don’t let money/debt to control you! • God warns us in Proverbs 22:7 about this debt

slavery.

– “The man of wealth has rule over the poor, and he who gets into debt is a servant to his creditor” (Prov. 22:7 BBE)

• We all need to examine the problems that come from not listening to God about debt.

• Let us seek to be free from this slavery and how to be wise stewards!

why do people get into so much debt?

• We must learn to control money/wealth so that it does not control us.

• Problems:

– Lack of proper self-control

– Trusting in money, not God

– No patience to wait to “get things”

– Desire to be like others

– Not educated about finances

control your money, get out of debt

• Self-control will help deliver us from debts’ clutches! 1 Corinthians 6:12

• What really delivers us is being righteous, not riches! Prov. 11:4-6 • When we do what God tells us we can

become free from debt.

• By living by His truth… 2 Timothy 1:7

• Power = strength and ability

• Love= multi-faceted undying character

• Sound mind = proper control

trust Christ, not credit

• We must not trust in riches but in God! 1 Timothy 6:17

• Trusting in riches will fail you! Prov. 11:28 • “Credit” gives a false sense of security,

but delivers debt slavery. – Some err from the faith by loving money

more than God. 1 Tim. 6:10

• One must use money but can’t serve both it and God. Matthew 6:24

impatience brings too much debt • Many folks get it now and pay too much

for it! (interest) • You must have patience:

– Toward all… 1 Thes. 5:14

– With your faith… 2 Peter 1:6

– To bear fruit… Luke 8:15

– To make you complete… James 1:4

• Use delayed gratification, and save up for it. Wasting money is not good! Luke 15:13, 21

proper desire for things prevents debt • If we guard against the undue want for

cares, riches, and pleasures of life. Mark 4:19; Luke 21:34

• We must have unselfish motives. James 4:1-3

• We must desire our proper daily portion… Matthew 6:11; Eccl. 5:18-20

• You must work to obtain your goods. Proverbs 12:24; 13:11; 21:5

a basic financial blueprint • Avoid debt. Proverbs 3:27-28

• Seek counsel. Isaiah 33:6; Prov. 19:20-21

• Practice honesty. Prov. 11:1; 13:11

• Give generously. 1 Tim. 6:17-19; Prov.19:17

• Spend wisely. Prov. 21:20

• Work hard. Proverbs 6:6-8; 13:11; 14:23

• Save consistently. Prov.30:25; Gen. 41:33-ff

• Train your children. Eph. 6:4; Prov. 22

BECOME RICH SPIRITUALLY! 2 Cor. 8:9

• You can get this in Christ. Eph. 1:3; Col. 2:3

• Be saved today by:

– Hearing and believing the gospel… Romans

1:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:3-4

– Repenting of your sin… Luke 13:3

– Confessing Christ… Acts 8:37

– Be baptized to wash away your sins... Acts

22:16; and be saved. 1 Peter 3:21