The Power of Money – How to Love God and

not Money

What we shall cover

1. Which relationship?– How Money woos– How God woos

2. Turning good intentions into action– The ‘how to’ of giving

3. Tricky issues

Further Reading

One Massive Challenge

‘All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions

was his own, but they shared everything they had’

Acts 4:32

Which Relationship?

‘Chose this day whom you will serve’

‘You know with all your heart and soul that not one of the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed....

....I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant....

Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshipped beyond the River and in Egypt and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve’

Joshua 23:14 & 24: 13, 14-15

PROMISED

BLESSED

COMMANDED

DILEMMA-ED?

‘No-one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.’

‘You cannot serve both God and Money’Matt 6:24

‘you can satisfactorily have two employers but not two owners.’

‘Chose this day whom you will serve’

How money woos – three LiesSecurity (safety)

‘...And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy: eat, drink, and be merry’” But God said

to him, ‘You fool!’

Luke 12:19Status (significance)‘The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at

Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight’

Luke 16:14-15

Satisfaction (sweetness)‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and

lived in luxury every day....Son remember that in your lifetime you received your good things...’

Luke 16:19 &25

Seeing the love of money around us

How God woos – three promisesHe offers real security

‘But store up for yourself treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal’

Matt 6:20

‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’

1 Cor 2:9

He offers real status

‘How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

1 John 3:1

He offers real satisfaction

‘Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without

money and without cost.....Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fare’

Isaiah 55 1-2

Who are you in love with?A heart check up

1. I often worry about my financial future.2. It comforts me to see my bank balance.3. I hardly ever buy people drinks (etc).4. I give away 10% of the lowest figure I can reasonably justify.5. I find it a privilege to give money away.6. I have a lot of stuff.7. I envy / complain about the wealth of others. I expect

richer Christians to give because they’ve got lots and I haven’t!

8. I am always saving up for something.9. I get very stressed about pay issues at work.10.I will give when I can, but not now.

Who are you in love with?If you want to move your heart, use Grace not guilt

‘And now brothers we want you to know about the

grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their

overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave

as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability’

2 Cor 8:1-3

Who are you in love with?Moving towards the right question

‘They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints’

2 Cor 8:4

‘How can I bless others with what I have as the Lord has blessed me’

Turning Good Intentions into Action

A few habits that will help you to serve God with your money

1. A pattern of review2. First Fruits and standing Orders3. Accountability4. Non-Judgemental-ism5. Teamwork6. Do you have a Charismata

A Worked ExampleMorris earns 25,000 p.a (gross) (19,360 net p.a. or 1,600 net per month). He lives

alone in a flat that he rents for £500 per month. He has bills to pay (including council tax) of £100 a month. His commuting costs are £100 a month. He would like to buy his own place but doesn’t have a deposit. He would also a car. What

should Morris give?

Very Safe giving: 10% of net income (19,360)= £1,936 /12 = 161 per month

• That leaves Morris £1,440 per month which gives him a disposable income of £740 per month.

Safe giving: 10% of gross income (25,000) = £2,500 / 12 = 210 per month

• That leaves Morris £1,390 per month which gives him a disposable income of £690 per month.

Giving: 15% of gross income (25,000) = 3,750/ 12 = 310 per month.

• That leaves Morris £1,290 per month which gives him a disposable income of £590 per month.

A Worked Example

• £43,000 per annum = £2,629 net per month

• £500 per month given away (19% of net / 14% of gross salary)

Tricky issues

• Savings• Inherited money• Marital differences• Debt• Doubts about the recipient

The Massive Challenge again

‘All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions

was his own, but they shared everything they had’

Acts 4:32