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"Xtreme Makeover: Let the Bible Shape Your Views About Money" 
This week: "Plastic Surgery"
Pastor Rob Carlson • Sunday, January 16, 2005

What does the Bible Say About Credit Cards & Debt?

Psalm 7:15--He who digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit he has made.

Psalm 37:21--The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.

Proverbs 11:29--He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise.

Proverbs 27:12--The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.


4 Biblical Guidelines for Making Ends Meet

1. Make all the money you can make.

1 Timothy 6:10--For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Proverbs 10:4--Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

Ecclesiastes 9:10--Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.

Ephesians 4:28--He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.



2. Keep all the money you can keep.

Proverbs 21:5--The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.



3. Save all the money you can save.

Proverbs 21:20(TLB)--The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.

Proverbs 6:6-8--Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.



4. Give all the money you can give.

Matthew 6:19-21, 24--Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is there your heart will be also. …You cannot serve both God and money.

Purpose to have an eternal perspective.
Realize that your heart will follow your treasure.
Order your life around one master. 

Be PROactive!

Proverbs 11:25--A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.




Be PROactive!

Pray about your personal finances and commit them to the Lord.
Remember that God is the owner, we are the managers.
Observe God’s money principles and put them into action.

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. Do your finances need “plastic surgery?”

2. Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson. 
What personal application can you make from this week's teaching? 

3. What are the areas in which you could be more PROactive?

4. Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group.

*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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