Money

Money is like a power tool. To those who know how to use it properly, money can be a great
blessing. But when placed in untrained hands, money is a source of heartache and "harmful
lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition" (1 Tim. 6:9).

This collection will help you honor God with your finances and view money through the lens of
Scripture.

Lesson 1: Loving Money

Scripture reminds us that, despite wishes to the contrary, we are not immortal. One day, our
wealth will be gone and our accomplishments forgotten (Ecc. 5:15; 9:15). As Paul wrote, "We
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out" (1 Tim. 6:7).

When we take time to consider the brevity of life, the foolishness of loving "uncertain riches" (1
Tim. 6:17) becomes obvious. Like those who "worshiped and served the creature rather than
the Creator," many love wealth more than they love the One "who gives us richly all things to
enjoy (Rom. 1:25; 1 Tim. 6:17).

May our lives as Christians be marked not by love of money, but by selflessness and
generosity.

Ecclesiastes 5:10
He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with
increase. This also is vanity.

Study Questions
- It has been said that money can't buy happiness. Based on this verse, is that true?
- Why is money so attractive? What things are most attractive to your heart?

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Luke 12:15
And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist
in the abundance of the things he possesses."

Study Questions
- If wealth is not the measuring stick for true success, then what is? What Scriptures
would you give in support of your answer?

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1 Timothy 6:9-10
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and
harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of

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all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced
themselves through with many sorrows.

Study Questions
- According to verse 10, what is the end result of loving money?
- In what ways might wealth open up the door for "foolish and harmful lusts"? How can we
be on guard against these?

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Hebrews 13:5
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He
Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Study Questions
- How can remembering the promise of Christ's presence help fuel contentment?
- What does 1 Timothy 6:6 say about contentment?

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Lesson 2: Lending Money

Debt may be unavoidable at times, but since "the borrower is servant to the lender" (Prov.
22:7), it is wise to avoid it whenever possible. Great freedom is enjoyed by those who "owe no
one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law" (Rom.
13:8).

This week's memory verses also teach the importance of honoring our financial commitments.
Christians who borrow must be diligent to repay their creditors as agreed (Psa. 37:21), and
those who are able should deal graciously and lend, "hoping for nothing in return" (Luke 6:35).

Psalm 37:21
The wicked borrows and does not repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives.

Study Questions
- What are the wicked doing in this verse? What are the righteous doing?
- To whom is God calling you to show mercy?

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Psalm 112:5
A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion.

Study Questions
- Are you generous with the resources God has given you?
- The NKJV translates the last half of this verse, "He will guide his affairs with discretion."
How can a person practice discretion and generosity at the same time? Are you doing
this?

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Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.

Study Questions
- Based on this verse, is it wise to enter into debt unnecessarily?
- How should Christians view those to whom they owe money? How should we view
those who owe us money?

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Matthew 5:42
Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

Study Questions
- Read James 2:14-17. What does this passage say about turning away from those in
need?

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Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be
great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.

Study Questions
- How did Jesus set an example of serving those who could never repay Him?
- How can you follow in Jesus' footsteps today?

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Lesson 3: Losing Money

During the Roaring Twenties, the U.S. economy boomed. New technology such as telephone
and radio created thousands of manufacturing jobs, and investors watched the stock market
soar to unprecedented heights. On September 3, 1929 it peaked at 381.17, a new record high.
However, just one month later on October 29, stocks fell, and investors lost $14 billion in one
day. By the time the Great Depression ended, the stock market would drop 89% from its
all-time high and $40 billion would be lost.

The impact on American families was just as tragic. Household incomes were reduced by an
average of 40% and more than 13 million Americans lost their jobs. As any one of these
families could readily testify, "riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an
eagle toward heaven" (Prov. 23:5).

Rather than trusting "in uncertain riches" (1 Tim. 6:17), may we fix our eyes on the One "in
whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col. 2:3).

1 Samuel 2:7
The LORD makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up.

Study Questions
- How should the truth of this verse impact those who are rich? How should it impact

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 those who are struggling financially?

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Job 1:21
And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The
LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD."

Study Questions
- Job's children and much of his net worth were lost in a single day. How would you
describe his response?
- How should the realization that earthly life is temporary impact your view of finances?

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Proverbs 15:16
Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble.

Study Questions
- Name someone in the Bible who was used by God despite their poverty. How does their
story illustrate the truth of this verse?

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Proverbs 23:5
Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They
fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

Study Questions
- Wealth can turn into poverty overnight. Do you live like this is true, or do you tend to
view money as a permanent fixture over which you have complete control?

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Proverbs 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Study Questions
- Read James 4:13-16. According to that passage, how should we go about making plans
for the future?

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Lesson 4: Lacking Money

Money problems can be stressful. When expenses rise or your income falls, it feels natural to
worry about the future. But just because worry comes naturally doesn't mean our hearts must
make room for it.

In Matthew 6, Christ invites us to consider "the birds of the air" and "the lilies of the field" (vss.
26, 28). If God faithfully provides for birds that "neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns," it's

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reasonable to conclude that He will provide for us as well. Not only does God see your
situation; He "knows the things you have need of before you ask Him" (Matt. 6:8).

Psalm 37:25
I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his
descendants begging bread.

Study Questions
- What type of provision does Scripture promise? What does relying on this promise look
like?

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Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to
you.

Study Questions
- When Jesus says "all these things," what is He referring to? Read the preceding verses
to find out.
- Since we have the promise of God's provision, what should become our first priority?

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Philippians 4:11-12
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I
know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have
learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Study Questions
- Paul learned to be content regardless of his circumstances. Based on your experience,
does more stuff always produce more contentment?
- Gratitude and contentment go hand-in-hand. For what blessings will you give thanks
today?

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Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Study Questions
- The Philippian church helped meet Paul's financial needs (4:15). In response to their
generosity, Paul reminded these believers that God would likewise supply all their needs.
How should the promise of God's provision affect our willingness to serve others?

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Lesson 5: Sharing Money

We all invest in what we deem important. We invest time in relationships, hard work in worthy
causes, and money in things we value. The law of harvest says, "Whatever a man sows, that

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he will also reap" (Gal. 6:7). This means that every investment we make will yield fruit, whether
good or bad.

Being generous with money is like making an investment with a guaranteed return (Mal. 3:10;
Prov. 19:17). Christ Himself teaches this in the New Testament: "Give, and it will be given to
you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your
bosom" (Luke 6:68).

Remember that God may not reward your generosity with material wealth. In the New
Testament, the early church's faithfulness in material things did not lead to financial prosperity,
but spiritual prosperity - and spiritual prosperity is always preferable to material gain.

Proverbs 3:9
Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;

Study Questions
- With what possessions has the Lord blessed you? Are you honoring Him with these as a
matter of first priority?

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Proverbs 19:17
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.

Study Questions
- What three words best describe your attitude towards the poor?

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Acts 20:35
I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And
remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, "It is more blessed to give than to
receive."'

Study Questions
- This verse certainly applies to money, but it has other implications as well. Besides
money, what are some things God may call us to give?

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2 Corinthians 9:6-7
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will
also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of
necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Study Questions
- Describe the last gift you received. Would it have been as meaningful if the giver
handed it to you reluctantly or out of a sense of obligation?
- How can you honor the Lord with your income this week? Is there someone you should
help?

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Lesson 6: Stewarding Money
Robbery is taking possession of something that belongs to another person. It's interesting,
then, that Scripture describes failure to give as robbing God Himself (Mal. 3:8). Clearly, our
money does not belong to us at all, but rather to the Lord. Stewardship does not mean giving
up what belongs to us, but acknowledging God's ownership and rendering back His own things
to Him.

In the parable of the wicked vinedressers (Matt. 21), pseudo-servants misunderstood the
concept of stewardship. Rather than looking after their master's vineyard with diligence and
generosity, they guarded it with vicious jealousy. Tragically, their end was destruction because
they took for their own what belonged solely to their master (Matt. 21:41; cf. Phil. 3:19). May
we be careful to avoid the same mistake and gladly acknowledge God's ownership of our life,
time, and earthly possessions.

Deuteronomy 8:18
"And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth,
that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

Study Questions
- In this verse, God gave His people power to get wealth for a specific purpose. What was
that purpose?
- For what purpose has God given you your resources?

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Psalm 24:1
The earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.

Study Questions
- According to this verse, what in your life belongs to God?
- What do you hold back from your Creator? Why?

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Luke 16:10-11
He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least
is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who
will commit to your trust the true riches?

Study Questions
- According to these verses, material wealth is not the end-all. Why do we tend to focus
on temporary treasures more than true wealth?

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1 Corinthians 4:2
Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

Study Questions

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 - In your own words, what is faithfulness?
- In what areas of your life are you exemplifying faithfulness? In what areas should you
improve?

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Lesson 7: Saving Money

Christians have the promise of God's provision (Matt. 6:19-33), but that does not negate the
need to steward our resources wisely. In fact, the opposite is true! Since everything we have is
the Lord's (Psa. 24:1), we have a special responsibility to put it to good use.

Saving money for emergencies, college, or retirement may seem less spiritual than giving it all
away, but Scripture teaches a balance. If the ant "provides her supplies in the summer" (Prov.
6:8), then we should likewise plan for future expenses and save for them as possible. "A
prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished" (Prov.
22:3).

Proverbs 6:6-8
Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain,
Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.

Study Questions
- In the summer, ants gather food in anticipation of winter. What preparations should you
make for the next season of your life?
- Ants work diligently despite having no captain or ruler. Can you be trusted to act
responsibly when nobody is watching?

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Proverbs 13:11
Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.

Study Questions
- Many people look for opportunities to get rich quick. According to this verse, what is the
best way to acquire money?

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

Study Questions
- Why is neglecting to meet the needs of one's family such an egregious sin?
- Other than money, what needs does your family have? How can you help meet those
needs?

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Lesson 8: Spending Money
A farmer who stores or sells his entire harvest will inevitably become discouraged over time.
Long days in the field should eventually be rewarded by a hot meal on the table. For this
reason, Paul writes that "the hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops" (2 Tim.
2:6).

A well-rounded, Biblical approach to finances involves giving money, saving money, and
enjoying money. After you have honored the Lord "with the firstfruits of all your increase" (Prov.
3:9) and provided for the needs of your family (1 Tim. 5:8), remember that it's okay to enjoy a
portion of the harvest God has provided.

Ecclesiastes 5:18-19
Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good
of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it
is his heritage. As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him
power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God.

Study Questions
- Based on these verses, is it wrong for Christians to enjoy the fruit of their labor?
- What is the world's perspective on work? What is the biblical perspective?

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Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where
thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth
nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.

Study Questions
- Practically speaking, how can we lay up treasure in heaven?
- What are the advantages of laying up treasure in heaven rather than on earth?
- What do you value most? Does your daily lifestyle reflect this, or are you living for
something else?

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