WHAT DO WE OWE GOD?
What’s the Christian / Biblical philosophy of wealth?
Ephesians
4: 28 - He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor,
performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to
share with one who has need.
3 Ways to look at wealth:
1. STEAL - Exodus 20:15
2. EARN – Exodus 20:9
3. RECEIVE - gift;
inheritance – Acts
What do we owe God?
I DILIGENCE
- We need to avoid Sloth ( laziness ) – sluggard
“Laziness is the most underrated sin.”
Characteristics of the Sluggard:
1. LOVES to sleep – “How long will you be there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?” –Proverbs 6: 9
“Laziness casts one into a deep sleep” Proverbs19:15
2. REFUSAL to work – Proverbs 21: 25
The sluggard always has an excuse
for not working – Prov 20: 4;
3. WASTES God’s resources and opportunities
“He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.” Prov 10:5
We need good stewardship of the:
ENERGY
ABILITY
The Delight – Proverbs 12: 24; 10:4; 21:5
II DEVELOPMENT of Godly Character
1. HONESTY - “dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord.”
– Proverbs 11:1
2. HARD
3. HUMILITY - “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour and life.” Proverbs 22:4
4. HEART to Share
“ He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.” Proverbs 22:9
Matthew 25: 34-40
“If We Shut our Ears to the Cries of the Poor, God Will Shut His Ears to Our Prayers.” Proverbs 21:13
How? PRAYER
PRIORITY under God
“He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house.” Proverbs 15: 27
Are there areas in your life in which you have been trying to substitute good things, even money, for obedience to the Lord?
The Enemy of the Best is often the Good.
What wise step regarding work or money do you need to take?
IV His DUE - Tithes and Offerings