Life, Money, Hope Part 1
1 Timothy 6:9-10 - greed leads to temptation, it is root of all evil - plunge men into destruction - it leads astray from faith and pierced people with griefs
where your treasure is, there your heart is also
financial planner
earning - calling v. compensation - chase the call - get everyone focused on calling, purpose - true fulfillment - we don't need something to live on, we need something to live for
spending - contentment v. consumerism - don't always be wishing for what you don't have - the secret of being content, remember that we are blessed - contentment is not a fulfillment of what you want, but a realization of what you already have
saving - God dependent v. independent security - find security in God alone - often, wealth is imagined as a fortress - Hope in God alone - give me my daily bread - trust in God who richly provides
investing - stewardship v. ownership - *** God owns everything, and I am the manager *** treasure in heaven
giving - generosity ( givers are blessed, happy) v. misery (miser usually unhappiest people) - 1 Timothy 6:18-19 - command to do good, a treasure for coming age, a hold of true life - a value of life is determined not by how much I make, but how much I give away
Haggai 1:5-7 - give careful thought to your ways
God's way works!
Part 2
People aren't stingy, people are strapped - must help people find financial freedom
layaway v. consumer debt
- We believe a lie
The grass is greener on the other side but water bill is higher - there is cost you have to pay
people are self-absorbed and people think it is really important - aka pride
Prov 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall
People do bad things and hide it - but people cannot hide pride
Therefore, live a life of humility
It's a privilege to be here, God thank you for picking me
2. We engage in self-destructive behavior - must practice discipline - life mismanaged will lead to destruction (can’t help myself, it's not that bad)
Prov 14:12 look harmless? it leads to hell
3. We isolate ourselves from those who can help
Easier to wear the mask then deal with it (i don't owe you anything, etc)
4. We find ourselves in dark places - desperate situations
Lord is near to those who are discouraged, God will never let you down, God will always be there to help you come through it
you have never gone too far, it is never too late
When he came to his senses… he said father I have sinned against you and heaven… he got up and went to the father… when the son was far away father saw him, filled with compassion, my son is found again and gave him the ring, robe, a feast
Application
- Acknowledge where you are
God never expected you to be perfect - God wants the truth, acknowledgment, and remembrance
Psalms 51:5-6 - Surely you desire the truth from the inside out - repentance, etc
Psalm 32 - let it all out, suddenly pressure, guilt, and sin will be gone
it's not enough to have a feeling
experience in church is not enough
2. develop a plan of attack
the prudent take refuge, the fool continue to suffer
debt is bad / saving is good / giving is fun / stuff is meaningless
3. do it now
humility puts you back in favor of God
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