Lesson 3, A Man’s Battles
A Man’s Battle, Money
Money is something that we all like to
have; but sometimes we like it so much that we put it before God and it becomes
an idol. Yet, at other times, our heart
is the right place and we give generously to different causes or ministries.
But often, we have to admit, that many of us are pretty lost about how we
should handle our money.
Worksheet: A Man’s Money
Read:
1 Timothy 6:3-21
We are
called to be men: workers, providers, warriors, humble yet bold leaders,
and more. We have responsibilities and how we manage (steward) our
money is certainly is one of them. Tithing
is important. Saving is wise. Giving generously is great. But above
all, whose money is it going to be in our
eyes . . . God’s or yours?
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God gave us the ability and responsibility
to work. Part of that work is making
and managing money and possessions.
This means that money is a blessing from God, and we should use it properly and
obtain it honestly. Whether the amount is a penny or a million dollars it
counts! Likewise, life isn’t about earning tons of dough, but rather about
having an intimate relationship with God (through His Holy Spirit and
Scripture) and spreading His kingdom. We cannot truly love God and love wealth;
we can only be fully devoted to one thing. And as true men our devotion must be
focused on, completely set apart to seeking God and His will for us.
Matthew 6:19-24 KJV
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth
and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up
for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is,
there will your heart be also.
The light of the body is
the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, they whole body shall be full of
light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If
therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
No man can serve two
masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will
hold to the one and espies the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Hint for Clarity: Mammon
means money
If
our money is God’s blessing we should be using it in such a way as to honor
Him. Would God spend money on chocolate and soda pop every day? Would God buy that video game? Would God spend money on
that, period?
If our money is God’s, then we should also be
generous givers (read Galatians 6:6-10). Giving $5 or $5,000 isn’t what
matters, as long as that you give with a pure motive and generously from your
honestly earned income. Would God give to that cause? Through that
organization? To that person? Should you?
Personal Assignment: Get a plan together on what you
are going to do with your money. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you and bring
Scriptures to mind as you lay out a plan which you will follow.
Suggestion: Do a search on money (or mammon) in the
Bible and study some Scriptures on this topic.
Will
you save?
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Will
you give/donate?
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Will you spend?
Will
you wait till you have enough to buy something? (that is, delayed spending)
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