Accelerating Your Spiritual Growth

‘We are not meant to remain as children…’ Ephesians 4:14 (Phillips)

SPIRITUAL HABITS FOR MANAGING MONEY

MONEY IS A TOOL
“Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them.” 1 Tim. 6:18 (NLT)

MONEY IS A TESST
Jesus: “If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?” Luke 16:11 (NLT)

HABITS FOR FINANCIAL BLESSING

I. RECOGNIZE GOD IS MY PROVIDER
‘God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ Philippians 4:19

‘The earth belongs to the Lord and everything in it.’ Psalm 24:1

“For everything comes from God; everything exists by His power; and everything is intended for His glory.” Rom. 11:36 (NLT)

2. GIVE GOD A TITHE
“Honor the Lord by giving Him the first part of all your income, and He will fill your barns... to overflow!” Pr. 3:9-10 (LB)

“’Bring to My storehouse a full tenth of what you earn... Test Me in this,’ says the Lord. ‘I will open the windows of heaven for you and pour out all the blessings you need.”
Mal. 3:10 (NCV)

“On the first day of every week put aside some of what you have earned during the week, and use it for the offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn.”
1 Cor. 16:2 (LB)

“The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.”
Deut. 14:23 (LB)

3 KEEP GOOD RECORDS
“Riches can disappear fast... so watch your business interests closely. Know the state of your flocks and herds.” Pr. 27:23-24 (LB)

‘Your money can be gone in a flash as if it had grown wings and flown away like an eagle.’ Proverbs 23:5

‘Get the facts at any price’ Proverbs 23:23

4. SAVE FOR THE FUTURE
“The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.”
Pr. 21:20 (LB)

‘Watch what the ants do. Then learn from them and be wise. They store up food in summer and they stockpile supplies before winter.’ Proverbs 6

“Money that comes easily disappears quickly, but money that is gathered little by little will grow.” Pr. 13:11 (NCV)

5. REPAY WHAT YOU OWE
“Don’t withhold repayment of your debts.” Pr. 3:27 (LB)

“Let no debt remain outstanding.” Rom. 13:8 (NIV)

‘Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity. But hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.’ Proverbs 21:5

6. PLAN YOUR SPENDING
“Plan carefully and you will have plenty; if you act too quickly, you will never have enough.” Pr. 21:5 (TEV)

“The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.” Pr. 10:16 (NLT)

“...stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it.” Pr. 21:20b (TEV)

7. ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE
“It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to always be wanting something else.” Eccl. 6:9 (TEV)

“If you love money, you will never be satisfied; if you long to be rich, you will never get all you want. It is useless.” Eccl. 5:10 (TEV)

WHAT MOST PEOPLE DO: THE ORDER GOD BLESSES:
1. Spend it 1. Dedicate it
2. Worry about it 2. Tithe it
3. Repay it 3. Save it
4. Save it 4. Repay it
5. Give it 5. Enjoy it

“Don’t worry…Your heavenly Father already knows what you need, and He will give it to you IF you give Him first place in your life AND live as He wants you to.”
Matt. 6:31-33 (LB)