Beth-El Baptist Church

07/22/2012

Greg Tomlinson


What general principles about money should a Christian follow?


With financial troubles being the primary reason behind marriages breaking up and more and more people encountering stress in life cause by their financial status, it is important to evaluate how a Christian ought to deal with finances. By considering God's view of finances, the hope is that many more people can learn to avoid this great stress in life.


  1. What are the most important principles to keep in mind?

Matthew 25:14-15; Exodus 19:5; Psalm 50:9-12; 1 Corinthians 4:7 – God owns everything

Philippians 4:11-12; Luke 3:14; 1 Timothy 6:6-8 – Be content with God's provision

Luke 12:42-44; 1 Corinthians 4:2 – We are to be faithful stewards

Proverbs 22:7 – Debt enslaves


  1. What is the best way to build wealth?

Deuteronomy 15:1-2 Proverbs 22:3

Luke 14:28-32 Proverbs 24:27

Proverbs 21:5; 28:20 Proverbs 13:11; 10:4; 12:24, 27


If you have any debt, it should be kept to a minimum so that it can be fully paid off in a very short period of time. The scriptures indicate about a 7 year time frame. Planning is essential. This would mean that you should not only have a budget (plan) but also be careful of what investments and purchases are made so that you do not get your self into financial problems. No financial decision should be made rashly, quickly, or under pressure. If you are being pressured to invest or buy, then you are better off not spending the money but waiting until you have an opportunity to investigate and obtain counsel. Before making large purchases (such as a house) be sure that your business is sufficiently stable to support the purchase. Avoid get rich quick ideas (schemes). It is better to grow wealth slowly through proper labor than quickly through rash investments or investing more than you can afford.


  1. What financial obligations should I keep in mind?

Proverbs 3:9 Luke 11:42

1 Corinthians 16:2 Romans 13:6-8

1 Timothy 6:6-9 Matthew 22:17-22

1 Timothy 6:17-19 2 Corinthians 8:14-15

1 Timothy 5:8 Deuteronomy 26:2


The first obligation is to the Lord. He is to receive His portion (tithe) first. Yes, tithing is even taught in the New Testament (Luke 11:42). The next obligation is for taxes (although the government takes his portion first it is NOT of first importance). Next ensure adequate spending for food, clothing, and shelter should take place. There should always be a portion available to help others in real need.


  1. How can I keep out of debt?

Luke 3:14 Philippians 4:11-12

Genesis 2:24 1 Peter 3:7

Philippians 4:6, 19 Luke 12:15; 14:28

Romans 12:16 Romans 12:2

Proverbs 13:18 Proverbs 15:22

1 Timothy 6:6-8


The first thing to keep in mind to keep out of debt is to be content with whatever it is that God has given you. This means wait upon the Lord to see how He will prosper you and never be in a hurry to have more. The next thing to keep in mind is the necessity of wise counsel. If you are married, your first human counselor (after the scriptures to keep you away from poor decisions) would be your spouse. Since the two of you are as one, if your spouse is having problems with the financial decision you are considering, it would be wise to defer or reject the decision. Be sure and seek God's provision for what is needed. Understand that it is God who will provide all that is NEEDED, but not necessarily all that is DESIRED. Your goal should be to honor God and not seek the approval of men, therefore you should not seek after the things of this world for they are temporary but seek first the things of God.