Four Financial Situations

Crisis

One paycheck from disaster

Good “financial” shape

God-honoring lifestyle

If we don’t control our money, it will control us:

where we livewhere we workwho we have as friendshow we use our time

Cultural Myths“Things bring happiness.”“Debt is EXPECTED and

unavoidable.”“A little more money will

solve all your problems.”

The Pull of the Culture

Group Activity:

Course Overview

Contrast what the culture says about money with what the Bible says about money.

Develop personal Spending Plans.

The Mind and Heart of God

God created everything.God owns everything.We are trustees.

A trustee has no rights—only responsibilities.

The Financial DilemmaOne servant Two masters

No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

- - - Matthew 6:24

Two Great Truths

God holds us ACCOUNTABLE for how we manage the money and possessions entrusted to us.

We will be found either faithful or foolish.

Key Question:

Will God consider my financial decisions to be faithful or foolish?

Five Financial Areas

EarningGivingSavingDebtSpending

We Become a ...

Diligent EarnerGENEROUS GiverWise SaverCAUTIOUS DebtorPrudent Consumer

Genuine Financial Freedom Is:

The CONTENTMENT we experience as we faithfully manage our financial resources according to God’s purposes and principles.

A Budget Is:

The fundamental tool that enables us to control our money so that it doesn’t end up controlling us.

A Budget Is:

The fundamental tool that enables us to control our money so that it doesn’t end up controlling us.

A Spending Plan for how we will allocate our financial resources.

A Spending Plan Is:

A way to reach our financial GOALS and live out our values and priorities.

Sets safe limits financially.

A Spending Plan:

Produces FREEDOM.

The Benefits of a Spending Plan

Gives us facts.

The Benefits of a Spending Plan

Gives us facts.Avoids WASTE.

The Benefits of a Spending Plan

Gives us facts.Avoids WASTE.Keeps our VALUES and priorities in

check.

The Benefits of a Spending Plan

Gives us facts.Avoids WASTE.Keeps our VALUES and priorities in

check.Leads to financial freedom.