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, 3rd Week - Feb 16, 2025
Theme: – Financial Stewardship "B"
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. The lesson is broken up into two segments. First segment treated last week, this is the second segment.
Main Lessons:
4. Saving and Planning – Proverbs 21:20 says, "The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down."
The Bible encourages wise financial planning and saving as an essential part of stewardship. Planning ahead and saving honor God because they reflect responsibility, wisdom, and trust in His provision. This study explores biblical principles of savings and planning, emphasizing their importance for both personal and kingdom purposes.
(a) The Importance of Savings
i, Savings Demonstrates Wisdom (Proverbs 6:6-8) “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” The ant works hard and saves for the future, teaching the value of preparation.
ii, Savings Provides Security (Genesis 41:33-36) Joseph advised Pharaoh to store grain during years of plenty to prepare for famine. Saving during good times prepares us for unexpected financial challenges.
iii, Savings Prevents Unnecessary Debt (Proverbs 22:7) When people lack savings, they often turn to debt in emergencies. Having a financial cushion allows for greater freedom and peace.
iv, Savings Enables Generosity (2 Corinthians 9:8-11) When resources are managed well, believers can give generously to others. A financially stable person can support family, church, and missions.
(b) The Biblical Principle of Planning
i, Planning Requires Counting the Cost (Luke 14:28-30) Jesus said, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” Wise planning ensures that resources are used effectively.
ii, Planning Helps Avoid Financial Ruin (Proverbs 27:23-24) “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever.”Keeping track of finances prevents unnecessary losses.
iii, Planning Brings Peace and Stability (Jeremiah 29:11) God Himself has a plan for our lives, demonstrating that planning is biblical. Thoughtful financial planning reduces anxiety and promotes stability.
(c) Practical Steps for Biblical Savings and Planning
i, Create a Budget (Proverbs 16:3) A budget helps track income and expenses, ensuring wise financial decisions.
ii, Save for Emergencies (Proverbs 21:5) A portion of income should be set aside for unexpected needs.
iii, Plan for the Future (Proverbs 13:22) “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” Planning includes preparing for retirement, education, and future needs.
iv, Trust in God, Not Wealth (1 Timothy 6:17-19) While saving is wise, believers must trust in God’s provision, not riches
Biblical savings and planning allow believers to prepare for the future, avoid debt, and bless others. These principles reflect God’s wisdom and provide a foundation for financial peace and stability.
5. Generosity and Helping Others – Acts 20:35 reminds us that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Christians are encouraged to support the needy.
Generosity is a fundamental characteristic of the Christian life. The Bible repeatedly calls believers to help others, share resources, and demonstrate love through giving. Generosity is not just about money but includes time, skills, and acts of kindness. This study explores biblical principles of generosity and helping others, emphasizing how giving reflects God’s character and leads to spiritual blessings.
(a) The Nature of Generosity
i, Generosity Reflects God’s Character (John 3:16) “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” God is the ultimate giver, and we are called to imitate His generosity.
ii, Generosity Is a Mark of True Christianity (1 John 3:17-18) “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” True faith expresses itself in action and generosity.
iii, Generosity Is an Act of Worship (Proverbs 3:9-10) “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.” Giving is not just charity—it is an act of worship and honor to God.
(b) The Biblical Command to Help Others
i, Helping Others Is a Command, Not an Option (Deuteronomy 15:7-8) God commands His people to help the poor and needy. Ignoring those in need goes against biblical teachings.
ii, Helping Others Brings God’s Blessing (Proverbs 19:17) “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.” Generosity is an investment in God’s kingdom.
iii, Helping Others Leads to Spiritual Growth (Isaiah 58:10-11) When we help others, God strengthens and refreshes us. A generous heart leads to spiritual fulfillment.
(c) The Rewards of Generosity
i, Generosity Leads to Greater Provision (2 Corinthians 9:6-7) “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” God blesses those who give with a cheerful heart.
ii, Generosity Stores Up Eternal Rewards (Matthew 6:19-21) “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Earthly wealth is temporary, but giving has eternal value.
iii, Generosity Creates a Testimony of God’s Love (Matthew 5:16) Helping others shines the light of Christ in a dark world.
(d) Practical Ways to Show Generosity
i, Giving Financially – Supporting the church, missions, and the poor.
ii, Sharing Resources – Providing food, clothing, and shelter for those in need.
iii, Using Talents and Time – Volunteering and offering skills to help others.
iv, Encouraging and Praying for Others – Supporting others spiritually and emotionally.
Generosity and helping others are central to the Christian life. Giving is not just about money—it is about loving, serving, and blessing others as an act of obedience to God. True generosity brings joy, spiritual growth, and eternal rewards.
Application:
Practical Steps for Christian Financial Stewardship.
1. Budgeting Wisely – Track income and expenses to align spending with biblical values.
2. Giving Regularly – Support the church, missions, and charitable causes.
3. Avoiding Wasteful Spending – Make purchases that reflect godly priorities.
4. Investing with Integrity – Choose ethical investments that do not contradict Christian beliefs.
5. Teaching Financial Stewardship – Encourage family and church members to manage finances in a way that honors God.
Questions: Note your questions here
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