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Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 5:10-17

Money Matters

Intro.

1.  The current U.S. economic crisis reminds us of the temporary nature of all material things and helps us focus on true riches. Prov. 28:20

2.  The wisdom of being content with our daily bread, Prov. 30:7-9 (Eccl. 5:15).

3.  What God expects of Christians and their money. Attitudes and actions: How we view and how we use the money we have.

 

I.  YOU ARE A STEWARD OF ALL YOU HAVE (Lk. 16:1-13).

   -Steward | oikonomos: “the manager of a household or estate” (oikos, “a house,” and nemo, “to arrange”)

   -How you view your money determines how you use it.

  A.  Be Faithful with what is Placed in Your Hand, 16:1-2, 9-12.

  B.  Remember who is Your Master, 16:13 (Serve God, not money)

 

II.  MONEY PRINCIPLES FOR LIFE.

  A.  You are not Defined by your Possessions, Lk. 12:13-21; Eccl. 2:3-11. Life is not about what you have, but about who you are!

        -Enjoy life’s blessings that come from your labor, but be responsible! Eccl. 5:18-20 (12:13-14)

  B.  Be Honest with Yourself about Money, Lk. 16:1 (Prov. 21:6).

    1.  Live within your means (16:1). Be content, 1 Tim. 6:6-10; Phil. 4:11-13.

    2.  Take inventory of your finances and make tough decisions, then act in faith (16:3-7).

    3.  You will answer to God for how you use your money, 16:2, 11.

      a.  Don’t be greedy, 1 Tim. 6:10.

      b.  Don’t be covetous, Heb. 13:5.

      c.  Don’t be envious, 1 Pet. 2:1.

  C.  Give to God First, Prov. 3:9-10; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7.

  D.  Pay your Taxes, Rom. 13:7 (Matt. 17:24-27; Mk. 12:13-17).

  E.  Pay your Debts, Rom. 13:8. (A responsibility of love)

  F.  Do not Obligate yourself for more than you can Afford, Prov. 22:26-27. (Credit beyond your means, surety for others, etc.)

  G.  Be Generous to Others, Prov. 11:24-28; 19:17; 22:9 (14:31; 17:5); Acts 20:35. (Family, 1 Tim. 5:8; brethren and needy, Gal. 6:10)

 

III.  THINGS THAT ARE BETTER (MORE VALUABLE) THAN MONEY.

  A.  A Good Name, Prov. 22:1.

  B.  Righteousness, Prov. 16:8; 28:6.

  C.  Fear of the Lord, Prov. 15:16-17; 22:4.

 

IV.  YOUR HEART IS WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, Matt. 6:19-21.

  A.  Lay up Treasure in Heaven:

    1.  Total devotion to God, 6:22-24 (Matt. 22:37).

    2.  Keep right values and do not be distracted by material things, 6:25-32.

    3.  Priorities: first things first, 6:33.

    4.  View tomorrow properly, 6:34; Jas. 4:13-15.

 

Conclusion

1.  Riches cannot save your soul, Prov. 11:4-6:

  a.  Righteousness delivers while the wicked fall, 11:4-5 (Acts 10:34-35).

  b.  Unfaithful are captured by their lust, 11:6.

2.  Use your money to lay up treasure in heaven, 1 Tim. 6:18-19.

3.  “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” (Prov. 10:22)