What does it mean, and why does it matter?

The problem of money 22% of divorces arise from money issues The average American household has $15,000 in credit card debt. Finances are a leading cause in anxiety It’s really hard (and sometimes awkward) to talk about money My own story….

The blessing of money Money empowers us to live, work and play Our monies support organizations and institutions we believe in.

Why are we here today? To talk about the uncomfortable subject, that affects all of us as a blessing that we can use to honor and glorify God!

What is a steward? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary: Someone who protects or is responsible for money, property, etc A person whose job is to manage the land and property of another person A simple definition would be a manager or caretaker

What is a steward Being a steward is like parenting a small child Total commitment Totally responsible for the child Total investment of time Heavy investment in resources Ultimately a child become autonomous

What is Biblical stewardship? Biblical Stewardship: the use of God-given gifts and resources (time, talent, treasure, truth, relationships) for the accomplishment of God-given goals and objectives Biblical stewardship is all-inclusive and touches all areas of our lives Faithfulness in using whatever God gives us for His glory

Biblical ideals of stewardship Abraham: caring for Lot and their families Moses: leading the Israelites to freedom Gideon: protecting the community King Josiah: guiding the nation towards a relationship with God The apostles founding and caring for the first churches

Purpose of our study Over the next three weeks: We will explore what the Bible can teach us about the money aspect of stewardship and its effect on our lives We will wrestle with how our lives may change if we believe that God owns it all We will learn what money is and what it isn’t, according to God We will identify concepts and practices that will allow us to be better stewards of what has been entrusted to us

Who owns it? I own it: I will define my own values and use my resources according to my worldview God owns it: There are Biblical values that define how I use my resources Does the way we answer this question have an impact on how we view our financial resources?

Examples of “God owns it all” Psalm 24:1 – The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it 1 Cor 6:19-20 – you are not your own & you were bought at a price 1 Timothy 6:7 – For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it

The central Gospel Message Jesus talks a lot about money “There was a man who tore down his storehouses to build bigger ones….” Jesus calls us to an “eternal” perspective

How does God view money? There are over 2,300 Biblical verses that deal with money and possessions. Why do you think that is? Because we must choose between two radically different approaches: the values of our society, or the values of the Bible I believe that God understands that our view/desire of money will enslave us rather than serve us Money is a tool, a test, and a testimony

Money is a tool That God uses in my growth process That I possess to accomplish God-given objectives Money is never the end; it is always a means to an end Philippians 4:11-13 – I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Money will never, ever lead to contentment

Stories of contentment Angus Deaton, Nobel Prize winner, $75,000 theory The message of Paul….

Money is a test God uses money to determine an individual’s commitment to Him, such as acknowledging His ownership of our resources Luke 16: 13 – No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money

Who can think of a good example? Ebenezer Scrooge Bernie Madoff The Panama Papers

Money is a testimony Both my attitude towards my wealth and my attitude towards my lack will provide a testimony to the world Matthew 5:13-16 – You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven

We spend on things we love Our churches Our entertainment: Our societies: humane society, The United Way Our pleasure: food and drink Sports: Alabama and Auburn Football, hunting

Money is NOT: A measure of self-worth (Deut 8:16-18; Proverbs 22:2; Eph 2:10) A reward for Godly living (1 Cor 3:13-15; Hebrews 11) A guarantee of contentment (Eccles 5:10; Phil 4:11-13) A measure of true success (Joshua 1:8) Are these Scriptures consistent with what the world tells us about money?

Danger zone “Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz!” The “prosperity gospel” Please note… God does not bribe us!

What does a good steward look like? They give proportionately (what does that look like?) They are not in bondage to their lifestyle (controlled, low/no debt) They pay taxes with integrity and thanksgiving They set financial goals They are accountable

Key Takeaways God owns it all (owner vs. steward) Scripture discusses money and possessions at length (2,300 verses) The world’s perception of money and God’s principles regarding money are often in conflict Money is a tool, a test, a testimony Money is not a measure of self-worth, a reward for Godly living, a guarantee of contentment, or a true measure of success

Be not afraid! It is important for us to talk about money It is even more important for us to be thoughtful, prayerful stewards!

Next week 6 Transcendent Planning Principles 5 Uses of Income Implications of Biblical Stewardship