1. A Generous Life: Perilous Pursuit of Pleasure

2. Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

3. Money is ___ __________, but the Lord __ not trustworthy is

4. I Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

5. I Timothy 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

6. $1500 dollars a year One computer One vehicle - Top 25% - Top 8% - Top 6%

7. Take a Step: Decide to trust the Lord and obey Him by first giving 10% of what you earn to His Kingdom work. Count your extra blessings and then give extra offerings. Test Him by being generous and watch Him generously take care of you!

8. Money will _______ ___, but the Lord _____ deceive you won’t

9. Revelation 3:17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

10. Mark 4:18-19 Still others like seed sown among the thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

11. Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure… yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind…

12. Money will ____ _____ ___________, but the Lord ____. not bring contentment will

13. I Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

15. I Timothy 6:9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

16. Hebrews 13:5-6 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid…”

17. Is God’s Word saying it is wrong to be wealthy? No

18. Is God’s Word saying it is wrong to work hard and become wealthy? Not necessarily

19. Is God’s Word saying it is wrong to complain that I don’t have enough money? Yes

20. In our culture, you are going to have to make some serious decisions to overcome the pull toward acquiring more. Because when it comes to money – more does not always equal better.

21. Take a Step: Decide to control your standard of living, rather than letting it control you. Prayerfully determine what standard you need to be at, so you can be more generous, as He directs. Then enjoy living at that standard and be generous!

22. 1. Live simply and within your means. Practical Tips for Godly Lifestyle Adjustments

23. 2. Do not covet the possessions of others. Practical Tips for Godly Lifestyle Adjustments

24. 3. Follow this advice: “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.” Practical Tips for Godly Lifestyle Adjustments

25. 4. When considering making a purchase, ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” Discern the difference between needs and wants. Practical Tips for Godly Lifestyle Adjustments

26. 5. Examine your home for evidence of hoarding. Practical Tips for Godly Lifestyle Adjustments

27. 6. Give away anything that owns you. Practical Tips for Godly Lifestyle Adjustments

28. 7. Don’t fall for commercial advertising – shop wisely based on good counsel. Practical Tips for Godly Lifestyle Adjustments

29. 8. Analyze the cost of small expenditures, such as eating out, buying brand names, etc. Practical Tips for Godly Lifestyle Adjustments

30. 9. In making major purchases, shop around, compare prices, gain knowledge before you buy. Practical Tips for Godly Lifestyle Adjustments

31. 10. Actively de-accumulate by going through your closets, basement, garage, storage spaces. Practical Tips for Godly Lifestyle Adjustments

32. 11. Be willing to pray before making special purchases. Give God the opportunity to lead you or provide for you in an unexpected but more affordable way. Practical Tips for Godly Lifestyle Adjustments

33. Take a Step: Decide to control your standard of living, rather than letting it control you. Prayerfully determine what standard you need to be at, so you can be more generous, as He directs. Then enjoy living at that standard and be generous!