Breaking Out Of The Debt Trap
Preacher
Pastor Pat Taiwo-Oguntoye
Bible Reading
- Ecclesiastes 6
- Luke 16: 1-13
Sermon
The Bible gives us incredible advice on this topic. Luke 16v11 states that if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? The wealthiest man who ever lived actually wrote a book of the Bible. His name was King Solomon and his wealth would put Bill Gates to shame. But Solomon was also the wisest man who ever lived. Fortunately he put his principles for money management down in the book of Proverbs .Who makes the rules when it comes to finances in your life? Does God make them or do you let culture make them? Do you build your finances on what the world says or what the Word of God says? Who you let make the rules will determine where you go in life.
Today, we want to discuss God’s five principles of financial freedom.
The first principle is keeping good records: This is the principle of ACCOUNTING. You need to know where your Money goes. Proverbs 27v 23-24 states that riches can disappear fast , so watch your business interests closely. Know the state of your flocks and your herds. When Solomon wrote this thousands of years ago most people’s assets were tied up in livestock. He said know the condition of your flocks. Today, he would say know the condition of your stocks, assets and accounts. Good records are the starting point!
You’ve heard the saying, MONEY TALKS, but it doesn’t talk at all, it just slips away quietly and it doesn’t tell you where it’s going! Have you ever said, “I just don’t know where it all goes” Then you’re in trouble, because you’re violating one of God’s principles.
The second principle is that you need to plan your spending; this is the principle of budgeting. Budgeting means telling your money where you want it to go rather than wondering where it went.
The third principle is save for the future, Proverbs 21v 20a states the wise man saves for the future.
The fourth principle is return ten percent back to God. This is the principle of Tithing. Malachi 3v10 states that you bring to the storehouse a full tenth of what you earn.
The Fifth principle is Enjoy what you have: this is the principle of contentment. Eccle. 6v9b states that it is better to be satisfied with what you have than to always want something else.
My dearly beloved, Keep good records! If you don’t know where your money goes you’re already headed for debt. The Lord will guide and give you the wisdom to choose wisely and be contended in Jesus name.
God bless you!