Living Beyond Myself

Making the Most of Money

 

1.      Into our History:

 

     Suggested ice Breaker:

 

It has been said that the 18th century English evangelist John Wesley often earned more than 1400 pounds a year through the sales of his books, yet he normally spent less than 30 pounds on himself annually.  The surplus he generously gave away.  He once wrote, “If I leave behind me 10 pounds when I die, you and all mankind bear witness against me that I lived and died a thief and a robber”.

 

    • Would Wesley’s self abasement be considered a radical and extreme position in our current age?  Why?
    • What might happen in God’s Church today if Christians ordered their lives in this manner?
    • Could you ever trust God enough to live this way?  Why or why not?

 

 

2.  Into the Bible:

 

     a. Possessions:

 

“I have held many things in my hands, and have lost them all, but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, I still possess.”

                                                                            - Martin Luther

 

1.  When it comes to making the most of money, there is one Biblical truth that Christians should maintain focus upon. 

·         Read Psalm 50: 10-12.

·         What is this truth?  Answer:  As stewards we must keep in mind that we are not owners, rather we act on behalf of the Owner of all that we have.

 

2. Question: Why do you think Christians often fall prey to the mindset that what we have belongs to us to hold onto or use as we so desire?

·         What does the Bible tell us about this mindset? 

·         Read Matthew 6: 19-21.

 

3.  How should Christians respond to the sometimes overwhelming temptation to store up for ourselves treasure on earth? 

·         Read 1 Timothy 6: 17-18, Luke 6:38, and Acts 20:35.

 

4.  Do you find that giving can be an antidote for your susceptibility toward the pursuit of obtaining possessions or wealth?

 

 

     b. False teaching about giving:

   

     “Money is God in action”

                

  - Reverend Ike

 

            1.  Does God promise to bless His children with health and wealth?

 

2.  Does God promise to return 10, 20, sometimes 100 fold for what we give in faith?

Answer:  There are Biblical principles of sewing and reaping, but contrary to the teaching by some individuals, No amount of giving or positive confession can place God in your debt.  He blesses or withholds blessing how and when He so desires.  Our role is to be content in all things.  Read Philippians 4:11, and 1 Timothy 6:6-7.

 

 

3.  Into our Lives: 

 

             “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.”

                               

- Amy Charmichael (missionary to India, 1867-1951)

 

     a. Paradigm for Giving:  God

 

“For God so loved the world that He”……..What?

 

            1.  What was God’s motivation in giving?

 

2.  There is a form of sacrificial giving that God despises.  What is it?  Read 1 Corinthians 13:3.

 

     - Remember, God looks on the heart, and our giving does not automatically receive His respect.  When you give of your treasure be sure to do so out of a genuine love for, gratitude towards, and desire to honor the God who saves us.

     

      b. Principles of Giving:  Will you commit to follow the following Biblical Principles  

          for giving?

 

·         Be regular and systematic in your giving (1Cor.16:2)

·         Give according to your ability (Mark 12:43-44)                         

·         Give cheerfully (2Cor.9:7)

·         Give according to what you have (2Cor.8:12)

·         Give sacrificially and generously (Mark 12:43-44)

·         Give without seeking recognition (Matt 6:3)

·         Don’t give reluctantly (2Cor.9:7)

·         Give as you purpose in your heart (2Cor.9:7)

 

     c. Pray

 

                                                        

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