Today we’re going to discuss some basic financial guidelines that are rooted

in biblical principles and are endorsed by some of the most respected Christian

experts available on the topic.

Like with any positive habits that we try to install in our lives, we often “know”

what to do with our financial lives.It’s the “behavior” part that trips us up.

These principles are simple, but hard.They work, but take time to show results.

It’s also important to know that we (often)

are not “sinning” if we refuse to follow the wisdom of these financial guidelines.

We are, however; walking in the paths of “foolishness” biblically.

Biblical Financial Principle #1: Get Out of Debt

Proverbs 22:7“The borrower is slave to the lender”

Debt shackles our ability to give and live the generous lives God desires for us.

Financial Principal #2: “Act Your Wage”

Proverbs 21:20 “Foolish people

devour all they have.”

1 Timothy 6:6“Godliness, with

contentment , is great gain.”---------------------------------------------------------------

Live on less than you make!

Contentment is actually one of

the most powerful financial tools one can have.

When you’re “OK” with the stuff of life; your debt can start

to get paid down and savings can come

up.

Financial Principal #3: Get on a Budget Luke 14: 28-30

“Planning to Build a Tower”

Jesus spoke about earthly wisdom about building a tower… how much more care should we put into

building our lives & wisely use what God has given us!

Financial Principal #4: Save Money

Proverbs 21:20 "Wise people’s houses are full of the best foods and

olive oil, but foolish peopledevour all they have."

It’s not enough to just earn, earn, & earn money.

You have to save money, too.

Save $$$ for 3 Primary Reasons:

1.) Emergency / Rainy Day Fund* 3 - 6 months of Expenses

2.) Save up & Pay Cash for Things

3.) Invest Money

Biblical Financial Principle #5: Live as an Abundant Giver

This includes (and somewhat takes for granted) that a follower of Christ will make tithing 10% of their income part of their greater call by God to do good in

His Name to care for “the least of these.”

As I said earlier:This stuff is simple…but hard.

You can’t reap the fruit of all of these principles unless you

do them ALL! They work together.

Hebrews 12:11

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on

however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."