#1 - Keep the Change

How to Take Hold of Your Money

Introduction:

I'm delighted to welcome you to the first week of our series, "Keep the Change,"

where we will explore what the Bible says about finances and how we can align our financial journey with God's principles.

Today, we begin by addressing a fundamental question:

How can we take hold of our money and use it in a way that honors God?

As we go into this topic, remember the main statement:

"Generosity isn't something God is demanding from us, it's something He is inviting us to."

1: The Stewardship Principle

Luke 12:15

Luke 12:15 NIV

15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Our first point takes us to a parable shared by Jesus in Luke 12:15, where He says,

"Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

It's a message that counters the culture's constant call to accumulate more.

As Pastor Rick Warren wisely said,

"God's way is not to hoard it all, but to share it all."

This reminds us that our possessions do not define us; rather, we are stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.

Consider the words of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement:

"Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can."

Wesley's wisdom emphasizes not just earning or saving but giving as an essential part of financial stewardship.

2: Contentment and Gratitude

Moving on to our second point, we find wisdom in Ecclesiastes 5:19, which say...

Ecclesiastes 5:19 NIV

19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.

Our culture often bombards us with messages of discontentment and the pursuit of more.

But as financial expert Dave Ramsey once noted,

"You will never have enough until you learn to be thankful for what you have."

Contentment and gratitude are key to financial peace.

The Apostle Paul echoed this sentiment in Philippians 4:11-12, where he said,

Philippians 4:11–12 NIV

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

3: Walking in the Light

Our final point today reminds us of the importance of transparency and honesty in our financial matters.

In John 8:12, Jesus declared,

John 8:12 NIV

12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

In the realm of finances, it's crucial to walk in the light.

As financial counselor Larry Burkett once wisely said,

"Truthfulness about money is as important as truthfulness about anything else. If our spiritual walk is to be consistent with our financial walk, then both must be characterized by integrity."

This means being open about our financial struggles,

seeking counsel when needed,

and being accountable to one another.

As Proverbs 11:3 reminds us,

Proverbs 11:3 NIV

3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

Conclusion:

As we conclude today's sermon, let's remember the key points we've discussed:

1. We are stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, and our possessions do not define us.

2. Contentment and gratitude are antidotes to the culture's relentless pursuit of more.

3. Walking in the light, with integrity in our financial matters, is essential for our spiritual well-being.

Let's embrace these principles as we journey through this series.

May we be faithful stewards, content in God's blessings, and transparent in our financial lives.

Remember, "Generosity isn't something God is demanding from us, it's something He is inviting us to." Amen.

T.I.O

Here are two to three questions for each level of conversation starters based on the sermon:

Start Talking:

1. Have you ever felt pressure to accumulate more possessions in your life? Yes or no?

2. Do you believe that contentment and gratitude are important factors in achieving financial peace?

3. Have you ever found it challenging to be completely transparent about your financial situation with someone?

Start Thinking:

1. What does it mean to you to be a steward of your financial resources? How does this perspective differ from the conventional view of ownership?

2. How can practicing contentment and gratitude in your financial life impact your overall well-being?

3. What are some common misconceptions about money and possessions that our culture promotes, and how do they conflict with biblical principles?

Start Sharing:

1. Can you share a personal experience where you've witnessed the pursuit of possessions negatively affect someone's life or relationships?

2. In what ways do you currently practice contentment and gratitude in your financial life, and how has it made a difference?

3. Have you ever sought financial advice or guidance from a trusted friend or advisor? What was the outcome, and how did it feel to be open about your financial matters?

Start Doing:

1. As a practical step, how can you incorporate the principle of stewardship into your financial decisions this week?

2. What's one thing you can do to cultivate contentment and gratitude in your life, specifically regarding your finances?

3. How can you take a step towards greater financial transparency and integrity in your relationships or community?