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Daniel 4:34-37
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Today I will give you some Biblical principles that will help you become and stay financially free. Read Dan. 4:28-37. We have heard Nebuchadnezzar praise the Lord before. However, Scripture made it very clear he was only being religious trying to gain points with God by falsely praising Him. Dan. 5 is the story of the handwriting on the wall where Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that Babylon’s rule as a world power is short lived. Someone might ask, “If Nebuchadnezzar’s confession and repentance was sincere, and he was truly humbled, why wouldn’t the kingdom stay intact?” The vessels of gold and silver mentioned in verse 2 were taken out of the Temple in Jerusalem and brought to Nebuchadnezzar’s palace for his own personal enjoyment. Whether it was in 539 BC, or today in 21st century Royal Center, a person cannot steal from God without serious consequences! And here’s the point: turning to the Lord in true repentance and humility does not always eliminate consequences of sin! It doesn’t make any difference whether it is financial bondage because of misusing and wasting God’s money, or being in spiritual bondage living in disobedience to God’s Word – overcoming consequences is often the way God teaches us to trust and obey Him! So what do we do to be financially free? One writer says in defining financial freedom, “financial freedom is realizing that true prosperity comes only from God.” Once we learned the Biblical principle of giving, God is then free to respond to us by allowing us to enjoy:
- RECEIVING. What we receive from God is directly proportional to what we give to Him. Read 2 Cor. 9:6-10. I like the way that the ESV interprets the opening of v. 6 when it says “the point is this:” Notice there are at least 3 truths from 2 Cor. 9:6-8 that affect how and what we receive from God:
- Your attitude-v. 7. A redeemed heart that is in harmony with God understands that everything God gives is given in response to, and as a reward for submission, obedience, and conformity to a Christ like life and lifestyle. The real attitude of the true Christian understands God has already given them everything they need in Niagara proportions.
- Your action – v. 6, 7. I’m sure you get the point, you have to act. So many people expect God to give to them whether they do anything or not. Only those Christians who have learned that God responds to even the smallest effort made with a sincere heart, are the ones whose action results in an exceedingly generous reward from God. Finally,
- The amount, v. 6-8. Everyone understands the greater the amount of seed planted, the greater potential for abundant harvest.
- ADMINISTERING, In the parable of the unjust steward, the principal Jesus is teaching is that we are never the owners of what we have, we are God’s stewards or managers of all He has loaned us. That truth reaches every part and parcel of our life, not just our wallet or purse. As you think about that – ask yourself this question – is God pleased with the way I am caring for and displaying to others His grace and mercy to me?
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