Living a Balanced Life “Finances”

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” Psalm 24:1 NIV

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV

The Call To Stewardship The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it We are just stewards of God’s estate – Psalm 24:1; Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15; Deuteronomy 8:11-18 We are to honor the Lord with everything He has entrusted to us – Proverbs 3:9-10; 1Peter 4:10-11

The Call To Stewardship God expects us to be good stewards! Jesus taught a lot about stewardship – Matthew 6:19-24; Luke 12:13-21 We will be held accountable for our stewardship – Matthew 25:14-30

When Finances Become Imbalanced Our finances become imbalanced when . . . We’re not prepared for a financial crisis – Job 1 - 2 We selfishly hoard our money – Luke 16:19-31; Proverbs 21:13 We foolishly waste our money – Proverbs 14:24; 21:5

When Finances Become Imbalanced The affects of imbalanced finances It puts unnecessary stress on our lives – Matthew 6:25-34 It often causes conflict in relationships – Proverbs 11:26; 28:25 It distracts us from doing the Lord’s will – 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Matthew 25:31-46

God’s Plan For Financial Balance Trust and Obey Don’t put your trust in wealth – 1 Timothy 6:17; Philippians 4:10-13 Trust God’s Word, He knows best – Proverbs 3:5-10; Matthew 6:33 Do not merely listen to the Word . . . Do what it says! – James 1:22-27; Matthew 7:21

God’s Plan For Financial Balance Practice generosity! This is soooo important! – 1 Timothy 6:18-19 God promises to provide all we need to do His will – 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

“Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 NIV

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NIV