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"Xtreme Makeover: Let the Bible Shape Your Views About Money" 
This week: "Before & After (Transformed)"
Pastor Rob Carlson • Sunday, February 13, 2005

Before & After
Independence -  Obedience
Impulsive - Disciplined
No game plan - Budget (planned spending)
Confusion on debt - Corresponding equity (home)
Credit cards gone wild - Plastic surgery
Spend everything - Save faithfully
Tip God - Tithe
Orientation: Self - Orientation: Others
No blessing - Blessing
Ownership - Stewardship
Treasures on earth - Treasures in Heaven
Me - God
Need more - Content with what I have

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR WISE INVESTING

1. Determine Your Values, Examine Your Heart.

Value Statement:
Matthew 13:44--The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

2. Let the Bible—Not the World System—Shape Your Views About Money.

Romans 12:2—Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed…

Before & After Snapshots
Luke 3:7-14
Luke 19:1-10
Acts 2:45; 4:32-35; 19:19
Mark 12:44
Luke 12:20
Matthew 19:21

3. Make Short-Term Sacrifices for Long-Term Gains.

Who’s the smart one?
Psalm 119:162--I rejoice in your promises like one who finds great spoil.

God’s Investment Principle:
Matthew 6:19-21--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 your 
treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Proverbs 23:5--Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. 

4. You Can’t Take It With You But You Can Send It On Ahead.

Matthew 6:20--...store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...

Ps. 49:16-17--Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him.

FDIC = Father's Deposit Insurance Corporation

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. What is your personal value statement regarding money?

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

3. How has God’s word transformed your views on resources and possessions?

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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