More Than Money
“Stakes in the Ground”
Philippians 4:14-20

Personal finances
Inattention leads to destruction 
Contentment is how we slay the “monster of more”
Trustworthy stewards will be rewarded.

Declarations that God will bless

Declaration 1: I will trust God and His promise to provide what I need.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:19 

God will supply all your needs as you faithfully and generously steward the resources God has given you.

Declaration 2: I will name every dollar in my monthly budget. 

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” –Proverbs 21:5

We will get serious in getting to know every dollar we have access to. Your money is important. It's a measure of faithfulness. A measure of trustworthiness.

A budget is a shield between you and fear. A budget is choosing to plan rather than worry.

Declaration 3: I will eliminate all consumer debt and live debt-free. 

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” –Proverbs 22:7

The Bible is no fan of unnecessary debt. – Romans 13:8

Three reasons consumer debt is undesirable:
1. Debt is linked to disobedience. – Deuteronomy 28
2. Debt presumes on tomorrow. – James 4:13-14
3. Debt limits our opportunities.

Debt snowball
Don’t accumulate any new debt.
Stay content with what you have.
 
Declaration 4: I will save deliberately through consistently wise decisions.

“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” –Proverbs 13:11

Planning invites prosperity. Saving invites generosity.

Be a steady plodder. – Proverbs 21:5

Declaration 5: I will always honor God first.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce.” –Proverbs 3:9

Honoring the Lord with your resources – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
1. Make it personal – “each of you”
2. Make it regular – “on the first day of every week”
3. Make it deliberate – “put something aside and store it up”

Declaration 6: I will leave a financial legacy beyond myself.

“But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” –Luke 12:20

Four values for leaving a financial legacy:
1. Blessing others
2. Investing in God's kingdom
3. Teaching generosity
4. Remembering the eternal

We acknowledge that our true wealth lies in our relationship with God and our ability to make a difference in the lives of others. 

Let’s make six declarations that God will bless!