This message will look specifically at our finances and how our faith shapes our financial lives. We will talk about tithing, saving, honoring God with our finances, and the place of faith and wisdom.
Sermon Outline
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)
A Faith-Shaped Perspective on Finances
- God owns everything (Psalm 24:1; 50:10-12)
- Our finance resources are a gift from God (James 1:17)
First Things First in Finances
- The offering of first fruits in the Old Testament (Deut. 26:1-3; Leviticus 23:9-14)
- The concept of the tithe, or ten percent (Deuteronomy 14:22-29; Malachi 3:10)
The Freedom of Faith-Shaped Finances
- Having appropriate perspective on finances (1 Timothy 6:6-9)
- Having appropriate wariness of money’s power (Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:10)
The Responsibility of Faith-Shaped Finances
- Living responsibly and overcoming idleness (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)
- Trusting God in lean times (Psalm 9:18; 12:5)
Generosity in Faith-Shaped Finances
- Living aware of the needs around us (Acts 2:45; 4:35; 6:1-7)
- Living generously with what God has entrusted to us (Acts 2:45; 4:34)
Practices for Faith-Shaped Finances
- Moving from ownership to stewardship
- Moving from idolizing to valuing
- Moving from hoarding to generosity
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- If you had to pick just one of the following words, which one describes the primary way you view money: status, security, enjoyment control?
- This week we continue our sermon series entitled “Everyday Ordinary Faith.” This second week we will focus on faith-shaped finances. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His word.
- Read Psalm 24:1 and 50:10-12. What are these verses saying about God? What do you think the implications are for how we view God and money?
- Read James 1:17. If everything we have is a gift from God, what might this mean for how we approach our finances?
- In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talks quite a bit about money. Read Matthew 6:19-34 and consider the following questions: What is Jesus saying about money and possessions? What is the relationship between how we view our resources and how we view God? What might it mean to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness in our finances (vs 33)?
- If money can be an idol, then generosity is the tool that breaks the idol. Read through the following verses and then reflect on what it means to be generous: Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:32-37; 2 Corinthians 8:1-3; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; James 1:26-27; Proverbs 22:9.
- Where are you struggling with your finances right now? What do you think God might have to say to you right now about that?
- What will you ‘resolve’ to do with God’s help as a result of this study and message? Identify one practical way you will respond this week. Write it down, reflect on it, and put it into practice this week. If you are in a small group, discuss this with one another.
- What is one thing you sense God calling to your attention personally through this week’s study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and consider sharing your thoughts with someone this week.
DIG DEEPER
Exploring Faith
- Knowing that Scripture indicates God’s guidance is for our good and protection, why do you think how we manage our resources matters to God? What might He be trying to protect us from
- What will you do this year to explore what God has to say to about our finances?
Growing in Faith
- Take more time with the verses mentioned above in question 6. Is there one passage God is really drawing to your attention? Take some time to write down why you think God is drawing this to your attention and what it would mean for how you handle your finances.
- Memorize that verse and recite it to yourself daily this coming week.
Centered in Faith
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As you invest in the lives of others for Christ, how might you model and challenge them in the area of generosity this year?