The purpose of this teaching is to give the church direction in the proper way to handle their personal finances according to the Word of God. Also, how to avoid debt, and how to get out of debt ASAP!

"Stewardship"

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NTL) "Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful".

(KJV) "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."

PURPOSE OF TEACHING:

· Ephesians 4:12 "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ," My friends, each of you ought to know that when the Lord Jesus saved you, He saved you to worship and serve Him. Why? So others would come to know Him through your ministry. Yes, every saved person is called to do the work of the ministry - Bar none! No "PEW POTATOES" please! TO PROPERLY BE EQUIPPED FOR THIS MINISTRY IT’S ESSENTIAL THAT WE BELIEVERS EXAMINE OURSELVES, TO SEE IF WE ARE IN THE FAITH, OR IN SIN. A GREAT PRAYER IS:

. Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting." What does the Lord require from us as Stewards in handling our Time, our Talent, and our Treasurers? (Finances).

1. SUBMISSION TO HIM:

Submission comes by humbling ourselves before the Lord. Let’s read

. James 4:10 which confirms this: "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." Also, humility acknowledges that there is a lot more to God than what we know, or think we know. For example: Job in 42:1-6 realized this. You see, humility is accomplished by a submissive Christian who is willing to seek the Lord’s counsel in every matter.

2. TRUSTING HIM TOTALLY: Proverbs 3:5-6

3. RECOGNIZE THAT HE OWNS EVERYTHING:

Your money and everything you have is not yours, but the Lord’s - we are simply Stewards or managers.

. Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the Lord's, & all its fullness, The world & those who dwell therein."

. Haggai 2:8 "'The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says the LORD of hosts."

4. RECOGNIZE YOUR SOURCE:

· Genesis 22:1-14 Abraham knew his source: "Jehovah-Jireh".

· Deuteronomy 8:18 "...God gives ability to get wealth..."

· Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need..."

· Acts 17:28 "In Him we live and move and have our being..."

PRINCIPLE: We must always remember "God does not change" (Malachi 3:6), for "He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). If the Lord was Abraham’s source, if He was Israel’s source, and if He was the New Testament saints’ source; then He’s ours too. Beloved, "Jehovah-Jireh" is an able provider. So my friends, if you are looking for your job, pensions, Social Security, Welfare, spouse’s income, parents, or you’re worried about economical indicators such as the stock market, layoffs, or government cut backs, YOU ARE NOT DEPENDING ON THE LORD! Something other than the Lord has become your source. This means that person is in the flesh, and are not in the faith. Beloved, never forget that our source is "God Almighty-God the Mountain- (El Shaddai) the God that is more than enough!"

5. OBEDIENCE TO GOD - YOUR SOURCE.

· Deuteronomy 28:1-14 Blessings will overtake you (vs2).

· Genesis 26:1-14 Example of blessings overtaking the obedient: Isaac was told to plant in a time of famine & he received 100-fold return that same year. It’s better to obey God than to look at the Economical Indicators. The Economist of the day would have told Isaac to move to Egypt!

6. TITHES & OFFERINGS = GIVING.

We know that it is God’s nature is to give (John 3:16), and that we are created in His likeness (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, at the time of our salvation (2 Corinthians 5:17) we become New Man who gives like his Father God, whereas the Old Man takes like his father, Satan.

· Ephesians 4:22-24 "that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 23...24 Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness & holiness." The Scriptures command Tithing & Giving: (Malachi 3:10 - Luke 6:38). Although, the basis of all our tithing and giving ought to be out of a love relationship with the Lord, and a love for our fellowman --

· Matthew 22:37 "...'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'"

· 1 Corinthians 13:3 "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing." Sadly, much of the church needs an attitude adjustment when in comes to our mindset about giving to the Lord. For, the Lord is concerned with our attitudes about giving, in fact Jesus watched how people gave into the Temple’s Treasury Box (Mark 12:41-44). So, let us understand that He is judging our motives in giving as well, remembering that the Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Do you give grudgingly or cheerfully?

a. ACCEPTABLE GIVING:

· Abel (Hebrews 11:4) -- Giving & Faith go hand in hand (Hebrews 11:6).

· The Widow’s Mites --- (Mark 12:42-44).

b. UNACCEPTABLE & MISGUIDED GIVING:

· Cain (Gen 4:1-7) he gave in unbelief. He didn’t acknowledge his sinfulness, or his need for God, causing him to offer the wrong sacrifice.

· Strange Fire (liken to giving illegal funds) (Leviticus 10:1-10).

· Giving out of compulsion (1 Samuel 13:8-14 - Saul’s great blunder).

· Giving blemished sacrifices: holding back the best for yourself (Malachi 1:6-14).

c. MISGUIDED GIVING:

I hate to report this but the average American Evangelical gives out more in consumer loan/credit card interest per year than they do to advance the wonderful Gospel.

· A recent report stated that the average American carries a Consumer Debt load of $15,000, of which $8,000 of the debt was owed to Credit Card Companies (CNN 1/2/01).

IS YOUR GIVING "ACCEPTABLE", OR "UNACCEPTABLE" TO THE LORD?

Tithing Principles

WHERE TO TITHE?

Malachi 3:10 states to tithe to the storehouse: "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse..." (Reference: Deuteronomy 14:22-23).

WHAT IS THE STOREHOUSE?

We believe that’s the church the Lord has called you to (1 Corinthians 12:18). The Storehouse is the church that meets your spiritual needs, and where you meet your duty to do the work of the ministry.

WHERE NOT TO TITHE TO:

1. One shouldn’t tithe to any ministry that isn’t their local church, such as: missions, other ministries, Christian education, and benevolences. Now , those should be supported, but gifts to them are considered to be offerings that are over & above the Tithe.

2. To dead works: corrupt churches, ministries, humanitarian groups. BENEFITS OF BEING OBEDIENT TO TITHE: The Lord opens the Windows of Heaven, and He pours out His blessings on the obedient. Also, He rebukes the Devourer for our sakes.

· Malachi 3:10-11 "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it." 11 "And I will rebuke the (devil) devourer for your sakes...,,,,.."

This "pouring out" can be illustrated in this: saturating the believer like the earth was during (Genesis 7:1) the flood of Noah’s day.

WORSHIP & TITHING:

A study of Deuteronomy 26:1-15I you’ll see that tithing is an extension of worship. Look at verses 5-10 the Jews were to remember that the Lord had brought them out of Egyptian bondage (Egypt is a the foreshadow of the world to the Christian). Therefore, "Tithing" becomes a profession of: our appreciation, our love, our deliverance, and our acknowledgement of our overall need for the Lord.

7. BE KNOWLEDGEABLE OF HIS WORD: (FOR IGNORANCE IS NO EXCUSE!)

· 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

· Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject…… Because you have forgotten the law of your God…..." Spiritual insight (knowledge) comes, and the mind is renewed by the Word of God (Psalm 1:1-3; 119:130; Romans 12:2). Therefore, let us ask ourselves: "Is it His way, or is it our way?"

8. ACCOUNTABILITY:

· Spouse, Parents (if applicable) Spiritual Leaders, Civil Leaders, & Secular Superiors.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES

· SPOUSES: Amos 3:3; Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:1,7.

· PARENTS (if applicable): Colossians 3:20.

· SPIRITUAL LEADERS: Hebrews 13:7.

· CIVIC LEADERS: Titus 3:1.

· SECULAR SUPERIORS: 1 Peter 2:18.

9. THE LORD REQUIRES FAITHFULNESS

The Lord requires faithfulness in the following areas from His people, God’s stewards. The good news is that He even supplies us with the power of the Holy Spirit so we can accomplish His will in all things.

· 1 John 4:4 "...because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." PTL!

THE LORD MOST HIGH REQUIRES:

· REQUIRED TO WORK HARD (ECCLESIASTES 9:10; PROVERBS 22:29).

· REQUIRED THAT OUR WORD BE GOOD, TO LIVE UP TO OUR PROMISES (PSALM 15:4).

· REQUIRED TO PAY OUR BILLS & NOT AVOID CREDITORS (PROVERBS 3:27-28).

· REQUIRED TO PROVIDE FOR OUR FAMILY (1 TIMOTHY 5:8).

· REQUIRED TO BEHAVE PROPERLY AT ALL TIMES, BEFORE ALL PEOPLE (JAMES 3:13; 1 PETER 2:12), REMEMBERING WE ARE CHRIST’S AMBASSADORS (2 CORINTHIANS 5:20).

· REQUIRED TO BE GOOD STEWARDS NO MATTER WHAT WE HAVE OR DON’T HAVE.

· REQUIRED TO BE GOOD STEWARDS WHETHER TIMES ARE GOOD OR BAD."

· REQUIRED TO BE GOOD STEWARD OF OUR TIME, OUR TALENTS, & OUR TREASURERS

· (MATTHEW 25:1-30 THE PARABLES OF 10 VIRGINS & TALENTS).

· WE ARE TO LIVE IN A HABITUAL STATE OF PREPARATION FOR WE DON'T KNOW

WHEN WE WILL HAVE TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF OUR STEWARDSHIP (MATTHEW 25:13).

· REQUIRED TO BE FAITHFUL TO GOD, FAMILY, CHURCH, COUNTRY, EMPLOYERS.

· WHY? SO WE WILL HEAR ON THAT GREAT & WONDERFUL DAY OF THE LORD "WELL

· DONE!" (MATTHEW 25:21).

THE RESULT is TRUE WORSHIP --

Faithful stewardship is an act of love, and it is an act of worship toward the Lord Most High!

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"GET OUT OF DEBT {ASAP}!"

Text: Matthew 6:24 (NKJV)

· "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." The word: "Mammon" is from an Aramaic word denoting "what is stored up" (property). Therefore it came to have the meaning of riches or wealth. Figuratively it may refer to anything in which one puts his trust.

"WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT"

***DON’T ALLOW THE DEVIL TO OVERWHELM YOU, AND GET YOU UNDER COMMENDATION IF YOU FIND YOURSELF COMING UP SHORT IN THESE AREAS. THE LORD WANTS TO HELP YOU ACCOMPLISH THEM BY THE POWER OF HIS SPIRIT. LET HIM DO THE TRANSFORMING IN YOU, JUST AGREE WITH HIM.

· *Phil 1:6 "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you." The purpose of this teaching is to give the church direction in the proper way of handling their personal finances according to the Word of God. Also, how to avoid debt, and how to get out of debt ASAP!

TOPICS TO DISCUSS

THE CAUSES OF DEBT: DISCONTENTMENT

AVOIDANCE OF DEBT: BEING CONTENT

SOLUTIONS TO DEBT: STAYING CONTENT

Primarily we will be dealing with Consumer Debt: Installment Loans, Conditional Sales Contracts, Credit Cards, Home Equity Loans; not Home Mortgages or Business Loans. LET’S GET STARTED ---

***QUOTABLE QUOTES: Larry Burkett once said that -- "DEBT IS A FALSE ILLUSION OF PROSPERITY TO THOSE WHO ARE MATERIALLY MINDED."

In the fall of 2000 these rather disturbing facts were reported:

· More than 40% of Americans are only several paychecks from bankruptcy.

· A majority of Americans are already technically bankrupt (what they owe exceeds what they own).

· Today, financial problems in marriage have now replaced poor communications & sexual issues as the #1 cause of divorce. According to the January 2001 issue: 60% in marriage counseling identify money as the major problem. So the warning for the saints is to "BE FREED FROM THE BONDAGE OF DEBT!" Interestingly, the Lord always warned Israel before calamity came so they might be saved. He is doing the same thing for us. Those that ignored the warnings of the Lord suffered great loss needlessly.

WHY DOES THE LORD WANT US OUT OF DEBT?

HE WANTS US FREE!

· FREE TO MINISTER (BE AVAILABLE FOR THE GOD’S SERVICE) Isaiah 6:8.

· FREE TO GIVE TO HIS WORKS: Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 9:7-14.

· FREE TO GIVE TO THE POOR: Proverbs 19:17.

· FREE FROM FEAR, ENVY, GREED, RESENTMENT = DISCONTENTMENT.

· FREE TO LIVE WITH INNER PEACE:

· FREE TO BE CONTENT WITH WHAT YOU HAVE - Hebrews 13:5,

· FREE FROM THE CARES OF THIS WORLD - Mark 4:19,

· FREE FROM THE DECEITFULNESS OF RICHES - Mark 4:19,

· FREE FROM THE LUST OF OTHER THINGS - Mark 4:19,

**SADLY, THE AVERAGE AMERICAN EVANGELICAL PAYS MORE PER YEAR IN INTEREST TO LENDERS THAN TO THE CHURCH, OR TO THE SPREADING OF THE GOSPEL THAT JESUS CAME TO SAVE & FORGIVE SINNERS. FOR EXAMPLE, A RECENT REPORT STATES THAT THE AVERAGE AMERICAN CARRIES A CONSUMER DEBT LOAD OF $15,000, OF WHICH $8,000 OF IT IS OWED TO CREDIT CARD COMPANIES (CNN 1/02/01). TAKE A PERSONAL TEST OF YOUR COMMITMENT & CONTENTMENT LEVEL LOOK AT YOUR CHECK BOOK & IT WILL TELL YOU A LOT ABOUT YOUR COMMITMENT TO GOD, OR TO THE WORLD! --and-- IT WILL TELL YOU HOW CONTENT YOU ARE, OR ARE NOT! ALLOW ME, IN LOVE TO GIVE YOU A KIND WARNING & AN ENCOURAGEMENT! Please know the difference between conviction & condemnation (Romans 8:1), and remember that if the shoe fits put it on, repent and let God help you get the victory. If not, pick up some helpful hints!

THE PROBLEMS WITH BORROWING

1. BONDAGE: SLAVE TO LENDER: PROVERB 22:7.

2. BRINGS A CURSE: DISOBEDIENCE: DEUTERONOMY 28:15,44.

3. ***SHOWS DISCONTENTMENT*** ---

1 TIMOTHY 6:6-10 - GODLINESS VS COVETOUSNESS.

· ***QUOTABLE QUOTE: "DEBT IS ACCUMULATED THROUGH DISCONTENTMENT WITH THE THINGS THAT WE ALREADY HAVE POSSESSION OF!" THE HOLY SPIRIT SAYS: (1 Timothy 6:6) "BUT GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT GAIN". THE ENEMY SAYS: "SUPPOSING THAT GAIN IS GODLINESS” (1 Tim 6:5).

5. WEAKENS FAITH THAT GOD IS JEHOVAH-JIREH: Heb 11:6; 2 Cor 9:8; Gen 22:1-14

6. CAUSES SELF-SUFFICIENT ATTITUDE: STOPS GOD'S PROVISION: 2 Cor 3:5.

7. AVOIDS SELF-EXAMINATION: 2 Cor. 13:5; Ezek. 14:1-11; Psalm 139:23-24.

8. BORROWING IS A QUICK FIX THAT MAY LEAD TO LONG-TERM BONDAGE!

THE WOES CONSOLIDATION & HOME EQUITY LOANS! GENERALLY DO NOT WORK THEY ARE A BAND-AID ON A CANCEROUS SORE! WE NEED TO FIND THE ROOT PROBLEM: A SPIRITUAL PROBLEM: LACK OF DISCIPLINE & SUBMISSION. THE FIRST STEP IS TO INVITE CHRIST INTO THE MATTER, & LET HIM LEAD YOU OUT OF DEBT & BONDAGE.

THE GOOD NEWS: FINANCIAL FREEDOM - FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE COMES THROUGH DEPENDENCE ON & OBEDIENCE TO THE LORD = DELIVERANCE!

WE GOT TO DEAL WITH THE SPIRITUAL REALM BEFORE WE CAN DEAL PROPERLY WITH THE NATURAL REALM. DELIVERANCE FROM THE BONDAGE OF DEBT COMES BY:

1. SUBMISSION - James 4:7,10

2. CONFESSION - REPENTANCE: 1 John 1:9; Romans 2:4

3. RECEIVING FORGIVENESS: Romans 10:13, Joel 2:32

4. WALK IT OUT WITH THE GREATER ONE: 1 John 4:4; Phil 4:13; Rev 12:11.

QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM DAVID RAMSEY: "FINANCIAL FREEDOM IS ONLY 20% KNOWLEDGE, BUT 80% BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION!"

RECOMMENDATIONS ON BEING A GOOD FINANCIAL STEWARD & GET OUT OF DEBT

1. DEPENDENCE ON THE LORD UNDERSTANDING HE OWNS IT ALL - PSALM 24:1 BE DETERMINED TO BELIEVE GOD REGARDLESS OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES (PROV 3:5-6). BE CONTROLLED BY GOD'S WORD NOT THE EVENTS (ROMANS 12:2).

2. HAVE THE RIGHT PRIORITIES: GOD, FAMILY, ETC.

3. BE OBEDIENT TO TITHE.

4. LEARN TO BE CONTENT: PHILIPPIANS 4:13; 1 TIMOTHY 6:6; HEBREWS 13.5.

5. AVOID LIFESTYLE THAT SPENDS MORE THAN IT EARNS.

6. MAINTAIN SAVINGS: 5-10% OF YOUR INCOME. SAVE & STORE

· (PROVERBS 6:6-8) THE ALLEGORY OF THE ANT. DON’T HOARD, BUT SAVE FOR A "RAINY DAY".

7. BE ACCOUNTABLE TO YOUR SPOUSE (AMOS 3:3; 1 PETER 3:1-7).

8. DISCERN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN: YOUR NEEDS, WANTS, & PASSIONS.

9. AVOID DEBT: REMEMBER, DEBT ALWAYS APPEARS TO SOLVE A PROBLEM, OR MEET A NEED. BUT, IT’S OFTEN A "QUICK FIX" THAT CREATES A LARGER PROBLEM: PROLONGS THE AGONY!

10. HAVE A WORKING BUDGET: DO YOU? MOST FOLKS DON’T! WE MUST KNOW WHERE OUR MONEY IS GOING. THIS MEANS YOU MUST BUDGET. RON BLUE STATES

THE SECOND MOST COMMON MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE FINANCIALLY IS FAILING TO HAVE A BUDGET!

11. EXAMINE YOUR SPENDING:

· HOUSEHOLD: UTILITIES, INSURANCE, CHECK EXCESSES, TOO MUCH HOUSE FOR INCOME.

· FOOD PURCHASES: STOP EATING OUT, JUNK FOOD, SENTRY -VS- KWIK TRIP (CONVENIENCE IS EXPENSIVE).

· MAINTENANCE: EQUIPMENT UP KEEP, CARS (PUT IN NEW ENGINE) ETC.

· SHOP SALES: LOOK FOR BEST BUY, CHEAPEST IS NOT ALWAYS BEST.

· CLOTHING: LET PEOPLE KNOW YOUR NEEDS, SWAP HAND-ME-DOWNS.

· SALES RESISTANCE: CONTROL COMPULSION/COMPARE PRICES.

· RECREATION, ENTERTAINMENT, SOCIAL CLUBS: HOBBIES, TOYS, CABLE TV SUBSCRIPTIONS.

· TAX-EXEMPTIONS, INCREASE IF YOU GET A REFUND, USE YOUR CASH NOW.

12. EXAMINE CREDIT CARD USAGE.

· THEY FEED LUST, SOME PEOPLE CAN'T HAVE THEM.

· WRITE A CHECK TO COVER THE CHARGE WHEN YOU GET HOME.

THE HORROR OF CREDIT CARD DEBT #1

· 1st CASE IN POINT: Joe purchases various items for $4000. Assuming his interest rate is 15% and he makes the minimum payment required, and doesn’t add any new charges to the account it will take him about 16 1/2 years to pay off $4000.He would have paid about $5000 in interest.

· 2nd CASE IN POINT: Sam never pays of his balance and keeps the line at $4000. After 16 1/2 years he still owes the $4000 , and he has paid almost $10,000 in interest.

THE HORROR OF CREDIT CARD DEBT #2

· 3rd CASE IN POINT: Same as Case #1 where he only pays the minimum. But, his Credit Card Interest Rate is 20%. Principal $4,000 --- Interest $6,600 = Total Paid $10,600.

· 4th CASE IN POINT: Same as Case #2 where he pays minimum and keeps borrowing to keep the balances at $4,000. In the end he will have paid $13,150 in interest, and still owes $4,000. Total paid/owed: $17,150.

13. EXAMINE EXCESS POSSESSIONS: SELL AND PAY OFF DEBT.

14. ACCELERATE REPAYMENTS: SEE CHART. IF THE AVERAGE AMERICAN USED THIS PRINCIPLE THEY WOULD BE DEBT FREE: SHORT TERM IN 1 1/2 YEARS & LONG TERM 7 YEARS. Beloved, we need to ask the Lord to help us complete this plan (Hebrews 4:16), and ask Him to keep us from willfully going back into the bondage of debt (Hebrews 12:2).

· Hebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

· Hebrews 12:2 "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..."

* EMPHASIZE: FOR THE PLAN TO WORK, YOU MUST BE OBEDIENT TO TITHE! *

HOW CAN THE CHURCH/MINISTRY HELP?

· NOT BY BAILING PEOPLE OUT (AND YET, THERE IS A TIME FOR ALMS).

· BY RAISING UP LAY-MINISTERS SCHOOLED TO HELP TRAIN & KEEP FOLKS ACCOUNTABLE.

· YOU HAVE TO ASK FOR HELP. THAT’S HUMBLING, BUT NECESSARY TO GET THE VICTORY.