Finances - Surviving Hard Times By Mark Hatfield Introduction 1. Many people today live from paycheck to paycheck. There is a constant struggle to manage money or to even have money to manage. But even more difficult is the reality that there never seems to be enough to make ends meet. 2. Do you ever secretly desire the financial wealth of others who have more than yourself? Do you try to keep up with others who have the biggest and best? 3. This may surprise you, but it doesn’t matter whether you have very little or you are endowed with much, until you recognize that everything that you have is allotted to you from God (Psalm 24:1), you will always be discontented. It is just as easy for the poor to be envious and lustful for wealth as it is for the wealthy to continue in that sinful pursuit. All people need to offer thanksgiving to the Lord for what we have. 4. June Hunt said, “Freedom from this preoccupation with money (financial bondage) involves more than having enough money to bask in the shade of a prosperous lifestyle. It’s more than learning to budget expenses, to save regularly, to invest wisely. True financial freedom is being content with what God gives you. And contentment is a matter of the heart!” 5. If you see God as your provider and sustainer you will understand who the source of your blessings truly is each day. While some of you are going through some pretty hard times, the most important thing that you can do is trust that God has a plan for you and that He knows what is best for you and will bless you in His time. 6. The Bible says in Heb 13:5-6, “Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you. Therefore, we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Holman Christian Standard Bible) 7. We hope to address some realities about the financial burdens that people face while sharing some principles that will help us get through them all. I. Three Myths about Finances A. #1 - If you live a godly life, you will have financial gain and prosperity. 1. Most of us have seen a televangelist that is promoting His broadcast by proclaiming that if you send him $1,000 dollars (a seed) that God will multiply your gift and return it to you as $10,000 (fruit). This is not biblically based but is a scam used to fund the personal agendas of these false teachers. 2. If you are a Christian so that you can gain material wealth, you are no Christian at all. We are to follow not for gain but for grace. We are storing up treasures in heaven and we are never promised any more in this life than what we need. 3. Paul wrote to Timothy and said that among those who are sinful there will be some who teach error on godliness being for material gain. Some who give into this error will leave the faith over worldly possessions. Be careful with riches; they have consequences (I Tim. 6:3-10). 4. There is nothing on this earth that we can gain that is worth losing our soul over. The Lord instructs us that we could gain the whole world and lose our own soul There is nothing worth exchanging our soul for (Matthew 16:26). 5. While the Lord indeed gives us every spiritual blessing in Christ, we should not be following the Lord as a means of obtaining some form of physical gain. B. #2 - Money is the root of all evil 1. The truth is we need money to survive. This is how our world functions. The reason that this myth has been perpetuated is because people are not familiar with the Scriptures. 2. The Bibles says in 1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.” 3. Money is to be used for great good and then be viewed as a gift from God. Unfortunately, money has become a god and then has been viewed as something that we grow to love even more than God Himself. 4. The “love” is the root that causes the evil when it comes to wealth. If our root was made of godliness with contentment then no matter what we had in our possession would be used to the glory of God and no evil is committed. C. #3 - If I had enough money, I would be satisfied 1. The fact here is that satisfaction does not come from what we have, but in the proper stewardship of what we have. 2. The story is told of three people who were given talents of money when their master went away were expected to use it wisely. Keep in mind that each one was given a different amount (1, 2, 5 etc.) It didn’t matter what they had, because when the master came back he was only concerned with how well they managed the funds. Two of them invested the money and doubled its value, while the other buried the money and could only return what was originally given to him. He was condemned for poor stewardship while the others were told in Matt. 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master's joy!” 3. It wasn’t about being envious that others had more given to them, but it was about how well they used what was put in their care by the Master. How are you using what has been granted to you? Will he find you as a faithful steward (I Cor. 4:2)? Can you find contentment with what the Lord has given you while using it wisely? II. Financial Test of Discontentment A. Do you long for more money? 1. For some people, every waking hour of the day is spent thinking about their personal financial status. 2. People think that by having just a little more, they will find satisfaction. The Bible teaches that with more there is still no further satisfaction (Eccl. 5:10-12). 3. Solomon, who wrote that last passage, had all of this world’s goods and financial wealth at his fingertips. Yet he would conclude several times that all earthly possession are vanity and that the conclusion is that we should fear God and keep His commandments rather than pursue that which is under the sun. B. Do you place the same value on money and God? 1. Before you are quick to answer that, take a moment to consider your answer. How many hours do you spend in pursuing green as compared with seeking God? 2. The Bible shows how money can become an idol of our worship. We are told that we have to make a choice between wealth and God. We cannot serve both (Matthew 6:24). III. What is the purpose for money? A First is should be understood that money does not give us purpose (Luke 12:15). 1. The world says: a. To get what we “want” b. To expand earthly wealth c. To gain security d. To live independently e. To have pride and power f. To build their own kingdom 2. The Lord says: a. To give us what we “need” (Matt. 6:31-33) b. To exhibit trustworthiness (Luke 16:10-11) c. To gain contentment (Phil. 4:12) d. To live dependently (Heb. 13:5) e. To boast in His power (Psalm 20:7) f. To benefit God’s kingdom (II Cor. 8:3-5) B. We find our purpose in giving ourselves to the Lord and he blesses us richly IV. Signs of possible debt problems (See II Pet. 2:19; Rom. 13:8) A. Paying the minimum on credit card balances 1. Credit cards are a danger in themselves. When we swipe the plastic we are using money that we don’t have. 2. Usually the interest rates are so high that if we only make the minimum payment we are often spending 3 times the amount of money as we originally borrowed. 3. While we want to have good credit and be able to survive in this world, we need to be careful that we are not hurting ourselves with credit card debt. B. Cash advances to pay expenses 1. There is a good reason why many states and cities have banned the cash advance organizations. 2. It is said that if you borrow money in advance to pay your bills while you anticipate your paycheck in order to pay back what you owe. It can actually take two paychecks to repay what was advanced to us. 3. This usually leaves the borrower indebted to these types of organizations for extended periods of time C. Failure to balance the checkbook 1. Every bank has a charge for checks that bounce. If we are not well organized and allow our financial situation to get out of order, we can actually accrue several fees that will overwhelm us. 2. Some banks charge as much as $35.00 each time that an overdraft is made. We are literally giving money away when we fail to keep our financial register updated. D. Not investing money or saving money that gains value 1. For some people, money burns a hole in their pocket. Every dime that they receive has to be spent or they are not content. 2. Since we are to be good stewards of what we have received, we need to make sure that we are saving for a rainy day, for unfortunate circumstances (health problems or vehicle repair) or even for our retirement. 3. When we have the opportunity to put money away and we rather choose to simply find a way to spend it, then we are not using our money is a wise fashion. E. Using savings to pay bills 1. It is not uncommon to find people “dipping” into their savings or investments to pay off debt that they have acquired. 2. When we work so hard to earn our wage and then have taken the time to put some money back in a savings account or investments we need to live within our means so that we aren’t found guilty of being a poor steward. 3. What would have happened in the parable of the talents if the men who had invested and doubled the master’s money has actually lost that money or spent it before the master could receive it again? They would have been in the same situation as the man who buried the original talent. F. Getting late fees on overdue payments 1. We borrow library books and turn them in overdue, rent movies and games and end up paying for them after late fees, and know that many of our bills have deadlines that include a consequence if they are not paid on time. 2. If we want to be found faithful and keep up our reputation as people of our word, then we need make sure (as best we can) that our financial obligations are taken care of in a timely manner. G. Not paying taxes 1. Not only does the Bible command us to pay taxes, but everyone knows in their heart of hearts that we must pay our taxes. How many stories have been told where people have gone to jail or have had to pay back taxes in large sums of money, because of unwillingness or a lack of paying their taxes? 2. We must render unto the authorities what belongs to the authorities and unto God the things that are God’s. Just as we would not withhold from God what is due Him, we should not refrain from paying our taxes. 3. We just past the deadline this month for paying taxes? If you have yet to pay, take action and fulfill your responsibilities. H. Family conflicts over money 1. If we always getting into spats with our spouse or our children over money, it could be that our trust is not in the Lord or that we are not financially stable. 2. We all know what we have coming into the home each month (or at least we should). Don’t spend more that what is allotted in the budget. 3. It has been said that one of the main causes of divorce today is issues with money in the home. A focus on finances has led others to forget faithfulness to their spouse. I. Constantly running from creditors 1. It is a shame that some people are afraid to answer their phone in their own home, because they have gotten into so many financial messes that creditors are constantly seeking payment on different spending excursions that we made. 2. Some people are afraid to open up the mail and read the final notices to remit payment before some other authority is notified of our lack of payment. 3. This is not a good relationship for anyone to have with creditors, especially those who are disciples of Christ who know that they are to owe no man nothing except to love others. V. Lifestyles That Lead To Debt (Prov. 12:24) A. The way that we choose to live has a drastic effect on where we are financially 1. A lifestyle of distorted values a. using money to keep up social appearances b. using money to feel important c. using money to manipulate others d. using money to appear “righteous” in the eyes of God and others Matt 6:1 2. A lifestyle of escape mechanisms a. spending money to escape personal tensions b. spending money to momentarily lift depression c. spending money to indulge an obsession for a possession d. spending money to win love and affection Luke 12:15 3. A lifestyle of laziness a. seeking gain without working for it b. seeking excuses for not having gainful employment c. seeking gain through “get-rich-quick” schemes d. seeking self-employment to avoid accountability Prov 10:4 4. A lifestyle of constant borrowing a. borrowing to purchase depreciating items (things that decrease in value) b. borrowing through means of credit cards (using the bank’s money) c. borrowing to invest in that over which you have no control (stock market) d. borrowing large sums with compound interest (presuming on the future) James 4:13-14 5. A lifestyle of unpreparedness a. failing to take financial responsibility b. failing to establish and follow a budget c. failing to plan for the future d. failing to live within one’s means II Timothy 2:21 6. A lifestyle of selfishness a. neglecting to give to God on the first day of the week b. neglecting to pay debts c. neglecting to save for the future d. neglecting to meet the needs of others Jer. 5:28 VI. Five Principles of Survival A. #1 - Be Content - Phil 4:12, 19 1. Remind yourself that God owns it all! See Ps 50:12 2. Recognize God as the source of all provision. See Deut 8:17-18 3. Give recognition to God for our blessings. See 1 Chron 29:16 4. Pray and ask God to help you understand the value of money. B. #2 - Self-Control - I Cor. 9:25 1. Start by transferring ownership of everything you own to God. a. Believe in God’s love for you. b. Believe that God wants what is best for you. c. Believe that God will give you your heart’s desire. Hag. 2:8 (God said the silver and gold belong to Him) 2. Separate yourself from the financial sins of greed and idolatry. a. Repent and confess that your trust in money is sin. b. Realize that you are enslaved by this sin. c. Remind yourself of the consequences of financial bondage. Rom 6:1-2 3. Set a new goal for managing your finances. a. Make it your goal to counsel with someone who has financial self-control. b. Make it your goal to follow God’s plan for your finances. c. Make it your goal to become wise with the money He entrusts to you. 2 Cor 5:9 4. Stand on truth when tempted to make unwise financial decisions. a. Know that in Christ you are free from the bondage of sin. b. Know that in Christ you are free from the power of sin. c. Know that in Christ you are “dead to sin.” Rom 6:6 5. Surrender your will to the will of God. a. Acknowledge that you belong to God. b. Acknowledge that God has authority over everything you own. c. Acknowledge that the decision is yours . . . you have the choice to obey or to disobey God! Rom 6:19 6. Stay in step with the teaching of Scripture. a. Avoid thinking that you are solely in control of your finances. b. Avoid thinking it is okay to occasionally indulge yourself. c. Avoid moving out from under God’s grace into self-sufficiency! Gal 5:24-25 C. #3 - Stewardship - Matthew 25:23 1. Use what the Lord gives you wisely 2. Remember that you are accountable to God 3. Be sure to give back to God a portion of your earnings 4. Reserve a portion of your money for savings 5. Respond to the needs of others. See Prov. 19:17 6. Resolve to live by a budget 7. Refuse to take any more steps into debt D. #4 - Giving - Acts 20:35 1. Give back to God a portion allotted to you 2. When you give, remember that it all belongs to God 3. Give as you prosper ( I Cor. 16:1-2) 4. Give up some of your desires so you can give more 5. Keep a cheerful spirit, not a reluctant attitude 6. Help the poor and needy, including Christians 7. Be sure to give secretly and not for immediate glory E. #5 - Petition - Mark 11:24 1. Make sure that you are faithful as a steward. 2. Be sure that your sin is not hindering your prayers 3. Make requests according to the will of God 4. Believe that God is able to grant your requests 5. Be willing to accept what God provides. Conclusion 1. If we will allow the principles that are found in the word of God to govern our lives, then we can survive as we live here on earth. Out of 38 parables that Jesus taught, 16 of them deal directly with the relationship between our money and the spiritual condition of our hearts. For example, in Matt 19:24-26, Jesus taught “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.’ 2. It is important that we lay up treasure in heaven so that when this life is over we have the reward of God awaiting us. 3. While keeping our priorities straight and using financial means to serve the Lord we ought to be able to find a way to take control of our finances instead of letting finances keep us in bondage and hold us back from being who God wants us to be. 4. If you have never acknowledged God as your provider and sustainer, say thank you tonight by committing your life to Him. He not only gives us what we need here on earth, but He has prepared a place for those who will love and serve Him in heaven above. 5. God is ready to bless you with every spiritual blessing in His Son, Jesus Christ. There are no greater riches to be found than in a relationship with the Lord.