Key Verses – Matthew 25:14 - “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.

1 Corinthians 4:2 - Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.

1● Cultural Messages on Spending

A○ Things bring happiness. B○ Possessions define who we are. C○ The more we have, the more we should spend. D○ Spending is a competition.

2● The Mind and Heart of God

A○ Beware of idols.

Deuteronomy 5:7-9 - 7 “You shall have no other gods before me. 8 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

Romans 1:25 - They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

B○ Guard against greed.

Luke 12:15 - Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Luke 11:3 - Give us each day our daily bread.

Proverbs 30:8 - Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.

C○ Be content.

Philippians 4:12 - 12 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.

D○ When we practice moderation and learn contentment, we become free to be generous and a blessing to others.

3● The Prudent Spender is one who enjoys the fruits of their labor yet guards against materialism.

A○ Characteristics of a Prudent Spender: 1■ A disciplined and moderate lifestyle 2■ Freedom from consumer debt 3■ Generosity

B○ The Prudent Spender Challenge: Driving your stake: 1■ Are you willing to drive your stake lifestyle-wise? 2■ When can you say, “Enough is enough”?

3■ When you drive your stake, you distinguish between your true needs and your wants (what the culture says you need)

C○ The Prudent Spender is not necessarily one who Practices Extreme Self-Denial & Avoids ALL Physical Pleasures.

1■ God gives us good and perfect gifts.

James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

2■ God gives us things to enjoy.

1 Timothy 6:17 - 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

3■ God expects us to enjoy the fruit of our labor.

Jeremiah 31:5 - 5 Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the farmers will plant them and enjoy their fruit.

4■ The problem comes when this enjoyment overtakes our devotion to God.

Matthew 6:19-24 - 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Becoming a Prudent Spender

A● Cultural priorities for money: 1. Lifestyle Spending 2. Debt repayment 3. Saving/giving if anything is left

B● God-honoring priorities: 1. Giving 2. Saving 3. Lifestyle

C● Transitional phase – shifting from the pull of the culture to the mind and heart of God:

1. Give…something 2. Save…something 3. Debt…maximize repayment

4. Lifestyle…Minimize spending in order to free up funds for giving, saving, & debt repayment.

D● Two key questions

1. The spiritual question: “How can I honor God with what he has provided?”

2. The practical question: “What is the best use of this next dollar?