What the Bible Says About Relationships and Money
Week of November 6, 2005
This Week’s Scripture Reading
Deuteronomy 8:17-18
“Never think that it was your own strength and energy that made you wealthy. Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you the power to become rich, and he does it to fulfill the covenant he made with your ancestors.”
1 Corinthians 4:2
“Now a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.”
Prayers for the Week:
Sunday |
Heavenly Father, You created and own everything. All that I have is yours. I am simply a trustee of the resources that you have given me. Help me to be faithful to you in the area of my finances. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Monday |
Heavenly Father, You are my king. I chose to serve you rather than money. Help me not to be pulled away by money. I do not want to live as the world does. Grant me the grace to serve you faithfully. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Tuesday |
Heavenly Father, I am surrounded by a culture that is materialistic. I ask that you would help me not to be driven by the messages the culture sends me. My worth comes from you and not from what I have. In Jesus’ name I ask. . . Amen. |
Wednesday |
Heavenly Father, My central purpose is to glorify you and to enjoy you forever. Help me not be distracted from my central purpose. I do not want to build my own kingdom, but yours! Let me live only for you. In Jesus’ name I ask this. . . Amen. |
Thursday |
Heavenly Father, I thank you for all the blessings that you have given me. Help to see what I have as tools for future ministry. I do not want them to be ‘idols’ in my life. I want to serve you with what you have given me. In Jesus’ name . . .Amen. |
Friday |
Heavenly Father, I am looking forward to being home with you in heaven. This world is not my home, for I am just a pilgrim passing through. Help me to remember this always. May you always be my treasure. I ask this in Jesus’ name . . . Amen. |
Saturday |
Heavenly Father, I trust you. I know that you will supply of my needs as I put my hope in you. Don’t let me become worried about this world, but let my mind be only about your business. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Background on the Text
In 1 Corinthians 4:2 the apostle Paul says that those who are put in charge must be faithful. In the area of our finances, God has made us trustees of the money He has given to our care. There are four basic premises that should guide a Christian’s view of money. 1) God created everything (Gen. 1). 2) God owns everything (Ps. 24:1). 3) We are God’s trustees. 4) A trustee has no rights but only responsibilities. If God creates and owns everything, then it follows that what we have is only gives to us on loan. We, therefore, are called by God to use our money in a way that honors Him. In the area of our lifestyle, this means that we are not to live with our minds only on temporal things but rather spiritual things. It is when we have this perspective does our lifestyle begin to be as God would have it. May God make us faithful in every decision we make!
Monday
Observation: What does the text say?
Tuesday
Interpretation: What do these verses mean?
Wednesday
Application: How can I respond to the text’s insights and teachings?
Thursday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
Encouraged and strengthened me by:
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Fallen short areas
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What will I do with these insights?
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Friday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
What did God say to me this week?
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Share insights and growth points
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Changed/transformed how?
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Saturday
Reflective Thoughts