#4 Keep the change

Visitors - 7th oct volunteer meeting

The Joy of Kingdom Finance

Duration: 25 minutes

Introduction:

Good morning, dear congregation. As we gather today, let's take a moment to reflect on the valuable lessons we've learned over the past three weeks in our series, "keep the change"

We've explored biblical financial principles that pave the way to joy and freedom. Today, we’re going deeper into the joy of kingdom finance.

Let us remember our guiding statement for this series: "Generosity isn't something God is demanding from us, it's something He is inviting us to."

With this perspective, let's unlock the treasures of joy that await us on this journey.

1: The Blessing of Obedience

Malachi 3:10–12 NIV

10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

In Malachi 3:10-12, we discover the blessings that flow from our obedience to God's financial principles.

God promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings when we bring our tithes and offerings faithfully.

These blessings aren't solely financial; they touch every aspect of our lives.

In our journey of Kingdom Finance, one specific aspect that deserves our attention is the practice of faithful tithing.

We learn from the book of Malachi that the people of Israel faced a significant challenge in this regard.

Despite initial promises to tithe faithfully, they fell short, and as a result, they were essentially robbing God and living under a curse

Malachi 3:8 NIV

8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings.

Malachi 3:9 NIV

9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me.

This serves as a powerful reminder that our financial obedience, or lack thereof, has profound implications for our spiritual lives.

Tithing isn't just a matter of giving a portion of our income; it's an act of faith and obedience.

Just as Malachi challenged Israel to bring their tithes, we too are called to honor God with our finances.

Exploration of the Point:

Think about it.

When we faithfully tithe and give, we acknowledge God's ownership over everything we have.

We demonstrate trust in His provision and His wisdom in financial matters.

In return, God opens the windows of heaven, not just pouring out financial blessings, but also showering us with His grace, peace, and guidance.

Testimonies:

I've heard incredible testimonies from members of our congregation who have experienced these blessings firsthand. Families who, despite financial challenges, chose to tithe faithfully and saw unexpected opportunities and provision. Individuals who found peace and joy in their obedience, even in the midst of uncertain times.

Quote:

"The joy of obedience is the key that unlocks God's storehouse of blessings." – Unknown

2: Breaking the Chains of Debt

Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)

7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.

We've been discussing the issue of debt and its impact on our lives, and it's important to recognize that the challenges related to debt are not unique to our time.

In the Old Testament, there were laws and regulations designed to address the issue of debt and to prevent the enslavement of individuals due to financial burdens.

According to the Deuteronomic law (Deuteronomy 15:13–14, 18), when someone was set free from slavery, they were to receive gifts to help them restart their lives and maintain their households.

Deuteronomy 15:13–14 NIV

13 And when you release them, do not send them away empty-handed. 14 Supply them liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to them as the Lord your God has blessed you.

This was a compassionate provision to ensure that those who had paid off their debts through six years of labor would have the means to support themselves.

However, it's evident that these laws were not always observed, and we find instances where individuals continued to use the labor of those they had freed (Jeremiah 34:11, 14–17).

Jeremiah 34:11 NIV

11 But afterward they changed their minds and took back the slaves they had freed and enslaved them again.

In the 5th century Judah, some free persons were forced to mortgage their properties or borrow money to survive, often leading to the loss of their land and the potential enslavement of their children (Nehemiah 5:3–5).

These historical examples illustrate the harsh reality that debt could lead to bondage and servitude, a concept echoed in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 22:7), which reminds us that the borrower is a slave to the lender.

As we seek to break the chains of debt in our own lives, let us remember the importance of wise financial stewardship, following God's principles not only to avoid the burdens of debt but also to help those in need.

Just as the Old Testament provided safeguards against debt-related slavery, let us strive for financial freedom, always guided by the wisdom found in God's Word.

Debt can weigh us down and hinder our ability to experience the fullness of God's blessings.

Proverbs 22:7 reminds us that the borrower is a slave to the lender.

However, there is hope and freedom in managing and eliminating debt.

Exploration of the Point:

Debt can be like heavy chains that bind us, limiting our ability to serve God and others wholeheartedly.

It's not just a financial burden; it often brings stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights.

But there is hope.

Practical Strategies:

We must address our debts with wisdom and determination.

Practical strategies, such as creating a budget, living within our means, and seeking financial advice when necessary, can help us break free from the chains of debt.

Remember, the journey to financial freedom begins with a single step.

Quote:

"Debt-free living isn't just about money; it's about regaining your freedom and peace of mind." – Dave Ramsey

3: Living as Generous Givers

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, we learn about the joy of giving.

Generosity not only blesses the receiver but also fills the giver with joy.

Stories of generosity within our church and community serve as beautiful testimonies to the impact of cheerful giving.

Exploration of the Point:

Generosity is at the heart of God's kingdom. It's not merely about financial transactions; it's about a posture of the heart.

When we give, we reflect the character of our generous God.

Stories of Generosity:

The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) - This is a biblical parable that illustrates an act of extraordinary generosity and compassion. In this story, a man is beaten, robbed, and left for dead on the side of the road. Several people, including a priest and a Levite, pass by without helping. However, a Samaritan, who was considered an outsider and a social enemy, stops to care for the wounded man. He not only tends to his immediate needs but also pays for his stay at an inn and promises to cover any additional expenses. This parable emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and generosity to those in need, regardless of their background or social status.

Quote:

"The true measure of a person's wealth is not their material possessions but the legacy of generosity they leave behind." – Unknown

Conclusion:

In closing, let's reflect on the profound journey we've undertaken during this series on Kingdom Finance.

We've discovered that God invites us into a life of generosity, obedience, and freedom.

As we commit ourselves to this journey, may we find joy, freedom, and the abundant blessings that flow from faithful stewardship.

Let's pray together for God's guidance and blessing on our financial journeys. Amen.

T.I.O - Talk It Over

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

Start Talking (Yes/No Questions):

1. Have you ever faced financial challenges or debt in your life?

2. Do you believe that following biblical financial principles can lead to a more prosperous and joyful life?

3. Have you personally experienced the blessings of faithful tithing or generous giving?

Start Thinking (Reflective Questions):

1. What are some biblical principles or teachings about finances that stood out to you in the sermon?

2. How do you view the concept of generosity in your own life? Is it something you consider an obligation or an invitation from God?

3. In what ways can breaking the chains of debt lead to greater freedom and a closer relationship with God, as discussed in the sermon?

Start Sharing (Open Discussion Questions):

1. Can you share a personal story or testimony related to how following biblical financial principles has impacted your life or someone you know?

2. Are there specific areas of financial struggle or debt that you'd like to discuss or seek advice about within our group?

3. How can we, as a group, encourage one another to embrace a lifestyle of cheerful giving and responsible financial stewardship?

Start Doing (Practical Steps):

1. As a practical step, how can we individually work toward breaking any financial chains or debts in our lives? Are there specific actions we can take this week?

2. Can we commit to regularly reviewing our financial situations and making adjustments to align with biblical principles?

3. In light of the sermon's emphasis on generosity, can we each identify one act of kindness or generosity we can carry out in the coming week to invest in eternal treasure?

These questions should facilitate meaningful discussions within your small group, encouraging reflection, sharing, and actionable steps related to the sermon's themes.