Master Your Money
“Avoid the Use of Debt”

Either you control your money or your money controls you!

Why?
	No reinforcement
		We are in a debt-driven society
	No encouragement to spend less
Stress is bad

6 Financial Categories
1. Struggling
2. Surviving
3. Stable
4. Secure
5. Surplus
6. Significance 

5 Simple Biblical Financial Principles
1. Spend less than you earn
2. Avoid the use of debt
3. Build margin (save)
4. Set long-term goals
5. Give generously

5 Kinds of Debt
	Credit card debt
	Consumer debt
	Mortgage debt
	Investment debt
	Business debt

Avoid the Use of Debt
	Debt is not a sin
	God discourages debt
	Debt is never the real problem

“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” - Proverbs 22:7

Why does God discourage it?
	Debt is extremely deceptive
	Debt creates bondage
	Debt can be an obstacle to spiritual growth

Principles of Borrowing
	You must pay it back - Psalm 37:21
	Paying for debt shouldn’t impact giving - Psalm 37:21
	When you borrow, you risk being able to provide for your family - 1 Timothy 5:8
	Borrowing can work against your future - James 4:16
	Debt may deny God an opportunity to solve your need - Isaiah 55:8-9

Everyone wants a financial miracle - they just don’t want to be in a position to need one!

Fundamental Problem
	Greed

“I am capable of greed!”

Luke 12:13-21

Greed
	Someone else needs to hear this
	Always masks itself as needs
	Your value is not found in what you have
	Is a fast-track to a “full barn” and an “empty soul”

Foundational Truth
	The antidote for greed is self-control

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” - Proverbs 25:28

Self-control Criteria
	Am I living on a budget?
	Does it make economic sense?
	Is there anxiety or agreement?
	Do you have spiritual peace of mind?
	What goals are met that can’t be met any other way?
	Have you slept on the decision?

Avoid debt allows you to get rich slowly!