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"Xtreme Makeover: Let the Bible Shape Your Views About Money" 
This week: "Faith Lift (Trusting God)"
Pastor Rob Carlson • Sunday, January 30, 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, 

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.

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

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

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.

Job 36:11--If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. 

I Tim. 6:6--But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Prov. 19:23--The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble. 

Complete this sentence: I’ll be happy when I have _____________ 

Hebrews 13:5—Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have...

Secret to Contentment: Oneness with Christ (John 15:5)
Phil. 4:11-13--...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Learn to be content—
· Secret: Rely on Christ’s Strength—He will help you. (2 Cor. 12:9,10)
· Secret: Rest in Christ’s Sufficiency—He will satisfy you. (Eph. 3:16-21)
· Secret: Remember Christ’s Sacrifice—He will prosper you. (2 Cor. 8:9)

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.

Isaiah 55:2--Why spend money on what is not bread,and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. 

Matt. 5:6 (LB)--Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully.

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. Which “financial foundation” gives you the greatest challenge?

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

3. What is your secret to contentment?

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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