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)