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Series: Make a Change: The Joy of Financial Freedom
Title: Wisdom and Finance
Text: Isaiah 9:2, Psalm 27:1, Matthew 4:17

When we turn our focus away from all that could go wrong, and how to take control to keep it from going wrong, and shift it toward all that God has done right for us, we begin to have gratitude.
Gratitude

The Light of the World

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. Isaiah 9:2 (NRSV)

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NRSV)

From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." Matthew 4:17 (NRSV)

“The Kingdom of God” or “The Kingdom of Heaven.”

When Jesus spoke of God’s Kingdom coming near, he was talking about God’s original intention for the world and humanity being revealed through Himself. When Jesus came into our world, it was as if a Light turned on so we could finally see what God’s original design for the world looked like.
The Kingdom of God is in contrast to our human kingdoms. The book of Colossians refers to this human kingdom as the kingdom of darkness. Under satanic inspiration, the kingdom of darkness produces threats, fear, violence, oppression, racism, human trafficking, slavery, and the bondage of debt. The love of money (greed) is at the root of these things. Therefore, the Light of Christ can free us from the love of money so that we can live righteously, with peace and joy as God intended.

31 Therefore, don’t worry and say, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ 32 Gentiles long for all these things. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 Instead, desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33 (CEB)

When we are tempted with discontentment, we start to worry about all kinds of things. We start to live in fear which leads us to take control over our lives rather than trusting God’s plan.

When Americans seek first the Kingdom of God, they begin to reject the American Dream, and it’s “Christianized version” called the Prosperity Gospel, as a false counterfeit. They have seen the Light and are seeking first God’s design which leads to liberation, including financial wholeness. The masses who still walk in darkness are going the opposite way. You can’t keep up with Jesus and the Joneses at the same time. You either follow one or the other.

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be loyal to the one and have contempt for the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Matthew 6:24 (CEB)

The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn’t recognize the light. The light came to his own people, and his own people didn’t welcome him. John 1:10-11 (CEB)

“The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.” –James Garfield

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “All who want to come after me must say no to themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 (CEB)

It may make you miserable at first, but if you trust Christ enough to follow His light in the area of money and finances, it will eventually set you free.
Say NO to Lack of Vision/Find Life in a Kingdom Vision

“When there’s no vision, the people get out of control….” Proverbs 29:18a (CEB)

We are each meant to be a hero who attacks a problem or injustice in the world that opposes God’s original intent (God’s Kingdom).

Say NO to a Scarcity Mentality/Find Life in Generosity

If anything works against the truth of God’s grace, it is the lie of scarcity. Scarcity is based on the idea that there is only so much of the pie to go around. Therefore, I must hoard the biggest piece of the pie as possible.
If you are tight fisted when you have a little, you will be tight fisted when you have a lot. Tight fisted stinginess has nothing to do with how much is in your wallet. It has everything to do with how little you trust in God’s grace and God’s ability to care for your needs.

Begin by giving back to God as much as you can give willingly and cheerfully because it is what God has put on your heart to give. It should also be an amount that challenges you to trust God to provide. As you learn to trust God, you will naturally become more willing to give cheerfully. If you remain financially tightfisted, it is an indicator that you are in financial bondage.

“...the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous crop. 7 Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (CEB)

Say NO to Careless Spending/Find Life Spending Less than You Earn

Budget

The plans of the diligent end up in profit, but those who hurry end up with loss. Proverbs 21:5 (CEB)

Say NO to Materialism/Find Life in Simplicity and Relationships

He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (CEB)

Instead of collecting stuff, cultivate relationships. Besides increasing the quality of your relationships, simplifying your lifestyle will also help you to live beneath your means.

Say NO to Irresponsibility/Find Life in Saving for a Rainy Day

Ants as creatures aren’t strong, but they store away their food in the summer. Proverbs 30:25 (CEB)

Say NO to Your Credit Cards/Find Life in Paying Cash

The wealthy rule over the poor; a borrower is a slave to a lender. Proverbs 22:7 (CEB)

Say NO to a Lack of Planning/Find Life in Investing in the Future
God has given us grace upon grace. We have been given our health and abilities which we can use to earn money to meet our needs. God has provided us with much wisdom (light) on how to be good stewards of the money with which God has blessed us. We don’t have to keep stumbling in the dark when it comes to our finances. We have been given a great Light. Will we let this Light be our guide?

Songs from Today's Service:

Again I Say Rejoice by Israel Houghton
Freedom by Darrell Evans
I Will Not Be Shaken by Tommy Walker
Speak to Me by Tommy Walker
Falling In Love with Jesus by Jonathan Butler