that my income matches my abilities. I still think about money—but I think about how to use it well, how to make it grow, and how to bless others with it. Paul told Timothy, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Contentment is its own form of richness.
10.
The author says contentment can protect us from trouble. Have you or someone you know ever gotten in trouble (financial or otherwise) because you were not content? Describe the circumstances.
11.
Read 1 Timothy 6:6-19. What kind of lifestyle did Paul challenge Timothy to pursue instead of wealth?
12.
Do you think it is possible to pursue both wealth and character? Why or why not?
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13.
Paul said, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). What are some of the “gains,” or benefits, that come with contentment?
14.
Verse 18 in The Message reads, “Tell [the rich] to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage.” What are ways you can “go after God” instead of money?
15.
For the next week, keep a record of your contentment level, using the following categories.
People, things, or events that challenged my sense of contentment (for example, big-spending coworkers, new-car ads, a sale at your favorite boutique) My initial responses
Ways I found to “go after God” instead of giving in to discontent
Insights I gained from this exercise
DJ The Principle of Generosity People who are financially free are usually generous. These people are what I call “financially response-able.” They are able to respond to the needs and opportunities around them because they are thoughtful with their finances and not strapped by debt. Financially free people have discovered the secret that generosity promotes generosity. We see this expressed in Proverbs 11:24-25: 45
“One man gives freely, yet gains even more. . . . He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” The King James Version uses the word “watereth” for “refreshes.” It’s not hard to picture someone spraying water on others in a hot, dry climate and then getting some of the cool spray back. Meeting the real needs of others is a life-giving celebration. The apostle Paul addressed this principle of generosity in 2 Corinthians 9. “Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop” (verse 6, MSG). The disappointing reality is that Christian giving is sometimes the meager leftovers of our budget. Paul reminds us of our basis for being cheerful givers: “This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away” (2 Corinthians 9:10-11, MSG). The beauty of being financially free is that we can respond with genuine generosity.
16. a. Describe a time when you were able to respond financially to someone’s need.
b. In what ways were you refreshed by the opportunity to give?
17. a. Both the Old and New Testaments contain numerous instructions about giving, some of which we will study in an upcoming session. The following verses give us general principles for how we should give. Match the verse on the left with the principle on the right that it teaches. 46
Proverbs 3:9 1 Corinthians 16:2 2 Corinthians 8:2-3 1 Corinthians 16:2 2 Corinthians 9:7 Matthew 6:1
Give quietly Give regularly Give the best Give cheerfully Give proportionately Give sacrificially
b. Do any of these challenge challenge your present present giving giving habits? If If so, which ones?
DJ Breaking Free Ongoing financial bondage is a heavy burden to bear. But by God’s grace, it is possible to break free and live in financial freedom. Understanding how money works reduces a person’s person’s vulnerability to foolish decisions. Financial knowledge becomes the basis for managing money by design. Having a thoughtful design for money management protects a person from choices that result in indebtedness. And when a person is not in debt, knows the status of his or her financial situation, and makes wise decisions, then fear and anger about money can give way to contentment with God’s provision. A content person can overflow with generosity, cheerfully responding to the needs of others in their world.
18.. 18
Fina Financ ncia iall bond bondag agee ofte often n begi begins ns whe when n we try to serv servee two two masters—God and money. Read Matthew 6:19-34. Describe the different perspectives on life that you find in this passage.
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19.. 19
Accord Acco rdin ingg to Ma Matt tthe hew w 11:2 11:299-30, 30, wh what at kin kind d of Mas Maste terr is Christ?
20.. 20
From Fr om you yourr expe experie rienc nce, e, wh what at kin kind d of ma mast ster er is is mone money? y?
21.
Writ ritee belo below w a sum summary mary sen senten tence ce for eac each h of of the the five pri princi nci-ples of financial freedom that you’ve learned in these two sessions:
22.. 22
The principle of understanding money
The principle of design
The principle of understanding debt
The principle of contentment
The principle of generosity
Go bac back k to the the qui quizz you you took took in in ques questi tion on one one,, part part a, a, at the the beginning of session three, focusing on the items you rated a 3 or higher. Place a “U” next to those responses that could be improved by applying the principle of understanding debt. Place a “C” next to those responses that could be improved 48
by applying the principle of contentment. Place a “G” next to those responses that could be improved by applying the principle of generosity.
23. a. What changes do you believe you need to make in response response to this study?
b. How might these changes changes give you you greater greater financial freedom? freedom?
Parting Thought
God’s principles are designed to make us succeed . . . in God’s eyes. That’s a success that differs radically from the world’s idea, and yet it is true success. —Ron Blue, “Money: If God Owns It All, What Are You Doing with It?” Issue 53
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SESSION
5
The Habit of the Wise 1.
For which of the following are you most motivated to save money? Check your top five motivators.
A vacation Retirement Children’s education Financial cushion in case of unemployment House remodeling A short-term missions trip Medical emergencies Potential economic downturn A wedding A new car Down payment for a new home Home furnishings and appliances Home repairs A computer, stereo, or home entertainment center
We’ve probably all been motivated to save for something at some time. My first savings plan was ignited by a craving for gleaming white ice skates. These days, more urgent voices compel me to save, such as an aging car, the prospect of retirement, and the longing for a European vacation. Even with such powerful incentives, I still count myself among the majority of Americans (according to multiple polls) who are not saving nearly as much as experts say they should. In this next article, entitled “How Big a Nest Egg Should I 51
Lay?” by Wilson (“Jody”) Humber (excerpted from Issue 88), the author, head of his own tax, investment, and estate consulting firm, shows us that saving is not only a good idea but is also biblical.
DJ How Big a Nest Egg Should I Lay? When I ask people in my seminars, “Do you think saving is wise planning?” almost everyone answers yes. When I ask, “Are you saving something consistently and persistently from each paycheck?” almost everyone answers no. Most of us know better, but according to biblical wisdom we are living like fools: “The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets” (Proverbs 21:20, TLB). No matter where I go, it seems that people have the same questions about saving. What does Scripture say about saving? Isn’t saving a failure to trust God? What should I be saving for? How can I save when I can barely make ends meet?
2.
What is your biggest obstacle to saving? Check one.
It seems like a lack of faith. God will take care of me. By the time I pay my bills, nothing is left to save. Spending is much more fun than saving. I’m unclear on why saving is important.
DJ What Does Scripture Say About Saving? An excellent example of saving occurs in Genesis 41 when Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream and prophesies seven good years to be followed by seven years of famine. Joseph’s advice to Pharaoh (and us) was to save a part of the income during the good years as a reserve for the lean years to come. Solomon also reminds us of the same principle of saving by observing what God instinctively planted in the ant: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer [saves] and gathers its food at harvest [so it will survive during the winter]” (Proverbs 6:6-8). 52
In considering our responsibility to our families, Paul wrote, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8). The Greek word pronoeo, translated “provide,” comes from two words: pro meaning “before, in front of, or prior to” and noeo meaning “to perceive, think, consider, see, and understand.” Providing for ourselves and our families includes the responsibility to look down the road and save for the “lean years”—circumstances or problems that sooner or later affect us all. Just as with any of God’s guidelines for living, there are dangers in taking a principle to the extreme. When Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19), He wasn’t saying don’t save. Rather, He was warning that continued saving beyond reasonable needs becomes hoarding, which is condemned throughout Scripture. By saving beyond what is necessary, we wrongly trust in our savings rather than in God. Proverbs 11:28 reminds us this is a surefire formula for failure: “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” Scripture seems to present a balance. We should save some of our income but not store up all our treasures on earth. Proverbs 30:8-9 teaches: “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the L ORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
3.
Read Genesis 41:28-57. How do you think most people today would react if government leaders enforced mandatory savings in anticipation of an economic downturn?
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4.
What aspects of our culture make saving unappealing (for example, advertising, the push toward instant gratification, and so on)?
5. a. Both Genesis 41:46-57 and Luke 12:16-21 describe men who saved for the future. How are these men and their situations similar? How are they different? Similarities
Differences
b. Why do you think God was pleased with one and condemned the other?
6.
What do these two passages tell you about right attitudes and actions in regard to saving?
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DJ Doesn’t Saving Show a Lack of Faith on My Part? Shouldn’t I rely on God alone to meet my needs and provide for the future? This question is very common among those whose chief desire is to live in complete faith, trust, and dependence on God. To answer it, we must distinguish faith from presumption. On one hand, the Bible is clear that walking worthy means putting complete faith and trust in Him alone. On the other hand, the Bible stresses our personal responsibility to exercise wisdom, make good choices and decisions, and demonstrate personal discipline. Failure to save anything at all from our income is both presumption on God and foolishness rather than faith.
7. a. What do you think is the distinction between faith and presumption?
b. Ask that question of at least three Christian friends. Record their answers here.
8.
How does Proverbs 21:20 support the author’s contention that “saving is our responsibility”?
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DJ For What Should I Save, and How Much Is Enough? The answer to this question can be divided into two parts: shortterm savings and long-term savings. Let’s begin with three common short-term goals. 1. Emergency Funds. What happens when you have a traffic accident and need $500 to cover the deductible on your car insurance? What do you do when your son breaks his arm and $300 of the bill is not covered by insurance? What about when you get a call from across the country that summons you to a close relative’s funeral? You have just two choices: either save beforehand or use debt and credit when emergencies strike. A realistic minimum to accumulate for emergencies is $500 to $1,000. If you saved only $10 a week it would not greatly affect your current lifestyle, but it would dramatically alter your response to an emergency. Credit cards are not a suitable alternative for handling emergencies. First, borrowed principal must be repaid, and this reduces your future spendable income. Second, you have to pay interest leaving you even less spendable or saveable income. 2. Repairs and Maintenance. Everything on this earth will eventually need repair, maintenance, or replacement. A realistic minimum to save would be at least enough to cover probable expenditures for health, homes, and transportation. If you have medical insurance, try to save at least twice the deductible. If you have a car, save at least your deductible on collision insurance plus probable cost of repairs over the car’s mechanical life. A conservative guideline for home repairs and maintenance would be to accumulate 1 to 2 percent of your home’s fair market value. 3. Annual Events. Every year the same annual events occur: birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, school clothes, and vacations. But very few of us look ahead and plan for them. Make a list of the people and the occasions you buy for. In our family we save $30 a week so we can pay cash rather than charge these expenses.
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9.
Describe the last financial emergency you encountered for which you did not have any money saved. How did you come up with the needed funds?
10.
Underline any of the author’s suggestions for short-term savings that you are already implementing.
11.
Which of his suggestions would you most like to add to your savings plan?
DJ For What Long-Term Goals Should I Be Saving? Four common goals for long-term savings are big-ticket items, income replacement, education, and retirement. The most common big-ticket items are vehicles, down payments on homes, and home furnishings. Again we have the choice of buy now and pay later or save now and buy later. Saving and buying in cash is always cheaper. Income replacement is another long-term savings goal. If a major illness, accident, layoff, or pay cut hit you tomorrow, how long could you survive? A minimum long-term savings goal is to accumulate three to six months’ living expenses in an interestearning account. This will buffer the shock of having your income reduced or interrupted. Education for yourself and/or your children as well as saving for your eventual retirement are also valid, long-term savings goals. Since the time line for these goals may be ten to thirty years or more down the road for some of us, we can cross from saving to 57
the art and science of investing, which is a separate topic. When I use the word savings, I mean the guaranteed return of a dollar plus the guaranteed rate of interest over a specific time period. Investments, unlike guaranteed savings, have no certain future value or future income. Do your homework and learn about investing to reduce your risk. Don’t jump into a plan that sounds too good to be true. Lack of information plus lack of patience plus greed is a guaranteed formula for failure. Investigate before you invest, because you can never make up a loss of capital.
12.
What preparations have you made so far for the long-term needs that the author mentions?
13. a. What wise steps for saving and investing are given in the following verses?
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 13:11
Proverbs 14:23; 21:5
Proverbs 16:3
Proverbs 19:20
Proverbs 27:12
b. In which of these areas are you strongest?
c. In which of these areas would you most like to improve?
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DJ How Can I Save for the Future When I Can Barely Make Ends Meet Now? You don’t have to earn big money to accomplish your goals if you start now and are persistent and realistic. It took us over twenty years of saving—increasing the amount each year that we saved— to get to where we had savings to cover all the items mentioned previously. We started small and as we reached one goal, we moved to another one. What counts are your attitude and the direction you are moving, not the amount you are saving at first. Resolve to start now. Trust God for guidance, provision, and power.
14.
How would you sum up for a friend the most important insight you have gained from this session?
15. a. What changes do you believe you need to make in response to this study?
b. What is one step you can take in the next three months to tackle these changes?
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Parting Thought
The distinction between financial responsibility and financial foolishness is this: Saving becomes hoarding when it is exercising our own sovereignty and financial independence so that God doesn’t have to come through for us. —Randy Alcorn, “Should We Save or Give?” Issue 65
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SESSION
6
What Do I Do with All This Stuff? “I’ve got too much stuff.” “I can’t think straight for all the clutter.” “I need more closet space!” Sound familiar? Sometimes we can be diligent savers, wise investors, careful spenders, regular givers . . . and still end up with too much stuff. And if we don’t get our possessions under control, they are bound to control us. Our next article, entitled “The Joy of Living Generously” by Susan Nikaido (excerpted from Issue 112), offers some alternatives to the never-ending, out-of-control acquisition of stuff that tends to characterize our modern culture. 1.
Which of these statements most closely describes your feelings about your possessions? Check one.
It can’t possibly be spiritual to have all this stuff. If I really loved God, I would sell it all and live like a monk. No matter how much I have, I always want a little more. I enjoy my stuff and am glad God has prospered me. I’m pretty good at holding my possessions loosely. When they start to get on my nerves, I purge and simplify. I know I have too much, but it’s hard to part with anything. I’ve resigned myself to living with clutter . . . and guilt. Sometimes my possessions keep me from serving God as wholeheartedly as I’d like to. Hey, the person with the most toys wins, and I plan to win! 61
DJ The Joy of Living Generously As the truck pulled away with the twin bed, desk, and coffee table, I felt a little envious. We’d just sold some extra furniture to a young woman who was new in town and needed a few things for the oneroom cottage she had rented. I remembered wistfully when I’d moved to Colorado Springs thirteen years before, with only a Chevyload of belongings and a pile of boxes I’d shipped. Now, my husband and I had just spent much of our free time in the months since our marriage trying to consolidate two houses’ worth of possessions into one. Sorting, transporting, deciding, selling, and giving away had consumed too much of our energy. Our “stuff” was getting in the way of what we really wanted to do with our lives. Stuff can become a stumbling block. It can consume our time, our money, and our very hearts. In response to the threat, some believers have given it all away and lived in voluntary poverty. Others of us may feel a little guilty about all we have but aren’t quite sure what to do about it. Still others cave in to our culture’s urging to buy anything and everything our hearts desire. Does God have a plan for our possessions? Yes, and it’s spelled out clearly in His Word. It’s a countercultural plan, but one designed to help us live freely and joyfully with our stuff. What does He have in mind?
2.
Has there ever been a time when your stuff has prevented you from doing something you really wanted to do? Describe that occasion.
3. a. Read Mark 10:17-22. What did the rich man want to pursue, according to verse 17?
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b. How did this man’s “stuff” prevent him from pursuing his desire?
DJ Know where your stuff comes from. Foundational to dealing biblically with your stuff is understanding its source. No, it’s not the car dealership or your local Wal-Mart. Everything you have is a gift from God. Everything. From your bedroom furniture to that last box of tissues, everything you own is from Him. James wrote, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” ( James 1:17). Even the things you’ve “earned” are gifts from God. Moses warned the Israelites, “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18, emphasis added). How does it change your perspective to know the chair you’re sitting on, the roof over your head, and even the magazine in your hand are gifts from God, in one form or another?
4.
Do you find it freeing or unnerving to think of everything you own as a gift from God? Explain your answer.
5.
How do these verses describe the extent of God’s ownership?
Deuteronomy 10:14
Job 41:11
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Psalm 50:9-12
Psalm 95:4-5
Haggai 2:8
6. a. Job was an enormously wealthy man. Read Job 1:1-3 and list below the extent of his wealth as described in these verses.
b. Read verses 6-12. What did Satan ask God for permission to do to Job?
c. Summarize from verses 13-19 the extent of Job’s one-day losses at the hands of Satan.
d. How did Job respond, according to verses 20-22?
e. What does his response tell you about how he viewed ownership of his wealth?
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7. a. Which of the following have you experienced? Check all that apply.
A job loss Flood, earthquake, or fire damage to your home and possessions Burglary in your home An investment gone sour Car theft Business failure Other significant material loss (describe):
b. At the time of these losses, did you think of your lost money or possessions as belonging to God? How did (or would) a grasp of God’s ownership influence your reaction to the loss?
DJ Enjoy your stuff. Many of us need no admonitions in this area! If your motto is, “Whatever your hand finds to buy, buy it,” you can skip this section. Here, I’m speaking to those of us who feel a little guilty about buying a new dress or a bigger house when there are starving people in the world. We could pay for a nice vacation without going into debt, but we wonder if that would be too self-indulgent. Deep in our hearts, we suspect we’d be more spiritual if we shopped at Goodwill and kept our old car until we were on a first-name basis with every tow truck operator in town. Here’s a message from Scripture to you: God wants you to enjoy what He has given! Proverbs 10:22 says, “The blessing of the L ORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.” Wealth can be a sign of God’s favor, and we don’t need to feel guilty or embarrassed about enjoying it. Many of the great men of God were wealthy. Abraham, Isaac, David, Solomon, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Job all had significant 65
riches, which Scripture says were given to them by God. They did great things for Him, but they also seemed to enjoy having the best that money could buy—and God never censured them for it. Solomon wrote, “When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:19). Paul reminded wealthy believers that God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17, emphasis added). Being a tightwad brings no glory to Him. How would you feel if you gave your best friend a valuable gift you’d selected just for her, only to discover it on sale at her garage sale the following spring? I wonder if it doesn’t grieve God when we don’t enjoy the good gifts He gives. If we follow His whole teaching regarding the use of our resources, I believe we are free to enjoy a luxury here and there, to buy something just because its beauty cheers our souls, or to splurge on an activity just for the sheer enjoyment of it.
8.
Where would you place yourself on the following spectrum? Place a dollar sign at the appropriate place. | I enjoy my possessions way too much.
| I don’t know how to enjoy my possessions.
9.
Most of us are not wealthy by our culture’s standards, but we have much more than the minimum requirements of food, clothing, and shelter. God has given us far more than what we need just to survive from day to day. List below five things you have that are purely for enjoyment purposes.
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10.
Write a prayer of thanksgiving to God for some of the things He has given you to enjoy. Be explicit, telling Him why you enjoy a certain thing. (For example, because it is beautiful, because it makes you laugh, because your family has fun with it.)
DJ Give your stuff away. Enjoying our stuff is only part of the picture. If we stop there, we will miss the most exciting part of God’s plan. Yes, Paul wrote that God “provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” But his next sentence lays out the other responsibility of every Christian who has been blessed materially: “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18). God has given us material things not only for our own enjoyment, but so that we may pass them on to others who need them. The first believers understood this principle. In Acts 4:34-35, we read that the more affluent believers occasionally sold houses or land in order to provide for the believers without means. They saw themselves as conduits of God’s material blessings, not the final destination. Rather than being hesitant to enjoy God’s blessings, I fear that many of us are enjoying what He has given us too much. Despite a booming economy, American Christians are giving a smaller proportion of their incomes than they did thirty years ago. The Barna Research Group reports that only 3 percent of Christians tithe. 67
In contrast, look at the wealthy man described in Psalm 112: Blessed is the man who fears the L ORD, who finds great delight in his commands. . . . Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the L ORD. . . . He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. (verses 1,3-7,9) This is a portrait of a person—any person—whom God blesses with wealth. Instead of hoarding his wealth, this person “is generous and lends freely.” He gives to the poor. And what is his reward? “Good will come to him.” “He will never be shaken.” “His horn will be lifted high in honor.” As we share what we have with others, not only do they benefit, but we are blessed as well. All the Scriptures that promise rewards to the generous giver would more than fill this page. I’ve had the opportunity to see those promises fulfilled as I’ve shared my home with others. A few years ago, I learned that missionary friends with two small children needed a place to stay for two months. Some people thought I was a little crazy, but I offered to share my space. They didn’t know that I got the best end of the deal. My too-quiet home was filled with life, a home-cooked meal awaited me every night after work (close to heaven for a single person!), and I got a realistic, close-up look at the ups and downs of marriage and parenting. My friendship with the couple deepened, and I became “Auntie Susan” to a one-year-old and three-year-old. I gained so much more than the privacy I temporarily lost.
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11.
From some of His earliest interactions with humankind, God made it clear that blessings were meant to be passed along. Read Genesis 12:2-3. What outcome did God intend when He blessed Abraham?
12.
Underline the phrases in the Psalm 112 passage on page 68 that show this man understood that his wealth was meant to be shared. Then circle the benefits he received (or was promised) because of his righteous use of wealth.
13. a. Describe a time when you shared one of your possessions with someone else (your house, car, food, and so on). What was the benefit to that person?
b. What was the benefit to you?
DJ Steps Toward Generous Living God blesses us so that we can bless others. How can we begin living as conduits of God’s blessings? Offer your stuff as a “living sacrifice.” Your house, your car, your clothes, your coffeepot, your computer. Thank God for all of it, and tell Him it is all available to be used for His kingdom. Give away the extra. All of us have things stashed away that we “might need sometime.” That skirt that doesn’t match anything, those books you’ll probably never read again, supplies for the hobby you lost interest in, the kids’ outgrown toys, the musical instrument you never play anymore. Ask yourself, Am I hoarding? Am I keeping this just because it feels good to own it, or because I paid a lot for it? Is there someone, somewhere, who could use this today? If the answer is yes, give it away. Make what you have available to others. Open your home to the youth group. Invite church newcomers home for lunch. Lend your 69
maternity clothes to an expectant mother. Offer your tools (and the expertise that goes with them) to your neighbors. Ask God to show you how your belongings could benefit others in your community. One caution: Your stuff may not come back to you in the condition in which you loaned it. Or it may not come back at all. When that happens, remember that it was God’s gift to you anyway. What’s better: for it to be used or for it to sit on your shelf in perfect condition? Buy with the intent to share. When it’s time for a major purchase, make choices based on utility. Choose the home with plenty of space for entertaining over the one with the great master suite. Buy a table that can seat a crowd and a sofa that folds out into a bed. Learn about the needs in your world. Get a feel for how much you have compared to most people in the world. In his book Money, Possessions, and Eternity, Randy Alcorn writes, Statistically, if you have sufficient food, decent clothes, live in a house that keeps the weather out, and own a reasonably reliable means of transportation, you are among the top 15 percent of the world’s wealthy. If you have any money saved, . . . a variety of clothes in your closet, two cars (in any condition), and live in your own home, you are in the top 5 percent of the world’s wealthy. To keep your things in perspective, participate in a mission trip to an impoverished area. At least once a year, serve at a local soup kitchen, deliver gifts for Project Angel Tree, or find another way to be around the needy in your community. Look at your resources from an eternal perspective. Take the amount of money you’ll make this year, minus taxes. Multiply that number by the number of years you will work until you retire. Surprised? That is the wealth God has entrusted to you—and the figure likely will be much higher when you add in raises and other income. Where do you want that money to go? Most of us look at our incomes in terms of what we want and need in the present. What if, instead, we looked at our resources in terms of what we could invest in God’s kingdom over a lifetime? When you reach the end of your life, what will you be most glad to have spent that money on? On things, which will eventu70
ally burn? Or on sending missionaries to unreached people and feeding and clothing the needy?
14.
How did the following people use their possessions to bless someone else? Joseph of Arimathea (Mark 15:42-46)
Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)
Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37)
Lydia (Acts 16:13-15)
15. a. Reread the author’s ideas for blessing others with your stuff. Underline the ones you are already practicing. b. Are there one or two ideas you would like to try? Circle them. 16.
Using the following chart, brainstorm how you might match some of your possessions with people in need. On the left, list specific items you’d like to give away. On the right, place the name of a person or organization that would be blessed by this item. Item to give away
Person/organization
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17.
The author asks, “When you reach the end of your life, what will you be most glad to have spent [your] money on?” Looking at your life so far, how would you answer that?
DJ God has blessed you with a bounty of material possessions, both to enjoy and to share. Finding the right balance requires dayby-day surrender to and communion with God. The answers will look a little different for everyone. But when you find that balance, you will begin to live in freedom: freedom to enjoy God’s good gifts, freedom from materialism and greed. Holding your possessions with an open hand, you can experience the blessings of receiving and the even greater blessings of giving.
18.
Did this session challenge the way you’ve been viewing your possessions? If so, how?
19.
In the next week, surrender daily all that you own to God. Be specific. Ask Him to bring to your attention others’ needs that you could meet with what He has given you. Record here any insights He gives you.
Parting Thought
When we focus on God, we will embrace certain truths: that our stuff has been given to us by God, that it is not ours to hold on to, and that it is intended for the good of the larger community. —Richard Foster, “Putting Things in Their Place,” Issue 112
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SESSION
7
Money’s Kingdom Power Money is power. When slipped to a maitre d’ at an exclusive restaurant, it can get you the best table. When contributed in sufficient quantity to a political campaign, it can get you an ambassadorship. With money, you can acquire the clothes, the house, the car, and the panache that say, “I am someone. I have power.” Jesus alluded to money’s power when He called it mammon—a proper name in Hebrew, as if it were a rival god. The power of nuclear energy can be used to destroy life or to provide life-sustaining warmth. So it also is with money’s power. Some use it for selfish, life-destroying purposes. But others have learned to use the power of money to advance the kingdom-growing purposes of God. The old saying about money is “You can’t take it with you.” But you can take it with you—or more accurately, send it on ahead—if you invest your money in that which is eternal. That’s the message of the following article, entitled “Money Power” by Roger Fleming (excerpted from Issue 12). 1. a. Describe a time when when you witnessed witnessed firsthand the power of money.
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b. Was that power power used for good good or for evil purposes? purposes?
DJ Money Power In Luke 16, Jesus used the improbable illustration of a shrewd manager (verses 1-8) to make a surprising point p oint about money. money. The rich master had turned over responsibility for all his money to the manager, who was later accused of squandering the rich man’s wealth. The manager faced the prospect of a public firing and humiliation. Such shame would prevent him from again being employed as a manager. Threatened with having no means to earn a living, the manager planned ahead. “‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg— I know what what I’ll do so that, when when I lose my job here, here, people will welcome me into their houses.’ “So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ “‘Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.’ “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’ “‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied. “He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’” (verses 3-7) The manager schemed to buy the help of his master’s debtors by putting them in debt to himself. Each adjusted account would be worth so many months or years of room and board, which the debtors would be obligated to provide the manager in return for his favor to them. This action won grudging praise for the manager. “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly” (verse 8). 74
In commenting on this story, Jesus said, “For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:8-9). Do these words shock you? Read His statement again. What is the shrewdness that the people of the world possess and God’s people lack? Is it not in their foresight and in their ability to influence one another to achieve their ends?
2.
Look Lo ok up up the the defin definit itio ion n of shr shrew ewdn dnes esss and and reco record rd it it her here.
3.
Do you you norm normal ally ly thi think nk of of shre shrewd wdne ness ss as as an admi admira rabl blee qual qual-ity? Why or why not?
4.
Unde Underl rlin inee in ver verse sess 8-9 8-9 abov abovee what what Jes Jesus us wan wants ts us us to do do with with our wealth.
5.
Does Does it it make make you you unc uncom omfo fort rtab able le to to thin think k of buy buyin ingg frie friend nd-ships? Why or why not?
6.
Has anyo Has anyone ne ev ever er tri tried ed to to buy buy you yourr frie friend ndsh ship? ip? Ho How w did did you you respond?
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DJ Just as the shrewd manager was able to influence people for the future, so the Christian must learn to use his or her wealth—such as it may be—to influence people toward heaven. A day will come when wealth is useless and meaningless. But those who are wise will learn to use money while it is useful to bring people to Christ. But can we really buy Christians? Picture yourself walking up to heaven’s gates. A crowd of radiant faces surges toward you with happy cheers. Your eye is caught by a banner bearing your name in large letters underneath the words “Welcome Home.” “What is this?” you stammer. “We are your eternal friends,” the joyful strangers say. “Your giving brought the gospel to me in Ecuador,” one says. “And in Kenya,” says another. “And in Indonesia.” “And in New York.” We can exchange wealth for people! We can invest in proclaiming the gospel and making disciples all over the world.
7. a. What are some ways people use their money when they are focused only on having influence in this world?
b. Now list some of the ways in which people can use money to help bring others to Christ.
c. Look at both your lists and put a check next to any items that describe how you now use your money. 8.
What are some resources besides money that you can use to build God’s kingdom? (For example, a car loaned to a fur76
loughing missionary, baby furniture donated to a women’s shelter, a bumper crop of tomatoes given to a soup kitchen.)
9.
According to Matthew 6:19, what is the problem with investing our wealth only in earthly treasure?
10. a. What does God promise to those who seek His kingdom instead of focusing on earthly needs?
Matthew 6:31-33
2 Corinthians 6:10
Philippians 4:19
b. Which of the above three verses is most meaningful to you? Write it on an index card and place it where you will see it often—your car’s dashboard, over the kitchen sink, by your shaving mirror, and so on. c. After a month (mark your calendar), answer the following question: How has meditating on this verse changed the way I currently think about or handle my money and possessions?
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DJ God—the Creator, the Omnipotent, the self-existent Jehovah— certainly has no need for our gifts. Why then does He ask us to give? He asks because giving is godly. From Genesis to Revelation we discover God giving freely and bountifully to mankind. Jesus said, “He makes his sun rise upon evil men as well as good, and he sends his rain upon honest and dishonest men alike” (Matthew 5:45, PH). God redeemed and restored us by giving freely the most priceless gift in all the universe: “He gave his one and only Son” ( John 3:16). And to those of us who place our faith in that Son, God “poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:5). Generosity is one of the glorious characteristics of God. Those who bear His image ought to manifest this same quality. Give, and you are acting in harmony with the Lord of the universe.
11.
Complete the following sentence: It is important for a child of God to give because . . .
DJ The Scriptures identify two broad categories of people to whom we are to give: ministers of God and the poor. When God had Moses set aside the tribe of Levi to serve the tabernacle, He established a professional religious group supported by the tithes of Israel. God did this rather than require service in the tabernacle from the firstborn son in every family (Numbers 3:59,44-45). All the Levites stood in the place of a representative from each family. Today the method differs but the principle remains the same. The work to be done for God’s kingdom requires the full-time efforts of some, who are to be supported by the gifts of the remainder of God’s people who have other avenues of income. Paul drew upon this principle in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14: Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get 78
their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. When Jesus sent His disciples on a missionary journey, He commanded them to accept the food and lodging offered to them because “the worker deserves his wages” (Luke 10:7). God has made the Christian ministry an honorable work and the acceptance of gifts a legitimate means of livelihood for Christian workers. Paul wrote to the Galatians, “When anyone is under instruction in the faith, he should give his teacher a share of all good things he has” (Galatians 6:6, NEB). Each of us has an obligation to help those who are ministering to us. This principle is simple, but as in many things, the practice often gets confusing. The local church is not the only Christian ministry supported by the contributions of God’s people. There are hundreds of groups in varying degrees of relatedness to the church all clamoring for attention and help. The myriad financial requests are staggering. How do you determine which one to support? A proper guideline is to first support the local fellowship to which you belong. Then consider two other categories. First, there may be a special group or individual who has had a significant ministry in your life. It is scripturally proper for you to support such a ministry. Second, God may have placed special interests in your heart that are being met by churches and other Christian groups elsewhere, and you can properly provide financial support for these as well.
12.
How did the following people meet the material needs of fulltime Christian workers?
The widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17:7-16)
The Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:8-10)
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The Philippian church (Philippians 4:14-18)
Gaius (3 John 5-8)
13. a. List the names of full-time Christian workers whom God has used in your life, past and present (pastors, missionaries, staff of Christian organizations, and others).
b. What are some ways you were (or are) able to share some of your material wealth with those people?
DJ Here are essential questions you should ask before giving to a group or individual outside your local church: Is this group serving the interests of the kingdom of God? Do I know the beliefs and teachings of this group, and do they agree with my church? Is this group accountable for its use of finances? Is this group “delivering” on its stated goals? What do I know of the character of the people in this organization?
14.
What criteria do you usually apply to decide where and how much to give? 80
15.
All my giving should go to my local church. I should give 10 percent to my local church, then I can do what I wish with the rest. How much I give and how I disburse it varies from month to month. I don’t really have a plan. Other (explain):
So far, has this study reinforced your previous convictions about where to give, or has it challenged them? Explain.
DJ We are also to give to the poor: “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God” (Proverbs 14:31). In the laws of Israel, God made special provisions for the plight of the poor. Periodic releases from all indebtedness were proclaimed, apparently intended to provide opportunities to break the cycle that often keeps the poor in perpetual poverty. The prophets later spoke against Israel’s failure to follow such merciful laws. In the New Testament, James particularly stressed in his epistle that Christians meet the needs of the poor: If a fellow man or woman has no clothes to wear and nothing to eat, and one of you say, “Good luck to you. I hope you’ll keep warm and find enough to eat,” and yet give them nothing to meet their physical needs, what on earth is the good of that? ( James 2:15-16, PH) Many Christian agencies are the most cost-effective relief organizations in the world. You may want to consider supporting one or more of these independent Christian relief agencies, as well as your church’s program to aid the poor. Remember, too, the poor in your own community. All too often we are blind to the needs of those immediately around us. 81
16.
Read the following verses and use the chart to contrast how the poor and needy are often treated by their fellow man versus how God responds to them. Deuteronomy 10:17-18, Psalm 12:5, Psalm 14:6, Psalm 35:10, Psalm 72:12-14, Psalm 109:30-31, and Psalm 146:7. People’s treatment of the needy
God’s treatment of the needy
17. a. In what ways do your attitudes and actions toward the poor reflect God’s?
b. In what ways do your attitudes and actions toward the poor differ from God’s?
18.
Proverbs 29:7 says that “the righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” What evi82
dence do the following Scriptures give that the person mentioned was a righteous person? Job ( Job 31:16-23)
The Proverbs 31 woman (Proverbs 31:20)
Josiah ( Jeremiah 22:16)
19.
20.
A righteous man (Ezekiel 18:16)
Tabitha (Acts 9:36)
Cornelius (Acts 10:4)
What does God promise to those who help the poor?
Proverbs 14:21
Proverbs 19:17
Proverbs 22:9
Proverbs 28:27
Are you aware of someone in your own neighborhood or church who is in need? (If you are not aware of anyone, talk to your pastor. He or she can steer you toward needs in your congregation or to community agencies that assist the poor.) What is one thing you can do to ease their need?
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DJ How much should we give? Giving is a matter of the heart. This is an Old Testament concept as well as a New Testament teaching: “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give” (Exodus 25:2). And Paul wrote, “Let everyone give as his heart tells him, neither grudgingly nor under compulsion, for God loves the man who gives cheerfully” (2 Corinthians 9:7, PH). As you can see, the Scriptures make the matter of how much to give an issue of individual decision and conscience. “Yes, of course,” you may say, “but how much specifically should I think of giving?” Consider these verses and let your heart respond to them: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10) “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:24-25) “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6) Perhaps the tithe—10 percent—is a good gauge for your giving. But even this should arise from your heart’s desire to give, rather than from a sense of legalistic compulsion. Paul gave a better guide in 2 Corinthians 8:12: “The important thing is to be willing to give as much as we can—that is what God accepts, and no one is asked to give what he has not got” ( PH). Paul was echoing God’s instructions to Israel through Moses: “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the L ORD your God has blessed you” (Deuteronomy 16:17). Our gracious Lord lays no burdensome obligation on us. He awaits the response of a forgiven, glad, and generous heart. 84
21.
Read Mark 12:41-44. Why was Jesus more impressed with the widow’s tiny contribution than with the large amounts given by the wealthy?
22.
Read 2 Samuel 24:18-24. Though David was a wealthy man, how was his attitude similar to that of the widow?
23.
Because the tithe is such a familiar concept to most Christians, we are apt to think of giving in terms of “10 percent for God, 90 percent for me.” Do you think this accurately reflects what Scripture says about giving? Explain your answer.
24.
What do you think are the benefits of regular, systematic giving—to the giver and to the recipient of your giving? Enter your thoughts in the chart below. To the giver
To the recipient
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25.
Do you think you could be more generous and shrewd for the kingdom in how you handle your wealth? If so, what is one change you could make now?
Parting Thought
We are happy if earthly investments give a return measured in several percentage points, but our investment in the kingdom offers an infinite return for a finite investment. The treasure to be gained is totally out of proportion to the amount to be invested. —Daniel Boerman, “Imperishable Treasure: Investing in Heaven,” Issue 25
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SESSION
8
Your Money and Your Life Too often, although we learn potentially life-changing lessons in the Bible study, the demands of daily life break in and we fail to act on or even remember those lessons. In this session, we will review some of the principles we learned in this study and further consider how God wants to see those principles at work in our lives. It may be most beneficial to spread your work on this session over several days, focusing on the review of one or two sessions each day. Session One: Material World
1. a. Review your answers to questions fourteen to seventeen of session one. What was your answer to question fourteen? Check it here. Worry Envy Ingratitude Stinginess
b. What changes have you seen as you’ve tried to replace this characteristic with a new behavior or attitude?
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2.
If you feel you have made no progress, take heart. Deep inner change takes time. Here’s something that may help. Think of a Christian that you know who is strong where you are weak. Make a coffee or lunch date with that person to discuss your desire to overcome your worry, envy, ingratitude, or stinginess. (Let the person know ahead of time what you want to talk about so he or she can pull together some helpful thoughts.) Record here or in your journal what you learned from that get-together.
Session Two: I Can’t Get No Satisfaction
3.
This article focused on our desire for more, more, more. Thomas Chalmers, a preacher, spoke of “the expulsive power of new affections.” He meant that when we acquire new desires, they can push old desires out of our heart. To what “new affections” do the following verses urge us? Psalm 17:15; 63:1-5; 73:25; 103:5
Matthew 5:6
John 4:14
John 6:35
Colossians 3:1-4
1 Peter 2:2
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4.
Since doing this study, have you seen your affections change regarding your relationship with money and possessions? If so, how?
Sessions Three and Four: Land of the Free, Parts One and Two
5.
Next to each of the principles below, write a short statement about how you have grown in that area since beginning the study. Or describe how you’d still like to grow in each area. (Remember, change takes time. Think in terms of growth you’d like to see over the next six months.)
The principle of understanding money
The principle of design
The principle of understanding debt
The principle of contentment
The principle of generosity
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Session Five: The Habit of the Wise
6.
Have your beliefs about saving changed at all since doing this study? If so, how?
7. a. Jody Humber described several categories of savings. In which area would you most like to make progress over the next year?
b. What changes can you gradually make in your budget in order to see genuine progress take place?
Session Six: What Do I Do with All This Stuff?
8.
Review your answer to question sixteen. Are there any ideas in that chart that you have not yet acted upon? If so, place next to that idea a date (preferably within the next six months) by which you plan to complete that action.
9.
Have you found yourself thinking differently about your possessions since doing this study? Explain your answer.
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Session Seven: Money’s Kingdom Power
10. a. This session focused on how our money can advance God’s kingdom. Read Matthew 13:44-46. How did the two men in these parables demonstrate the value they placed on God’s kingdom?
b. What areas of your life demonstrate that you, too, place a high value on the kingdom of God?
11.
What do you still find hardest about giving? Check one.
12.
I forget to plan for it. The needs are too many. I can’t decide where to give. I’m confused about how much to give. I’m concerned that my gifts won’t be used wisely. I’m barely getting by. I need every cent just to pay bills. A lot of people and organizations asking for money seem much richer than I am. Other (describe):
The following short article, entitled “Finding More to Give” by Susan Nikaido (excerpted from Issue 112), offers ways that people on tight budgets can still give toward God’s purposes in the world. Read the article and put a star next to any ideas that sound as if they would work for you.
DJ Finding More to Give Many of us are on tight budgets that make giving look like an impossible dream. But with a little creativity and determination, all of us can find ways to share what we have. Budget for giving. If you don’t plan to give, you probably won’t. 91
Many ministries now make it possible for a monthly gift to be deducted directly from your checking account. Budget your possessions. Ask yourself, How many books, CDs, pairs of shoes, televisions, and so on, do I really use on a regular basis? Give away the surplus. Then, when you buy a new item, give away one you already have. Create a savings account to fund special needs you hear about from time to time: a needy family’s medical bills, a friend’s shortterm mission trip, help for victims of a natural disaster, and so on. Donate your garage sale proceeds to a church or charity. Or skip the sale and give everything away. Give away half or more of “extra” income: bonuses, cash gifts, tax returns, payment for freelance projects, and so forth. One widower I know helps to support eight missionaries with the income from his wife’s life insurance. When you find something on sale, give away the amount you saved. For example, if you budgeted $100 for a new coat and you find one on sale at half price, give away the $50 you saved. Or buy two coats and give one to the needy. Leave money in your will. Make generous donations to your church and your favorite ministries. Ask God for money to give. He promises to provide for the generous giver: “A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9).
Truly Rich
13.
14.
After eight weeks (or more) of focusing on money, it would be easy to become a little obsessed with it! The following verses help put money into perspective. What does God value far more than the amount in our bank accounts?
Proverbs 28:6
Proverbs 28:20
In the New Testament, much more emphasis is placed on what Jesus called “true riches” (Luke 16:11) than on material 92
riches. Read the following verses and list the “true riches” that are ours in Christ.
15.
Romans 2:4
Ephesians 1:7
Ephesians 1:18
Ephesians 2:4-5,7
1 Timothy 1:14
How is your life richer today in the things that money cannot buy than it was before you knew Christ? You may want to write your answer in the form of a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God for the spiritual riches He has given you.
Wrapping It Up
16.
What are three practical ideas you want to take away from this entire study?
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