Though Christians often shy away from the topic of money, the Bible spends more time addressing it than even faith and prayer combined.
Over the next few episodes, we will examine what the Bible says about this important topic—because as Christians, everything we do (including how we handle money), is a reflection of Jesus Christ and His control in our lives. We must understand that we are stewards of all He has given us.
In this beginning discussion, we lay a foundation looking at three key concepts related to money:
- Stewardship
- Salvation
- Seeking
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Show Notes / Additional Resources
1. Stewardship
- Jesus’ parables on stewardship: Luke 16, Matthew 25, Luke 19
- Randy Alcorn: “Stewardship isn’t a subcategory of the Christian life. Stewardship is the Christian life. After all, what is stewardship except that God has entrusted to us life, time, talents, money, possessions, family, and his grace? In each case, he evaluates how we regard what he has entrusted to us—and what we do with it.” (Money, Possessions, and Eternity, 140)
2. Salvation
- Zacchaeus (Luke 19:8-9) – But Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I am giving to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone, I am giving back four times as much.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham.
- John the Baptist being asked about fruits of repentance (Luke 3:8-14) – “Therefore produce fruits that are consistent with repentance … And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what are we to do?” And he would answer and say to them, “The one who has two tunics is to share with the one who has none; and the one who has food is to do likewise.” Now even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what are we to do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” And soldiers also were questioning him, saying, “What are we to do, we as well?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone, nor harass anyone, and be content with your wages.”
- Early Church (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35)
- And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. (Acts 2:44-45)
- For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each to the extent that any had need. (Acts 4:34-35)
- Ephesians burning their magic books (Acts 19:18-20) … worth approx: $6 million
- Also many of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices. And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone; and they added up the prices of the books and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.
3. Seeking
- Matthew 6:33 – But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.
- Romasn 12:2 refers to ALL patterns of this world … including money
- And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
- Martin Luther: “There are three conversions necessary in the Christian life: the conversion of the heart, the mind, and the purse” (Managing God’s Money [by Randy Alcorn], xiv)
Recommended Reading:
- Managing God’s Money (A Biblical Guide)
- Money, Possessions, and Eternity
- Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving
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Question: What is the most difficult thing you’ve experienced with stewarding God’s money?
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About NRJohnson
NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) is a Christian who has an overwhelming passion for Jesus, the Gospel, and Studying God’s Word. He is a writer, teacher, and communicator who helps other believers understand and apply the Bible as they grow and mature in their faith—desiring that they gain greater intimacy with Christ, experience the victorious Christian life, and transform the world through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Read more about him here.
About the Deeper Christian Podcast
Many Christians feel frustrated because they don’t grow spiritually. The Deeper Christian Podcast helps equip Christians to understand the Word of God and cultivate a passionate love for Jesus that turns the world upside down.
Whether you want to learn how to study God’s Word, grow in your faith, cultivate a powerful and effective prayer life, share the Gospel boldly, deepen your intimacy with Jesus, live victoriously, or transform the world through the indwelling life of the Holy Spirit, the Deeper Christian Podcast with NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) will encourage and equip you to grow spiritually and live a Christ-centered life.