Money, the Bible...and Me (Debt & Spending)

Click here to download the sermon file.

Recap of 3/21/10:
1. The Bible does not prohibit the use of credit. “The Bible does not forbid buying on credit, but it warns against it. Most Christian financial counselors advise people to use credit only for items that rise in value, such as houses and businesses. Items that drop in value, such as refrigerators, cars, etc. should be bought with cash.” (The Compact Guide to the Christian Life, p. 208)
2. The Bible cautions borrowers:
- Borrowing should be limited. Freedom from debt is the superior position. Proverbs 22:7
- Must have an asset to cover the debt.
- Seek other means rather than credit (pray, save, defer, do without, rent borrow, practice self-
control)
- Don’t use credit as an everyday occurrence (if you don’t have the money the Lord may be
saying don’t buy it)
- Perpetual debt is not a good testimony.
- If indebted we must pay our debt. Psalm 37:21
3. The Bible cautions against co-signing (especially on high-interest loans) Proverbs 6:1-3; 11:15; 17:18; 22:26-27

Money, the Bible...and Me (Income & Spending, Cont.)

Click here to download the sermon file.

Recap of 3/14/10:
1. When it comes to spending:
-we have an obligation to plan - Proverbs 21:5
-we have an obligation to meet our family’s needs - 1 Timothy 5:3-4,8; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
-we have an obligation to help believers in need - Romans 12:13; 1 John 3:17,18
-we have an obligation to pay our debt - Psalms 37:21
-we have an obligation to pay taxes - Romans 13:1-2,5-7; Titus 3:1; Matthew 22:15-22
2. Budgeting dos and don’ts
-a budget is simply a plan for what we will do with our money
-it should be simple to understand and administer
-it should include fixed and discretionary costs
-it should be personal to the individual or couple
-it should be the product of prayer, planning, and should be periodically evaluated
-we must keep good records

Money, the Bible...and Me (Income & Spending)

Click here to download the sermon file.

Recap of 3/7/10:
1. Life is not about money, other things are more important: honesty, generosity; being ethical/truthful:
-we are not to profit from greed, dishonest dealing, or lying (Proverbs 15:6,27; 16:8; 20:14; 21:6)
-we are not to profit from ignoring our debts (Psalm 37:21)
-we are to deal ethically (Hosea 12:7; Amos 8:4,5)
-we are not to profit by withholding a person’s proper wages (James 5:4; Leviticus 25:35-37; Psalms 15:5)
-we are to be givers and not takers (Ephesians 4:28)
2. We must take care of our things through regular maintenance, etc, they are an investment (Proverbs 27:23)
3. Seven Biblical reasons we never have enough: stinginess (Proverbs 11:24; 28:22); ignoring advice/correction (Proverbs 13:18); lack of self-discipline and planning (Proverbs 21:5); unbridled consumption/living only for the moment (Proverbs 21:17); exploiting those in need (Proverbs 22:16); currying favor with the rich and powerful (Proverbs 22:16); and withholding from the Lord (Haggai 1:3-11).

Money, the Bible...and Me (Income, Cont.)

Click here to download the sermon file.

Recap of 3/7/10:
1. The value of hard work is something we should instill in our children (Proverbs 10:5).
2. Hard work is the path to leadership (Proverbs 12:24)
3. The Bible encourages saving (Proverbs 13:11; 21:20):
-it warns against unrestrained consumption
-it encourages restraint in our spending
-the foolish person cares only for the moment so he consumes all he makes
-the ant is given as an illustration of this principle (Proverbs 6:6-11; 30:24,25). The ant stores up for future needs; it is and example of industry, foresight and planning
4. Planning is not contrary to walking by faith. (James 4:13-17; Proverbs 16:1,2,3,5,9)