2025
RENEWING OUR COMMITMENT TO GOD IN THE NEW YEAR.
Key Verse: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
This Week: 2nd Month, 2nd Week - Feb 9, 2025
Theme: – Financial Stewardship "A"
Memory Verse: "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is a servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:7
Objective: By the end of the lesson, Readers should –Reinforce the value of family relationships and biblical honor.
Content:
Introduction:
Financial stewardship in Christianity is the responsible management of God-given resources, including money, time, and talents, in a way that honors God and furthers His kingdom. It is based on biblical principles that emphasize generosity, accountability, and wise financial decision-making.
This lesson is broken up into two parts. This is the first part, second part will be treated next week.
Main Lessons:
1. God Owns Everything – The principle that God owns everything is foundational to Christian stewardship. It shapes our perspective on money, possessions, time, and talents, reminding us that we are stewards, not owners. This truth is seen throughout Scripture and impacts how we manage our lives.
(a) The Ownership of God: Psalm 24:1 declares that everything in the world belongs to God. This includes:
(i) Material Wealth (Haggai 2:8) – “The silver is mine and the gold is mine, declares the Lord Almighty.”
(ii) Land and Nature (Leviticus 25:23) – “The land is mine, and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers.”
(iii)Human Life (Ezekiel 18:4) – “Behold, all souls are mine.”
Since God is the Creator, everything originates from Him and is sustained by Him (Colossians 1:16-17).
(b) The Role of Humanity as Stewards (Genesis 1:26-28) In the beginning, God entrusted humanity with the earth:
(i) Dominion Over Creation – We are caretakers of the resources God has given.
(ii) Responsible Management – Misuse of resources is a failure of stewardship.
(iii) Accountability to God – Just as Adam was accountable in the Garden (Genesis 2:15), we are responsible for how we use God’s gifts.
(c) Implications of God's Ownership
Since God owns everything, believers should:
(a) Live with Contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-7) – “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
(b) Give Generously (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) – Giving is an act of trust in God’s provision.
(c) Trust in God's Provision (Matthew 6:31-33) – If God owns all things, we can rely on Him for our needs.
(d) Be Accountable for Resources (Luke 16:10-12) – Faithfulness in little things leads to greater responsibilities.
Understanding that God owns everything changes how we live. It calls for faithful stewardship, generosity, and trust in God's provision. Instead of hoarding or misusing resources, we are called to use them for God’s glory and the good of others.
2. Tithing and Giving – "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." Malachi 3:10
Tithing and giving are biblical principles that reflect our obedience, trust, and gratitude to God. Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to give as an act of worship and stewardship. This study explores the meaning, purpose, and impact of tithing and giving in a believer’s life.
The Principle of Tithing
(a) Definition of Tithing - The word tithe means "a tenth." In the Old Testament, tithing was a command from God where His people were required to give 10% of their income or produce to support the Levites, priests, and the poor (Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:21).
(b) Old Testament Foundations of Tithing
(i) Abraham's Tithe (Genesis 14:18-20) – Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, showing that tithing existed before the Mosaic Law.
(ii) Jacob's Vow (Genesis 28:20-22) – Jacob promised to give God a tenth as an act of worship.
(iii) Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 14:22-29) – Tithes were used to support the temple, Levites, and the needy.
(c) New Testament Perspective on Tithing
(i) Jesus Affirmed Tithing but Prioritized Justice and Mercy (Matthew 23:23) – Jesus criticized the Pharisees for legalistically tithing while neglecting love, mercy, and justice.
(ii) Giving Is a Matter of the Heart – The New Testament focuses on cheerful and generous giving rather than legalistic percentages (2 Corinthians 9:7).
The Principle of Giving
(a) Giving in the Early Church -
i, The First Christians Shared Everything (Acts 2:44-45) – The early church practiced radical generosity, ensuring no one was in need.
ii, Sacrificial Giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) – The Macedonian churches gave beyond their ability, setting an example of generosity.
iii, Giving as Worship (Philippians 4:18) – Paul described gifts from believers as "a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God."
(b) Biblical Principles of Giving
i, Give Cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) – God loves a cheerful giver, not one who gives reluctantly or under compulsion.
ii, Give Sacrificially (Mark 12:41-44) – The widow’s two small coins were valued more than the rich man's offering because she gave out of her poverty.
iii, Give Proportionally (1 Corinthians 16:2) – Paul instructed believers to set aside a portion of their income to support ministry.
iv, Give Secretly and Humbly (Matthew 6:3-4) – Giving should be done in a way that seeks God’s approval, not human praise.
The Blessings of Tithing and Giving
(a) Spiritual Blessing (Malachi 3:10) – God promises to bless those who faithfully give.
(b) Material Provision (Luke 6:38) – “Give, and it will be given to you.”
(c) Eternal Reward (Matthew 6:19-21) – Investing in God’s kingdom stores treasures in heaven.
(d) Contentment and Joy (Acts 20:35) – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Tithing and giving are acts of obedience, worship, and trust in God. While the New Testament does not command a specific percentage, it encourages generosity, sacrificial giving, and cheerful hearts. True giving is not about the amount but about the heart behind the gift. Would you like further insights on practical applications of tithing and giving?
3. Avoiding Debt – Proverbs 22:7 "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." Debt is a major issue in modern society, affecting individuals, families, and even nations. The Bible does not explicitly forbid borrowing, but it strongly warns against the dangers of debt and the burden it can bring. This study explores biblical principles for avoiding debt, managing finances wisely, and living in financial freedom.
(a) The Dangers of Debt
Debt Creates Bondage (Proverbs 22:7) When a person borrows money, they become obligated to repay.
Debt can lead to stress, anxiety, and financial instability.
Debt Hinders Generosity (Romans 13:8) “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.”
Debt limits a believer’s ability to give freely and support God’s work.
Debt Can Be a Sign of Poor Stewardship (Luke 16:10-12) Mismanagement of money can lead to unnecessary debt. Faithfulness in small financial matters prepares us for greater blessings.
(b) Biblical Principles for Avoiding Debt
i, Live Within Your Means (1 Timothy 6:6-8) “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Many go into debt due to covetousness and materialism. Learning contentment helps avoid unnecessary borrowing.
ii, Plan Wisely and Budget (Luke 14:28-30) Jesus taught the importance of counting the cost before starting a project. A well-planned budget helps control spending and prevent debt.
iii, Avoid Borrowing Unless Absolutely Necessary (Proverbs 17:18) The Bible warns against making rash financial commitments. Avoid co-signing loans unless fully prepared for the consequences.
iv, Save for Emergencies (Proverbs 21:20) “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” Having savings prevents the need for borrowing in times of crisis.
v, Work Hard and Be Diligent (Proverbs 10:4) Hard work and wise investments lead to financial stability. Laziness and lack of planning can lead to unnecessary debt.
(c)Breaking Free from Debt
i, Seek God’s Wisdom (James 1:5) Pray for God’s guidance in financial decisions.
ii, Make a Debt Repayment Plan (Romans 13:7-8) Pay off debts faithfully and systematically.
iii, Avoid Taking on More Debt. Stop using credit for unnecessary purchases.
(d) Trust God for Provision (Philippians 4:19) God is our ultimate provider, and He meets our needs.
Avoiding debt is a biblical principle that leads to financial freedom, generosity, and peace of mind. While borrowing may sometimes be necessary, it should always be approached wisely, prayerfully, and responsibly. A life free from debt allows believers to focus on serving God, helping others, and living with contentment.
The remaining part will be treated next week.
Questions: Note your questions here
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