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Introduction
Have you had any friends who got themselves into trouble because of
poor financial decisions?
If you were given $1000, how would you spend it?
Read I Timothy 6:9-10. What does it say about money? After reading this, do you think it
would be wrong for a person to have a large income or inheritance? Why or why not?
Proverbs
The book of Proverbs contains many wise principles for money management … and they
were inspired by God Himself for instructing a young person like you (Proverbs 1:1,4).
PROVERBS 3:9 Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all
your increase.
How can we honor the Lord with our possessions and "increase" (that is, our net
income)? List some ways. Consider as well Proverbs 19:17.
What priority should honoring God have in our money management? Why?
Do you know anyone who has done this? If so, what benefit has so honoring the Eternal
brought to the individual? Why do you think it is wise to honor God with your increase?
Consider Deuteronomy 8:18.
PROVERBS 22:9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to
the poor.
LUKE 14:28-30 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and
count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it -- lest, after he has laid the foundation,
and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, "This man began to
build and was not able to finish."
How do you determine and plan the spending of your money? What factors do you
weigh?
What are some good approaches to planning your purchases?
COMMENT: One good way is to make a list of items you would like to buy and then
evaluate the importance you place on each. For instance, buying some new school
clothing may be a more responsible purchase than the latest music CD. Cost, usefulness,
and longevity may be important criteria to your priority decisions.
What are some other ways we can learn to be responsible with our money?
COMMENT: Ask God to lead you in your decisions and to open doors for better
opportunities to earn more. If we ask with the faith that God will indeed lead us and if our
request is not going to be something that will ultimately do us harm, He will help open
avenues to achieve our financial goals.
1. After the discussion, has your answer to how you would spend a gift of $1000
changed?
2. What would you do differently? Would you give more thought to how you would
spend it?
3. Do you think the saying, "A fool and his money are soon parted" is true? Why do you
think so?
4. What are some ways we can make sure to put God first in our decisions?
5. What are some of your goals you want to achieve with your money?
Society places a great deal of importance on physical wealth. If we are not careful, it is
easy to get caught up in material pursuits such as that new car or that new pair of NIKE
tennis shoes. Even though having nice things is enjoyable, it is not where the greatest
importance should be placed. Money itself is not a bad thing. It is the attitude towards it
that makes the difference.
Through discipline and diligence we can use our money responsibly and get the most out
of it. We also have to remember to put God first. Our priority should be his kingdom: ". .
.lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and
where thieves do not break in. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"
(Matthew 6:20-21).
Our reward is much greater than that of earthly riches. It is eternal life! Although we must
work hard for the things we have (Proverbs 10:4), God is the ultimate giver of all things,
including financial blessings: "The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and
lifts up" (I Samuel 2:7).
Money is a tool and a necessity for life in this world. However, it is not the most
important. God and our spiritual lives are most important. If we remember to put Him
first, then we will be blessed in our physical and spiritual lives (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).