The Bible is full of wisdom and knowledge in every topic in life. We will spend some time to go over our finances. This is a big part of life for everyone. Every one will have bills. We need to understand what God has to say about handling our finances. You will not find any get rich quick secrets, but only what you should be focused on, and how to handle finances. We will look at where our focus needs to be, then get to how we should manage our finances.
As Christians we need to stay focused on God. He left us here on earth to be a witnesss for him and spread the gospel. He knows what is best for us and what you can handle. You need to get your heart right on the matter. Follow till the end and I pray you will get something out of it.
Lets see what God wants you to be focused on, I am sure you know already.
Luke 12:28-31
If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:19-21 KJV
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6:24 KJV
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Proverbs 22:1-2, 13, 16, 22-23 KJV
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all. The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets. He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
We need to stay focused on our purpose in this life. Money can be a big temptation, and stumbling block. God knows what you can handle. Money is the root of all evil and can cause you to waste your Christian life here.
1 Timothy 6:9-12
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Mark 4:19 KJV
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
As a Christian God says you get more of a blessing to give then to recieve.
Acts 20:34-35 KJV
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
This is about a lost rich man. Most rich people think they don't need God, but not all. This is what I believe Jesus is talking about. But through God all things are possible
Matthew 19:23-26 KJV
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Someone once said " You will never be happy when you get what you want, but only when you are happy with what you have". You need to be content as Christian with what God gave you. Realize if he wants you to have it he will give it to you. Does a father not know what is best for his child?
1 Timothy 6:7-9 KJV
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Hebrews 13:5 KJV
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Now everybody knows this verse( Philippians 4:13), you hear it a lot. Lets read it with the context above it.
Philippians 4:11-13 KJV
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Paul is using this verse in context about being content. The world thinks you can do all things with money. As Christians we can do everything we are called to do through Christ, if funds are needed he will provide. Live your life content in Christ.
God will supply our needs, remember But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
God knows as Christians there is more we need then money. We need to focus on growing in Christ. We have a job to do here, if we are worried about serving money how will we serve Christ? Lets look at our riches we need to be focused on.
Philippians 4:19 KJV
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:16 KJV
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Romans 11:33 KJV
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Luke 12:15-21 KJV
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Proverbs 23:4-5 KJV
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
Now hopefully your heart is right, and you see what you should be focused on. Lets take a look at how we are to deal with our finances and make a living.
Proverbs 10:4 KJV
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
Diligent means you are constant in effort to accomplish something. That you are attentive and persistent. Slack hand and slothful mean lazy. We should do all things for the glory of God. How can we give God glory if we are lazy and not hard working.
Proverbs 12:24, 27 KJV
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
Proverbs 15:19 KJV
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
Proverbs 19:15, 24 KJV
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
Proverbs 20:4, 13 KJV
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
Proverbs 24:30-34 KJV
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
Proverbs 26:13-17 KJV
The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
Not only should we get our money from hard work but also honesty, and intergrity.
Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
Proverbs 21:6, 17, 25-26 KJV
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
We should be wise with what God has given us. Not spending more then we have, not getting into debt. If we don't listen to Gods word and get ourselves in debt, can we then pray and expect a finacial miracle? Same principle with our health. Should we not listen to God's instruction and then expect a miracle on our health? I am not saying it won't happen, just saying we should not put ourself in that position.
Proverbs 18:9
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Proverbs 21:20 KJV
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
Proverbs 22:7 KJV
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
We as men need to work hard, be good stewards with what our God has giving us and be content with it also. We must provide for our family and we should leave our children something instead of spending it up.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
1 Timothy 5:7-8 KJV
And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
How to Read The Bible
As Christians we need to stay focused on God. He left us here on earth to be a witnesss for him and spread the gospel. He knows what is best for us and what you can handle. You need to get your heart right on the matter. Follow till the end and I pray you will get something out of it.
Lets see what God wants you to be focused on, I am sure you know already.
Luke 12:28-31
If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:19-21 KJV
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6:24 KJV
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Proverbs 22:1-2, 13, 16, 22-23 KJV
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all. The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets. He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
We need to stay focused on our purpose in this life. Money can be a big temptation, and stumbling block. God knows what you can handle. Money is the root of all evil and can cause you to waste your Christian life here.
1 Timothy 6:9-12
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Mark 4:19 KJV
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
As a Christian God says you get more of a blessing to give then to recieve.
Acts 20:34-35 KJV
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
This is about a lost rich man. Most rich people think they don't need God, but not all. This is what I believe Jesus is talking about. But through God all things are possible
Matthew 19:23-26 KJV
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Someone once said " You will never be happy when you get what you want, but only when you are happy with what you have". You need to be content as Christian with what God gave you. Realize if he wants you to have it he will give it to you. Does a father not know what is best for his child?
1 Timothy 6:7-9 KJV
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Hebrews 13:5 KJV
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Now everybody knows this verse( Philippians 4:13), you hear it a lot. Lets read it with the context above it.
Philippians 4:11-13 KJV
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Paul is using this verse in context about being content. The world thinks you can do all things with money. As Christians we can do everything we are called to do through Christ, if funds are needed he will provide. Live your life content in Christ.
God will supply our needs, remember But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
God knows as Christians there is more we need then money. We need to focus on growing in Christ. We have a job to do here, if we are worried about serving money how will we serve Christ? Lets look at our riches we need to be focused on.
Philippians 4:19 KJV
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:16 KJV
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Romans 11:33 KJV
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Luke 12:15-21 KJV
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Proverbs 23:4-5 KJV
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
Now hopefully your heart is right, and you see what you should be focused on. Lets take a look at how we are to deal with our finances and make a living.
Proverbs 10:4 KJV
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
Diligent means you are constant in effort to accomplish something. That you are attentive and persistent. Slack hand and slothful mean lazy. We should do all things for the glory of God. How can we give God glory if we are lazy and not hard working.
Proverbs 12:24, 27 KJV
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
Proverbs 13:4
The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
Proverbs 15:19 KJV
The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
Proverbs 19:15, 24 KJV
Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
Proverbs 20:4, 13 KJV
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
Proverbs 24:30-34 KJV
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
Proverbs 26:13-17 KJV
The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
Not only should we get our money from hard work but also honesty, and intergrity.
Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
Proverbs 21:6, 17, 25-26 KJV
The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
We should be wise with what God has given us. Not spending more then we have, not getting into debt. If we don't listen to Gods word and get ourselves in debt, can we then pray and expect a finacial miracle? Same principle with our health. Should we not listen to God's instruction and then expect a miracle on our health? I am not saying it won't happen, just saying we should not put ourself in that position.
Proverbs 18:9
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Proverbs 21:20 KJV
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
Proverbs 22:7 KJV
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
We as men need to work hard, be good stewards with what our God has giving us and be content with it also. We must provide for our family and we should leave our children something instead of spending it up.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
1 Timothy 5:7-8 KJV
And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
How to Read The Bible
