Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”

can make idolaters of us

Ecclesiastes 5:10He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity.

can make us slaves of greed

Ecclesiastes 5:12The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep.

can make us slaves of fear

The Spiritual DisciplinesHabits of body and mind that allow us to effectively cooperate with God's Spirit in the process of character transformation

Become a disciple through discipline.

SimplicityHabitual choices that keep you free from the

domination of money and possessions

SimplicityStep 1: Live below your means

Proverbs 30:24-25Four things are small on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: The ants are not a strong people, but they prepare their food in the summer...

SimplicityStep 1: Live below your means

Leviticus 23:22“And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”

SimplicityStep 2: Minimize debt

Proverbs 22:7...the borrower is the slave of the lender.

SimplicityStep 2: Minimize debt

better debtlow interest loan used to purchase something with stable or growing value

home, business, student loans

use cautiously

SimplicityStep 2: Minimize debt

worse debtloan used to purchase a depreciating asset or loan that places your financial future at risk

credit card debt, auto loan, consumer loan

avoid if possible; pay off ASAP

SimplicityStep 3: Limit media that fuels discontent

SharingWhy give?

SharingWhy give? It’s an act of worship.

Philippians 4:18I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

SharingWhy give? It can advance the gospel.

Luke 16:9And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.

SharingWhy give? It earns eternal reward.

Matthew 6:20“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal”

SharingHow much do I have to give? (minimum)

SharingHow much do I have to give? (minimum)How much can I give? (maximum)

SharingHow should I give?

SharingHow should I give? Joyfully

2 Corinthians 9:7Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

SharingHow should I give? Regularly

1 Corinthians 16:2On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.

SharingHow should I give? Privately

Matthew 6:2-4“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward...

SharingHow should I give? Privately

Matthew 6:2-4...But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

SharingTo whom should I give?

SharingTo whom should I give? Family & Friends

1 Timothy 5:8But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

SharingTo whom should I give? Local Church

Galatians 6:6Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

SharingTo whom should I give? Poor

Matthew 19:21Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

SharingTo whom should I give? Missions

Sharing2 Corinthians 9:15Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!