Sermon: Moola
…a sermon about money –Part 6
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by Chris Cumming
It was the famous Jonathan Swift [satirist
and poet] who said: “A wise person should have money in their
head, but not in their heart.”
Today we continue the journey to get wise about money in our heads. We
are going to immerse ourselves into the Word of God to see what is being
said about money. It will be a comprehensive journey as I encourage all
of us to bring the finances of our lives under God’s authority.
Bring your finances under God’s authority.
Notice Luke 16:
Luke 16:10-12
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much:
and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who
will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who
shall give you that which is your own?
Notice the meaning here in the commentary.
Who will commit ... - If you are not
faithful in the small matters pertaining to this world, if you do not
use aright your property and influence, you cannot expect that God will
commit to you the true riches of his grace. Men who are dishonest and
worldly, and who do not employ the deceitful mammon as they ought,
cannot expect to grow in grace. God does not confer grace upon them, and
their being unfaithful in earthly matters is evidence that they “would
be” also in much greater affairs, and would likewise “misimprove” the
true riches.
True riches - The graces of the gospel; the influences of the
Spirit; eternal life, or religion. The riches of this world are false,
deceitful, not to be trusted Luke 16:9; the treasures of heaven are
“true,” faithful, never-failing, Matthew 6:19-20.
~Barnes Notes
Quoted verses:
Luke 16:9
And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of
unrighteousness; that, when ye fail [when
you die], they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
Matthew 6:19-20
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither
moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor
steal:
So God is saying to us that He wants us to be experts in the small
matters of the world, as they are the training ground for us becoming
experts in the real riches of the Kingdom of God.
This is going to be an ongoing series of sermons. We will not
necessarily being doing them all in a row but I will be bringing them to
you in the coming months as we schedule them. This will be very
important training for all of us. We will be dealing with worldly
elements; money and finances. From scripture, God will be giving us a
multitude of spiritual principles and concepts to become experts in all
aspects of them. What you are going to see is that what we learn
through money and finances will impact virtually every aspect of our
physical and spiritual lives.
So… Bring your finances under God’s authority.
Here are the twelve elements into which we are going to be immersing
ourselves:
1] Right Attitudes
2] Wrong Attitudes
3] Credit
4] Giving
5] Family
6] God’s Blessings
7] God’s Curses
8] Government…today's subject
9] Investing…today's subject
10] Planning…today's subject
11] Restitution
12] Work and Wages
Let us continue. Today we will deal with elements Eight, Nine and Ten,
“Government”, “Investing” and “Planning.”
SUBJECT EIGHT: Government.
By "government" we mean taxes. The principle will apply ultimately to anything required of you by authorities short of those things that would have us breaking the law.
Key scripture:
Mark 12:17
And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are
Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at
him.
Let us begin with the fact that there was a tax levied by the church, or more specifically the Jewish temple tax.
2 Chronicles 24:5
And he [King Joash] gathered
together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the
cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of
your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit
the Levites hastened it not.
2 Chronicles 24:9
And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to
the LORD the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel
in the wilderness.
2 Chronicles 24:11-12
11 Now it came to pass, that at what time the chest was brought unto the
king's office by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there
was much money, the king's scribe and the high priest's officer came and
emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to his place again. Thus
they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.
12 And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the
service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to
repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to
mend the house of the LORD.
Now go to 2 Chronicles 34 and see another tax for the rebuilding of the Temple.
2 Chronicles 34:17
And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of
the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to
the hand of the workmen.
In 2 Kings 17 you read of Assyria's tax on Hoshea. In 2 Kings 18 read of Assyria's tax on Hezekiah. In 2 Chronicles 36 read of Egypt's tax on Israel. In Ezra 7 read of a tax to rebuild the Temple. There are a number of such scriptures in the Word of God speaking to countries and kings demanding and collecting taxes. Did Jesus pay the Temple tax?
Matthew 17:24-27
24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute
money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented
him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the
earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are
the children free.
27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and
cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou
hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and
give unto them for me and thee.
Verse 27 is a separate discussion in and of itself that brings up other biblical principles. Fact is that Jesus is giving us the admonition to pay our taxes and to generally respond in a positive manner to government authorities.
Let us go to Romans now to see more about how we need to respond to authorities, which includes paying taxes.
Romans 13:1-7
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no
power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of
God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou
then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt
have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that
which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he
is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth
evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for
conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers,
attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due;
custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Three principles here:
Verse 1: Be subject to authority.
Verse 6: Pay your taxes.
Verse 7: Tax to whom tax is due.
Here are some quotes regarding taxes and God commanding us to pay them:
"If God can't get you to obey Him concerning your money, he won't get to anything else you got."
Note: This goes to my statement that stewardship of money is a living, tangible metaphor of obedience to all of Gods physical and spiritual laws.
Let us move now to the subject of Investing
SUBJECT NINE: Investing
Maximizing surplus funds
Under the topic of investing is included saving, buying and selling, among others. Investing here really applies to the management of funds to generate a potential profit. Remarkably God's Word has a great deal to say about investing, both positive and negative. As you read through the reference Scriptures, you will become aware of the balance the Bible always promotes. What you see in the scriptures is the fine line between good stewardship and hoarding, whether we are speaking of money, commodities or other physical items.
Item A: Increase or Maximizing of surplus funds.
We could begin with Matthew 25:14-30 which is the Kingdom Parable of the Talents. Though the focus of the parable is about growing in the Salvation Process and becoming like Christ, the physical side of the parable speaks to the fact that two of the three individuals invested the money and gained profit from their investments. Clearly God is not against investing money but He wants it done with good stewardship.
Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of
counsellors they are established.
Proverbs 19:2
Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto
counsel is wise.
Note: The principle here is to get all the knowledge and understanding you can and then invest available funds. We do the same thing in all spiritual things. We get all the knowledge, understanding and counsel we can and fervently take action.
Item B: Savings:
Having an available reserve.
Proverbs 6:6-8
6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the
harvest.
Proverbs 21:20
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but
a foolish man spendeth it up.
Note: Have a reserve in money and consumables. God will guide you to that fine line between stewardship and hoarding. If in doubt about this, get wise counsel.
Item C: Getting Rich
Avoid obsession with riches
Notice that the key word here and the focus is on the word, "obsession." Nothing wrong with riches if you are a wise and good steward.
Proverbs 23:4-5
4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly
make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
What does it mean, "Labour not to be rich." Notice the commentary.
Labour not to be rich - Let not this be thy object. Labour to provide things honest in the sight of God and all men; and if thou get wealth, do not forget the poor, else God’s curse will be a canker even in thy gold. ~Adam Clarke
Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to
be rich shall not be innocent.
Note: Again, the focus is on the word, "haste" as it speaks to the wrong attitude for the labor. God makes this clearer in verse 22.
Proverbs 28:22
He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that
poverty shall come upon him.
Remember this from your study of 1 Timothy 6?
1 Timothy 6:9 [See
Lesson]
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into
many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and
perdition [loss of salvation].
Item D: Selling
Offering goods to others
To set all the ladies listening to this sermon, let us immediately go to Deuteronomy 21.
Deuteronomy 21:14
...a verse speaking to the men taking wives
in the Promised Land
And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou
shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all
for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast
humbled her.
So no selling of wives. Indeed, she can be an asset in the area of selling:
Proverbs 31:24
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the
merchant. She no doubt uses the same wisdom in selling that she did in
buying. See verse 16.
Proverbs 31:16
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she
planteth a vineyard.
Note: The principle is clear from this verse on the virtuous woman. She invokes knowledge, understanding and wisdom. The entire chapter speaks to her wisdom in all the things she does. So should you.
Item E: Buying:
Purchasing goods from others.
The Word of God has much to say on buying. Most of them are actual accounts of individuals buying things. I will share with you a few key scriptures.
Leviticus 25:14, 17
14 And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy
neighbour's hand, ye shall not oppress one another:
17 Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy
God: for I am the LORD your God.
Do not swindle in your buying and selling.
1 Corinthians 6:10
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor
extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Some quotes on buying:
"People are always going to go shopping. A lot of our effort is just: 'How do we make the retail experience a great one?'"
"Enough is better than too much."
"Money should be mastered, not served."
"The urge to spend all you make is called consumer mentality. Try to get investment mentality instead."
"A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to leave alone."
"Once you really accept that spending money doesn't equal happiness, you have half the battle won."
Item F: Profit
Selling above costs.
First rule: Seek God's will in all profit creation.
James 4:13-15
13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a
city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your
life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then
vanisheth away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do
this, or that.
Note: Seek God's will in each and every subject we have discussed here on Investing. The principle of gaining profit works in spiritual areas too.
"Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it."
"The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way."
"People should only profit to the extent they make other people’s lives better."
Let us go to our final subject of the day, Planning.
SUBJECT TEN: Planning
God's principles of preparing for the future. Planning is a part of a Christian's walk with God. It is literally committing spiritual goals to written form.
In Genesis 41 and 47 we read of Joseph's grain storage in preparation of a coming famine and drought. In 1 Chronicles 22 we see David's plan for the Temple.
You are about to see that all our planning is a partnership with God.
Proverbs 16:1
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is
from the LORD.
Proverbs 16:3
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:9
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Proverbs 19:21
There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the
LORD, that shall stand.
Proverbs 22:3
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple
pass on, and are punished.
Proverbs 24:27
Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and
afterwards build thine house.
Note: the verse is saying, "Plan and then build." This principle is mentioned in the New Testament.
Luke 14:28-30
28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first,
and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to
finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
So be fervent in your planning. Make God your partner in every plan.
Some quotes:
“A man who does not plan long ahead will find trouble at his door.”
“Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.”
“There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.”
“Always plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.”
So there you have it from the Word of God. Be good stewards of your response to Government, to your Investing and your Planning.
Learn from your Moola!