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Matt. 6:19-24
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. Do you know the Bible speaks more about giving than it does prayer? There are more than 1,500 passages that deal with giving, and only a few more than 500 passages that have to do with prayer. Now that doesn’t mean God thinks more of hell, and giving than He does heaven and prayer. He is infinitely more concerned that people come to the understanding they don’t have to spend eternity in hell. I want to share three truths with you today that are governing factors in our life that determine success in life. These three truths are so important they actually govern how successful we are in the area of our finances. My outline today is from 2 men of God who are gifted in sharing Biblical principles of finance and have dedicated their lives to helping people be Biblically correct and successful in handling finances. Let’s begin with:
- YOUR PERSPECTIVE. Everyone has a point of view about themselves. Although there are many variations, attitudes about self can be generally classified in one of 3 categories: 1st = I am nothing, I am a misfit, I can’t do anything right, I am the least of all people. Under the inspiration of The Holy Spirit God has revealed to us that we are created in His image and likeness; we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Other Christians, who are saved for no other reason than to stay out of hell have the point of view I am everything! They think they are God’s gift to His church, and they often go to great lengths to make you think so too! They are like the Pharisees and Sadducees whom Jesus labeled hypocrites, and will get their just rewards. Then there are those Christians who understand who they are in Christ. Their point of view is I am God’s! They understand what God has done for them in salvation; and as a result, they recognize their value and worth is something to be cared for and guarded in the light of Scripture. True Christians understand their mission in this life is five-fold:
- An ambassador for Christ. Paul teaches that in 2 Cor. 5:20. They are keenly aware of their accountability and responsibility to God for everything in their life including the motives and intents of their heart, so put great dedication into living in harmony with all God’s Word.
- They do all they can all day every day to live in such a manner as to draw the lost to Christ. That is the message Peter is giving in 1 Pet. 2:11 thru 4:11. Christians are to live as a witness to the life changing power of redemption.
- Christians understand they are to edify and encourage their brothers and sisters in Christ.
- True Christians see their mission to build up the local church through unity in the faith. True Christians promote unity, not division.
- True Christians understand their mission in life is to give to others as God has given to them. Christians who have a proper view of Biblical Christianity know they are possessed by God because He bought them.
- YOUR PARTNERSHIPS (Matt. 6:24) also determine your personal success in life. Of all the partnerships or relationships in this life the most important is a personal relationship with Christ as your Savior! In order to be financially successful, or successful in any other part of life God tells us in Matt. 6:24 we cannot serve 2 masters. Paul teaches in 2 Cor. 6:14-18 we are not to be unequally yoked/joined together with unbelievers. Do you know that principle extends to every relationship, not just dating – hear that young people – and marriage, but all partnerships – including business partnerships.
- YOUR PRIORITIES. Read Eccl. 12:12, 13. Of the 3 truths we have discussed, this is perhaps the most important, because our priorities tell us what is most important to us. Read Matt. 6:19-21. Everything that is in your life above or before –that means everything in your life that is more important to you than God is the rust, moths, and thieves that are destroying and stealing your wealth from you! Someone will say Pastor, I/we are doing ok the way we are doing things. LISTEN! God doesn’t want you to do okay – He wants you to do extraordinary! Conduct your own audit of your personal life. Where is your wealth and how is it being used? God knows and one day He will ask you to give account of all you have been given. Are you sure all your books are in order?
If we can help you with your spiritual questions, call us at 574-643-9419.
