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"Xtreme Makeover: Let the Bible Shape Your Views About Money" 
This week: "Life-O-Suction (Priorities)"
Pastor Rob Carlson • Sunday, January 23, 2005

Five Foundations to Financial Freedom

RULE #1: KEEP GOOD RECORDS
This is the principle of accounting.

Proverbs 27:23, 24--Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds, 
Proverbs 23:23--Buy the truth and do not sell it.

You need to know 4 things:
• What you owe 
• What you own
• What you earn 
• Where it goes

RULE #2: PLAN YOUR SPENDING
This is the principle of budgeting.

Proverbs 21:5(GN)--Plan carefully and you will have plenty; if you act too quickly, you will never have enough.
Proverbs 21:20(GN)--Stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it.

Definition of budget is planned spending.

RULE #3: SAVE FOR THE FUTURE
This is the principle of saving.

Proverbs 21:20a(LB)—The wise man saves for the future.

Challenge: work 1 hour per day for yourself.

Proverbs 13:11(Jer)—He grows rich who accumulates little by little.

Scripture teaches us to set 3 goals:
· Spending goal.
· Savings goal.
· Giving goal.

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.

RULE #4: ENJOY WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE
Principle of contentment.

Hebrews 13:5—Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

RULE #5: GIVE BACK TO GOD
Principle of giving, generosity, and obedience.

Prov. 3:9,10--Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine.

Tithe 10%, Save 10%, and live on the rest. 
Save one hour pay per day, give one hour pay per day, and live on the rest.

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. Do you need a money makeover? Why?

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

3. Which of the 5 rules do you need to emphasize more?

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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