How to Survive in the Land of Bling
Sex, Money, and Power (Part 2)
February 13-17, 2006

We often get nervous when the subject of our money is brought up. How much we make, what it's spent on, how much we give and what we buy etc. It's a very personal subject and can make us uncomfortable. The term "Bling" comes from a song lyric and it's used to define extreme excess and indulgence. In our world of seductive pleasures, how do you keep your balance? And what are God's expectations? Although the Bible was written over two thousand years ago, it has a lot to say about money that is very useful today. In fact, 15% of what Jesus teaches in the New Testament focuses on money and possessions. This lesson is going to teach you about four survival tips that will help you in your daily life with respect to money.

MONDAY

REFUSE TO LET YOUR IDENTITY BE DEFINED BY WHAT YOU OWN
[Your Objective: To realize that material things should not be a top priority.]

What does Luke 12:15 teach us to guard against?

  • What does it say about possessions?
  • What focus does greed give to a your actions? To your character?
  • Why is greed to be avoided?
  • In what negative ways might possessions affect your life?

Who does Ecclesiastes 5:10 say will never have enough money?

  • When a person's priority is accumulating wealth, why do you think he will never be satisfied?
  • Why does money not bring true happiness?

Discipleship (Maturity) - The Bible tells you it is the love of money that is the root of evil. Money itself is value-neutral. But your attitude about money determines not only your actions, but the direction of your life goals and the use of your precious time. As you grow in your faith, your life must reflect more of God's desires and less of the world's. Ask yourself how your attitude measures up to God's intentions for His people? Who is your first love?

TUESDAY

ACKNOWLEDGE GOD AS THE OWNER
[Your Objective: Be willing to surrender everything to God.]

What belongs to the Lord according to Psalm 24:1?

  • What does it mean to belong to God?

Who provides the power to produce wealth in Deuteronomy 8:18?

  • Why do people cling so tightly to the illusion that they are the source of the power?
  • What does it take to give up the illusion of your ownership and recognize God as the true owner?

Worship (Magnification) - Since it is God who provides you with the unique talents and abilities to produce wealth and accomplish everything you do in your life, you should praise Him every time you have success and ask for His wisdom and guidance whenever you are unsure how to approach a problem. Are you willing to give full ownership of everything to God today? How can you guard against the temptation to take back control?

WEDNESDAY

LEARN TO BE A MANAGER
[Your Objective: Learn how to think and act like a manager rather than an owner.]

Read Luke 16:11-12.

  • What must a person demonstrate before being trusted with true riches?
  • How is the function of a manager different from an owner?
  • How does this apply to handling God's riches?

God's plan for managing your finances:

  • Give to God
  • Provide for Your Family
  • Meet the Needs of Others

What is the purpose of giving to God (tithing) in Deuteronomy 14:23?

  • Why might you have difficulty seeing giving to God as an act of worship?

The believers in Acts 4:32 shared what portion of their belongings with the others?

  • Under what circumstances might the gift of your time, compassion, experience, or knowledge be a better gift than money.

Ministry - In Genesis, God told Adam and Eve to tend the garden. In effect, He appointed them as the managers of Eden. As the manager of the assets and talents God has given you, you are acting as a minister to your church, your family and to others. How will you change your thoughts and actions to reflect the role God planned for you? How can being a good manager make you into a good minister? Make up a small reminder card to help you remember that God is the owner and you are the manager, to spend wisely and give generously. You might want to include the text of Psalm 24:1 and Acts 20:35 from your favorite Bible translation on the card.

THURSDAY

COMMIT TO BE HILARIOUSLY GENEROUS
[Your Objective: Learn about and practice ways of giving joyfully and generously. Give to others what makes a difference like God has given to us.]

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, how does it say you are to give?

  • What does it say about how not to give?
  • What are some of the reasons we feel pressured to give by others?
  • How can you turn giving from an obligation into a joy?

Read 2 Corinthians 9:15. What kind of gift have you received?

  • Why is it important to remember what God gave you when it comes to your giving?
  • What are some ways you can keep in perspective that you can never be more generous than God?
  • Who could you share the news about the great gift of Jesus with?

Evangelism (Missions) - Grace plus gratitude equals hilarious generosity. You were created to be a conduit, not a container. There are millions of people who still don't know about the great gift of God's Son, Jesus. It should never be an obligation to share the good news, but a pure joy. Generosity breaks the grip of materialism. There are countless opportunities to be generous with others using the gifts and resources God has provided. What specific step can you take to be hilariously generous?

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:
[Your Objective: Evaluate your maturity in the four survival tips outlined above and commit to growth and specific steps for a more faithful life.]

Ephesians 4:28 says, "He who has been stealing must steal no longer..." and 2 Corinthians 9:11 says, "Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God." Proverbs 23:4 says, "Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich; be wise enough to control yourself." Money is not necessarily evil, but the love of money can be. The verses above along with the lesson points teach you that you need to be very careful what you do with money and how you manage it. Take a moment and pray to God to forgive you for the times when you acted like you were the owner. It's hard. Pray for guidance so you can see clearly how to move forward with surviving the temptations that surround your finances. Finally, make a commitment to growth in the area where you need it most. You can take one of our courses, read a book, commit to tithing, meet needs of others etc. Take this challenge so God calls you hilariously generous.