HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 228
page A226
Money continued
Why don’t I ever seem to have enough?
• I SA I A H 5 5 :2 | “Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength?”
We may be foolishly spending our money on what does not satisfy the soul.
• H A G G A I 1 :4 | “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?”
We may not be managing our money according to God’s priorities.
• L U K E 1 2 :1 5 | “Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much
you own.”
If we depend on our wealth to bring security, there will never be enough.
• E C C L E S I A S T E S 1 0 :1 9 | A party gives laughter, wine gives happiness, and money gives
everything!
We tend to think money is the answer to every problem.
• MA R K 1 0 :2 2 | At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
We accumulate money because we trust money and wealth to bring us security and happiness. How much more happy and productive we could be if we set our minds to accumulating treasure in heaven.
Is debt a sin?
M
• MAT T H E W 1 8 :2 4 | “In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him
millions of dollars.”
In teaching on forgiveness, Jesus uses this parable that seems to imply the lending or borrowing of money is not itself sinful, though the manner in which we respond to debt can be.
HelpFinder
• PR O V E R B S 2 2 :7 | Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
Although borrowing money is not in itself sinful, we are to be careful and wise in our
borrowing so we don’t become slaves to debt.
• PR O V E R B S 6 :1 -3 | If you have put up security for a friend’s debt or agreed to guarantee
the debt of a stranger . . . follow my advice and save yourself.
While not a sin, debt is a dangerous thing. We are to avoid it whenever possible.
• R O MA NS 1 3 :8 | Owe nothing to anyone.
Although incurring debt may not be sinful, the failure to repay a debt is.
In what other ways should I be cautious regarding debt?
• PR O V E R B S 2 2 :7 | Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
Debt can cause you to be “owned” by those who you owe money to.
• R O MA NS 1 3 :7 -8 | Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government
fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.
Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another.
Pay your debts in a timely manner because it is important to honor your commitments.
This isn’t saying you can never have a home mortgage or car payments, but it is saying
that, when payments are due, you should pay them on time. Owing money to someone
else is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.
How can I best use my money?
• DE U T E R O NO MY 1 6 :1 7 | “All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to
them by the Lord your God.”
• PR O V E R B S 3 :9 | Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything
you produce.
• 1 C O R I NT H I A NS 1 6 :2 | On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of
the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.
Honor the Lord by giving to his work.
• L U K E 1 6 :9 | “Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when
your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.”
