Lesson #14. FINANCIAL FREEDOM AND THE BLESSING OF GIVING

KEY TRUTH: Gaining a biblical perspective on finances and the blessings of budgeting, which brings financial freedom and the ability to give to God, His work, and people in need.

I. DOES GOD CARE ABOUT THE SUBJECT OF MONEY?

1. THE BIBLE SAYS A GREAT DEAL ABOUT MONEY:

The Scriptures give us principles for earning and spending, saving and giving, and the investing and misuse of finances. Moreover, it warns against trying to find happiness and security from material possessions alone.

2. THE LOVE OF MONEY MAY BE A CAUSE OF ALL KINDS OF EVIL (see 1 Tim 6:10):

However, money itself is neutral and some of the godliest people have been prosperous as were Job (Job1:1-3; 42:10-13), Abraham (Gen 24:35), Joseph (Gen 45:8-13), David (2 Sam 8:1-12), Solomon (2 Chron 1:11-17; 9:10-24), Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37), Lydia (Acts 16:14-15) … and the list goes on.

3. YOU CANNOT SERVE GOD AND MONEY (Mt 6:24):

It is tempting to adopt the world’s pursuit of things and to be pressurised to live like those who have no desire to please God with the use of their finances.

4. THE DANGER OF LIVING BEYOND OUR MEANS:

There is a strong temptation to procure items we cannot afford rather than to save before purchasing items. This leads people to buy things with credit cards, and personal loans. These practices greatly increase the cost of items.

5. AVOIDING GET RICH QUICK SCHEMES:

Wise is the person who builds up resistance against ‘get rich quick’ schemes and scams – ⁴ Do not weary yourself to gain wealth; Cease from your consideration of it. ⁵ When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens (Prov 23:4-5). As they say – ‘If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!’.

4. GROWING PRESSURE ON THE YOUNGER GENERATION:

Furthermore, we live in a world that is making it increasingly difficult to make ends meet financially. It is therefore sensible to consider what God has to say on the subject of finance.

5. DISCOVERING HOW TO LIVE IN A WAY THAT PLEASES GOD:

It is hoped that as you reflect on the principles in this study, God will show you creative and alternative ways of approaching your finances that increases your financial freedom.

Q.1. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PRESSURES YOU FACE IN DEALING WITH YOUR FINANCES?

II. HOW DO I DEVELOP A BIBLICAL VALUE SYSTEM?

1. ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ALL YOU HAVE BELONGS TO GOD:

– ¹⁶ Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. ¹⁷ Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow (Jms 1:16-17). You must never forget that you would have nothing without God’s generous provision.

2. PLACE EVERYTHING UNDER GOD’S CONTROL:

Place all your possessions, property, time, money, and earning power under the Lord’s control and direction – ¹ Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship (Rom 12:1). Gaining a right view of finances starts with committing yourself to God. 

3. VIEWING YOUR FINANCES FROM GOD’S POINT OF VIEW:

Agree that wisdom starts by looking at life and your finances from God’s point of view – ⁵ But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him (Jms 1:5). You should constantly align your life’s commitments to what matters to the Lord. Keep your heart from all forms of greed (see Lk.12:15)

4. REPENT OF FOLLOWING A WRONG VALUE SYSTEM: * Meaning …

(i) Using money to primarily meet your own wants and desires, to the exclusion of giving to God, and the needs of others.

(ii) Being willing to sacrifice things such as a clear conscience and a good name, in the pursuit of getting money.

(iii) Replacing things that money can’t buy, such as friends, peace of mind, and God’s promises of security, for money.

5. GOD PROMISED TO PROVIDE OUR BASIC NEEDS:

Accept that food, clothing, and a place to live are the basic needs God has promised to provide. Anything more than this points to God’s generosity. Paul discovered that – ¹⁹ My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19 c.f. 1 Tim 6:8).

6. REMEMBER THAT MONEY IS ALL ABOUT YOUR HEART (Mt 6:21):

Does money have a hold on me, or do I use it for God’s glory? Where is my security found? It is not found in money, but in Christ.

Q.2. DO I NEED TO ASK THE LORD TO FORGIVE ME FOR THOUGHTLESSLY FOLLOWING THE WORLD’S APPROACH TO FINANCE?

III. WHAT ARE SOME CAUSES OF FINANCIAL STRESS?

1. THE PRESSURE OF BEING UNABLE TO COVER ALL MY EXPENSES WITH MY INCOME.
2. THE PROBLEM OF GIVING IN TO LIVING BEYOND MY MEANS AND ACCUMULATING DEBTS.
3. PURSUING A LIFESTYLE THAT PREVENTS ME FROM LIVING WITHIN A WEEKLY BUDGET.
4. THE GUILT OF FAILING TO GIVE FREELY TO GOD’S WORK AND THE NEEDS OF OTHERS: Financial stress often leads to guilt.
5. GOD’S WAY OF GAINING MY ATTENTION:

Failing to recognise that times of need are God’s ways of gaining my attention and to teach me trust Him for His provision – ⁸ For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; ⁹ indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead (2 Cor 1:8-9).

Q.3. WHICH OF THE ABOVE POINTS INDICATE THAT YOU ARE LIVING UNDER FINANCIAL STRESS?

IV. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE FINANCIALLY FREE?

1. FREEDOM TO PAY FOR ALL MY NEEDS AND DEBTS AS THEY ARISE:

– ⁸ Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbour has fulfilled the law (Rom 13:8).

2. FREEDOM TO BUDGET FOR A SURPLUS AFTER ALL ANTICIPATED LIVING EXPENSES ARE PAID:

– ⁷ Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. ⁸ But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (1 Tim 5:7-8).

3. FREEDOM TO CONFORM TO THE BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR FINANCIAL FREEDOM:

 – ⁷ Two things I asked of You:  ⁸ … Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, ⁹ that I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or that I not be in want and steal and profane the name of my God (Prov 30:7-9).

4. FREEDOM FROM DEBT ON DEPRECIATING ASSETS AND ITEMS:

Apart from housing and jewellery, almost everything depreciates in value and resale.

5. DEBTS ON APPRECIATING AND DEPRECIATING ASSETS:

Differentiating between depreciating items and appreciating assets such as a home. Though it is true that cost associated with purchasing a home, runs into $100,000’s over the term of a bank loan, at all times you own a valuable asset you are spending your funds on.

6. PAYING FOR HOME LOANS OR RENT/LEASES:

Paying weekly rent on accommodation is a complete loss of your hard-earned income. Rent places you at the mercy of your landlord, market fluctuations, and CPI rises.

7. GROWING YOUR ASSET BASE WISELY AND GRADUALLY:

For those starting out purchasing a home, the best strategy is to start out buying modest assets and keeping interest repayments to an affordable minimum.

8. AVOIDING QUESTIONABLE FINANCIAL DEALINGS: Don’t get involved in dishonest and/or questionable financial dealings. Guard against get-rich-quick schemes. The Bible encourages us to work for a living (see 1 Tim 6:6-10).
9. REMEMBER THAT OUR CITIZENSHIP AND TREASURE ARE IN HEAVEN (see Phil 3:20-21):

Jesus urged us to build treasure in heaven rather than on earth (see Mt 6:21).

10. THE MESSAGE I SEND BY TRUSTING IN THINGS OR GOD:

When I choose to deny myself and take up my cross gladly for Christ, I send a message that He gives me satisfaction beyond the material things this world offers (see Lk.9:23-25).

Q.4. ARE THERE WAYS TO FREE UP MY FINANCES IN MY LIFESTYLE OR REGULAR EXPENSES?

V. HOW CAN I ACHIEVE FINANCIAL FREEDOM?

1. WORK WITHIN GOD’S PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES FOR FINANCIAL FREEDOM …

(i) BE A GOOD STEWARD WITH WHAT GOD GIVES YOU.

Don’t borrow from your future self. Avoid the use of credit cards and payback schemes which incur high interest rates. There is a place for credit cards provided that you follow an inbuilt plan to return the balance to zero before interest is charged (see 1 Tim 6:6-10). Your financial institution’s monthly transaction statements provide a helpful record of your financial dealings.

(ii) BE CONTENT WITH WHAT GOD PROVIDES.

Avoid trying ‘to keep up with the Joneses’. Determine to please God with your choices. Settle on affordable lifestyle choices. Live within your income. You may not be able to afford to live like others under different circumstances. Don’t be a slave to fashion (see Eccl 5:10), rather work at growing in Christlikeness (see 1 Tim 6:2-8).

(iii) AVOID DEBT ON DEPRECIATING ITEMS:

Plan to eliminate debt as soon as possible and keep out of debt on depreciating items. Debts are a waste of money on interest payments and results in stress. Ask yourself – “If I cannot pay for it, can I actually afford it on my income?”  

(iv) BEFORE TAKING ON EXPENDITURE, CALCULATE YOUR ABILITY TO COVER ALL YOUR COSTS:

Gain clarity about your career pathway before pursuing studies and training. HECS debts for a career you reject later can rob you for years to come (see Prov 21:5; Lk 14:28-30).

(v) DEVELOP A GOOD WORK ETHIC AND WORK HARD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: 

Provide for yourself and others (see Acts 20:33-35; 2 Thes 3:6-12; 1 Tim 5:8).

(vi) LIVE A BALANCED LIFE IN YOUR WORK AND SERVICE:

Keep a balance between work for money and volunteering your expertise and services for God’s work (see Gal 6:9-10; Eph 5:15-16; 1 Pet 4:10-11).

(vii) BE A CHEERFUL GIVER TO GOD’S WORK AND MISSION:

Live generously and be responsive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit (see Prov 11:25; Mt 6:19-21, 33; Lk 6:34-35; 2 Cor 9:6-8).

(viii) ENJOY THE FRUIT OF YOUR LABOUR:

Don’t be stingy or a wet blanket. The sovereign God will provide for you even as you honour Him in His unique way (see 1 Tim 6:17).

2. PRAY TO GOD FOR WISDOM TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN NEEDS AND WANTS:

Develop the habit of asking – ‘Will this item assist me to fulfill God’s purpose for my life?’ ‘How will the purpose for my life be hindered without this item?’

3. BE PREPARED FOR UNEXPECTED EXPENSES:

Plan to provide yourself with a buffer to enable you to be flexible enough to adjust naturally to unexpected income and expenses. Paul testified – ¹¹ … I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹² I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need (Phil 4:11-12).

4. SEE PROMOTIONS AS GOD’S WAY OF MAXIMISING YOUR GIVING:

Find the right balance to grow your relationships, ministry, and career pathway to enable you to maximise your giving to the Lord – ¹⁷ Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. ¹⁸ Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, ¹⁹ storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed (1 Tim 6:17-19).

Australians are ‘rich’ by the world’s standard.

5. TAKE CARE OF YOUR ASSETS AND INSURE AGAINST EXPENSIVE LOSSES:

A loss of uninsured assets can create huge pressure on your finances … and relationships.

6. GOD COMMENDS US FOR INVESTING WISELY:

In His parable of the talents, Jesus rebuked the servant who failed to invest wisely (see Mt 25:26-28). However, the master commended the shrewd dealings of the unrighteous steward (see Lk 16:8-9).

Q.5. WHICH OF THE ABOVE POINTS CAN INCREASE YOUR FREEDOM FROM FINANCIAL PRESSURES?

VI. WHAT SHOULD I UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE PRINCIPLES OF GIVING?

1. GIVING REMINDS ME THAT I WOULD HAVE NOTHING IF IT WASN’T FOR GOD:

Giving a faith portion or tithe of my income is a reminder that all I have belongs to God and that my ability to earn is a gracious provision of the Lord. Most of Israel’s festivals required the giving of a portion of the increase of flocks and harvests. His people were not to be self-centred.

2. ABRAHAM, THE FATHER OF THE FAITH GAVE A TENTH TO GOD:

The first mention of a tithe is when Abraham gave 10% of the spoils of battle to Melchizedek, the King of Jerusalem over 400 years before the Law was given (see Gen 14:18-20). Melchizedek was a Christophany (i.e. an appearance of Christ before Jesus came to earth – see Heb 7:1-7).

3. YOU CANNOT OUT-GIVE GOD, WHO GAVE US HIS SON:

The practice of giving the first portion of your income to God’s work carries a generous promise – ³⁸ Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return (Lk 6:38)

4. WE SHOULD GIVE A PORTION TO GOD OUT OF HIS PROVISION FIRST:

God lays down the principle of weekly and proportionate giving to His work. We are advised – ² On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come (1 Cor 16:2). Check out the insights in 2 Corinthians chapters 8-9. Though there were appeals made for support in the early churches, we are urged to set up a regular pattern of supporting the ministries of the local church and its mission.

N.B. Today, many believers support their local church and missions by direct debit. A good time to work out your weekly support and budget is after our annual ATO income tax has been calculated.

5. MOST BELIEVERS ESTABLISH THE PATTERN OF GIVING TO GOD FIRST:

Many believers can testify to God’s material blessing because they have established the pattern of giving a proportion of their income to God FIRST. This helps them to plan and budget the use of the remaining weekly income ensuring God’s hand of blessing on 100% of their finances.

6. GOD’S BLESSING TO THOSE SUPPORTING GOD’S WORK IS OFTEN MIRACULOUS:

Many believers who give regularly to God’s work testify that they cannot explain their financial freedom and blessings in mathematical terms alone. God seems to find ways of outgiving us.

Q.6. WHY IS IT A SHORT-SIGHTED APPROACH TO FINANCES TO NEGLECT PROPORTIONATE GIVING TO GOD’S WORK?

VII. WHY WE SET ASIDE A WEEKLY PORTION FOR GOD’S WORK AS A PRIORITY?

1. 1. IT IS OUR WAY OF TELLING GOD THAT WE TRUST HIM TO PROVIDE EVERYTHING ELSE WE NEED:

– ¹⁹ And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19).

2. IT CREATES ROOM FOR GOD TO PROVIDE MIRACULOUSLY AND TO BEAR TESTIMONY TO HIS GOODNESS TO OTHERS:

– ²⁸ And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose … ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?  (Rom 8:28 & 32).

3. IT REMINDS US THAT GOD IS THE SOURCE OF OUR EARNING POWER THAT ESTABLISHES A PATTERN OF DEPENDING ON HIM:

– ¹⁷ Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow (Jms 1:17).

4. 4. PROPORTIONATE GIVING IS GOD’S APPOINTED WAY OF PROVIDING FOR HIS WORK AND REACHING THE LOST FOR THE SAVIOUR:

– ¹⁰ So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith (Gal.6:10).

5. GIVING ESTABLISHES BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES TO REGULATE OUR LIVES IN MATTERS OF FINANCE:

 –  ³ For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, ⁴ begging us with much urging for the favour of participation in the support of the saints, ⁵ and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God (2 Cor 8:3 & 5).

6. 6. IT HELPS US TO BE CONTENT WITH OUR INCOME AND GIVES OUR CAREER AN ETERNAL PURPOSE:

– ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; ²¹ for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Mt 6:20-21).

¹¹ Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am (Phil 4:11).

7. IT TRANSFORMS OUR MONEY INTO SEED FOR LABOURERS TO SOW, THAT YIELDS AN EVERLASTING HARVEST:

 – ¹⁰ Now He who supplies seed to the Sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; ¹¹ you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God (2 Cor 9:10-11).

8. IT WEANS US FROM THE WORLD’S GREED AND A SELFISH VIEW OF MATERIAL THINGS:

– ⁵ Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb 13:5).

9. IT DECLARES TO OUR FAMILY AND GOD’S FAMILY THAT GOD INDEED HOLDS FIRST PLACE IN OUR LIVES:

– ³³ Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Mt 6:33).

10. I AM INDEBTED TO GOD BECAUSE OF HIS RADICAL GENEROSITY TOWARD ME:

The cross inspires me to give an agreed portion back to God of that which He has entrusted to me.

VIII. HOW CAN I EXPAND MY ABILITY TO GIVE TO GOD & OTHERS?

1. PRAY SO YOU MIGHT DEVELOP SENSITIVITY TO THE NEEDS OF THOSE AROUND YOU:

Christians should not be self-absorbed but generous to the needs of others.

(i) Look for opportunities to use your resources to bless others.

(ii) Use your spiritual gifts in ministry and become involved in the lives of others.

(iii) Be an observant listener and ask questions to identify the need of others.

(iv) Strategically support those involved in reaching out to others for Christ.

We are instructed – ¹⁸ … to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, ¹⁹ storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed (1 Tim 6:18-19).

2. “GOD’S WORK DONE IN GOD’S WAY WILL NEVER LACK GOD’S SUPPLY” (Hudson Taylor – China Inland Mission).
3. KEEP A DIVINE PERSPECTIVE IN YOUR FINANCES:

Jesus declared, ¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; ²¹ for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also …

²⁴ “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth (Mt 6:19-21, 24).

4. YOUR ABILITY TO GIVE IS DETERMINED BY WHAT YOU HAVE ALREADY GIVEN AND YOUR WILLINGNESS TO BLESS OTHERS:

– ⁶ Now this I say that he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷ Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed … ¹⁰ Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; ¹¹ you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God (2 Cor 9:6-8, 10-11).

Q.7. WHAT CHANGES SHOULD I MAKE TO INCREASE MY RESPONSIVENESS IN GIVING TO GOD AND OTHERS?

IX. HOW CAN I PRACTICALLY IMPLEMENT THE BLESSINGS OF BUDGETING?

1. COVERING YOUR ANNUAL AND WEEKLY EXPENSES IN ADVANCE:

The practice of budgeting helps me to apportion and cover all my annual and weekly expenses in advance.

2. BUDGETTING RELEASES FINANCIAL PRESSURE:

It means that if weekly bills total $100 or amount to $5,000, because I have set these expenses aside, it creates no more financial pressure on me or my family.

3. BUDGETTING LEADS TO FUTURE PEACE:

Learning to live within my financial limitations gives me peace. Doing my finances in God’s way will never lack His supply.

4. THE STEPS INVOLVED IN ESTABLISHING A BUDGET:

Producing a budget is arrived at by adding all my/our annual income sources against all my/our annual expenses. The total projected expenses must come within the total income sources. Failing to live within my resources will lead to debt, interest cost, and stress.

5. ANNUAL TAX RETURN IS A GOOD GUIDE TO BUDGETTING:

It is best to do my calculations based on my ATO (Australian Tax Office) annual tax return. It is wise to allow for increases in annual expenses to keep up with rises in the cost of living.

6. THERE ARE NUMEROUS SAMPLE BUDGETS ONLINE:

Talk to your mentor about what is best for you. The earlier you start the sooner you will enter a new phase of liberty.

EXAMPLE OF BUDGET: Use or adapt the attached Budget Template.

This should include

• Weekly Church Offering;
• Weekly Savings;
• Discretionary spending (for presents etc);
• Provision for ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses.

Weekly/Monthly Budget Plan

Income:

• Primary Income = $ … …
• Side Income = $ … …
• Other Income (e.g., investments, benefits) =  …

Total Income = $ … …

Expenses:

1. Church & Missions (1^st portion of income) = $ … …
2. Essentials (50% of income)

• Housing (Rent or Mortgage) = $ … …
• Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet, etc.) = $ … …
• Groceries, Garden supplies = $ … …
• Transportation (Fuel, Public Transport, etc.) = $ … …
• Insurance (Health, Car, House & Contents etc.) = $ … …

• Wants (20% of income)

• Pocket Money, Dining Out = $ … …
• Entertainment (Movies, Subscriptions, etc.) = $ … …
• Shopping (Clothing, Gifts etc.) = $ … …
• Hobbies/Leisure/Holidays = $ … …

3. Savings & Debt Repayment (20% of income)

• Emergency Fund = $ … …
• Retirement Savings = $ … …
• Debt Repayment (Loans, Credit Cards) = $ … …

Summary

• Total Income = $ … …
• Total Expenses = $ … …
• Remaining Balance = $ … …

This plan follows the 10 / 50 / 20 / 20 rule, which is a popular budgeting method. You can adjust the percentages or categories based on your resources and priorities.

7. THE FIRST TASK IS TO GET OUT OF DEBT BY LIVING FRUGALLY UNTIL YOU ARE DEBT FREE:

You will need to learn to say – ‘NO’ to those who pressure you to live like they do. Let people know you are under God’s management.

Q.8. WHAT MAKES BUDGETING PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT FOR YOU? HOW CAN FORMING AND KEEPING A BUDGET HELP YOU ENJOY GREATER FINANCIAL FREEDOM IN FUTURE?

X. HOW CAN THE CHURCH ASSIST MEMBERS IN THESE DIFFICULT DAYS?

Discuss with Young Adults

1. GIVING OUR BODIES AS A LIVING SACRIFICE INCLUDES OUR MONEY (see Rom 12:1)

This can only be expressed in three ways (i) Giving my TIME; (ii) Using my GIFTS and talents; (iii) Offering my MONEY.

2. DOING THE WILL OF GOD IN THESE AREAS DEMANDS THAT WE RESIST LIVING LIKE THE WORLD (see Rom 12:2).

That is, how we use our money reveals whether we are conforming to the world or to Christ.

3. DO OUR ACTIVITIES EXCLUDE THOSE WITH FEW RESOURCES:

The church must consider whether the cost of activities and functions may exclude some poorer members of our group from attending or alternately spending unwisely beyond their means.

4. WE MUST BE SENSITIVE AND MAKE ALLOWANCES FOR ALL PEOPLE:

Jesus and the apostles were critical about treating the poor differently from the wealthy (see Lk 14:12-14 c.f. Jms 2:1-7). Though giving is a personal matter, it is a topic frequently spoken about in the Bible. This means that honest discussions about finance should never be off limits.

5. PAUL ADVISED ADJUSTMENTS IN LIFE CHOICES – … in view of the present distress … (1 Cor 7:26 & 29)

This principle may equally be applied to the current economic climate for the younger generations.

Q.9.  WHAT CHANGES TO THE CURRENT SOCIETY MAKES MEETING FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS SIGNIFICANTLY HARDER? HOW CAN PEOPLE STILL GIVE CONSISTENTLY AND GENEROUSLY SO THEY MAY EXPERIENCE TO BLESSINGS OF GOD?

6. THE NEW COMMANDMENTS DEMANDS WE SHOW GENUINE LOVE TO OTHERS (Jn 13:34-35).

In any church, some are well off and others struggle financially. Christian love demands we do not exclude anyone from fellowship activities but make it possible for everyone to participate.

7. NEW TESTAMENT CONDEMNATION OF THE LOVE FEASTS MAY STILL APPLY:

This means leaders should find ways to make it possible for every member to join in all activities. We must not turn the “love feast” into selfish indulgence (see 1 Cor 11:17-22).

8. THE CHURCH SHOULD NOT PRESSURE ITS MEMBERS TO LIVE BEYOND THEIR MEANS:

When pressure is placed on members by the church to live beyond their means we actually rob them of experiencing the blessing that comes from giving proportionately to God first.

Q.10. ARE THERE ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO HAVING COFFEE OR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS? IS IT FEASIBLE TO PLAN SIMPLE MEALS AT ROSTERED HOMES (E.G. BREAD ROLLS AND A POT OF SOUP) THAT ARE WISER FINANCIALLY AND THAT WILL MAKE FELLOWSHIP ACCESSIBLE TO ALL WHOM THE LORD IS BRINGING OUR WAY?