Class #1: Money Indicates and Impacts

The purpose of this class: to think biblically about our use of money, and to act accordingly, that we might more fully glorify God and enjoy Him.

Some of my assumptions as teacher:
Whether financially knowledgeable or not, we all have growing to do as stewards. The class is intended equally for teens, students, young marrieds, old marrieds, everybody.
Practical suggestions are just that: suggestions. I hope it will be clear which of the points made I consider precepts from God’s Word, and which are merely one way of approaching a task, where others would work just as well.

Materials: our class to be based largely on the Crown Financial Course (more information at www.crown.org).

Today’s key point: Our use of money both indicates and impacts our relationship with the Lord and His Kingdom.

Parable of the Talents
Matthew 25:14-30The master rewards his faithful servants (with eternal rewards) and punishes (eternally) the faithless.
Do we think enough about rewards in heaven? Enough to be motivated by them? If not, why not?

Paradox:
1. The parable isn’t about money. (It's really about saving faith, as evidenced in daily life)
2.The parable is about money. (The servants’ hearts are revealed in their use of money)

Parable of the Dishonest Manager
Luke 16:1-13, esp. v. 11Surprised by this statement: That being found unfaithful with unrighteous wealth, we will not be entrusted with true riches? Is the reverse also true?
Our use of money is a proving ground for our growth as disciples. (faithful in a little, given responsibility for more)
V. 14 is not a renunciation of money (context doesn’t portray money itself as evil), but a call to be devoted to the right Master.

Isaiah 55:8-9Opening our financial lives to His direction, correction, and inspection is vital, as our approach to money is no less affected by the Fall than any other aspect of our lives.

(Crown) Two economic systems in conflict:
The system we accept without question: that what is ours is ours, to be utilized as we see fit.
God’s economy: He plays the central role.

The Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 6:19-24, esp. v.21Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The obvious application: our use of money functions as a thermometer. It shows us where our true priorities lie.

(As we observe our use of money) Does it indicate:
More of a short-term or a long-term focus in my overall priorities?
Emphasis on putting out fires, or investing for future rewards?
Am I moving from crisis to crisis, or is there some method to my financial decisions?
(Realizing that not all impulsive buying is sinful) What kinds of needs do I meet impulsively? Am I generous? Quick to do good?
Is a love for God and His Kingdom evident in my financial decisions over the last year?

The not-so-obvious application: our use of money also functions as a thermostat. As we change our use of money (as with our use of any of God’s resources), we begin to recalibrate our hearts.

If your heart is cool toward the things of God, reorient what you are doing with your money.
Know you should care about missions, but you don’t, really?
If you tend to serve your own needs first, try serving other needs with your money. The Lord Jesus knows how our hearts work: they will follow.


Getting PracticalIf you want to know which direction to go, it helps to know where you are now.

Scripture to Commit to MemoryLuke 16: 11 (ESV) If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?


Personal Financial Statement
Estimate your assets and debts
Will not be shared in class; this is for you.
Goal: determine your net worth (crucial step toward better stewardship)
To be completed this week.

Monthly Budget WorksheetFor those who aren’t in the habit of tracking income and expenses
For those who have fallen off the wagon
For those who are doing it, but may have lost sight of the purpose.
Simple way to record income and expenses, in helpful categories.
If you’re a cash payer, start asking for receipts or carry a notebook. You want to record everything.
Start now (it’s the first of the month!)