We are material beings, and we live in a material world, a world that, at times, can be very alluring. You’d have to be made out of steel and synthetic oil, not flesh and blood, not to feel, at times, the lure of material possessions and the desire for wealth. At one time or another, who hasn’t fantasized about being rich or winning the lottery?

Though we all face it, and there is nothing wrong in and of itself in working hard to earn a good living or even being wealthy, none of us has to succumb to the trap of making idols out of money, wealth, and material possessions. We are promised divine power to stay faithful to what we know is right. This is important, because the temptation for wealth and material possessions has led to the ruin of many souls.

Read Matthew 6:24 and 1 John 2:15. Though expressed differently, what’s the common theme found in both of them?

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Unfortunately, the love of the world can be so strong that people will get into debt in order — as they hope — to satisfy that love. (It never works; see Eccles. 4:8)

And because debt is one of Satan’s nets that he sets for souls, it just makes sense that God would like to see His children debt-free. He has given us counsel through the Bible and the prophetic gift that will lead us to financial freedom.

Read Psalm 50:14-15. What attitude should God’s people live with? What does it mean to “pay your vows” (NKJV)?

We enter into our church membership with praise and thanksgiving to our God, who has created and redeemed us. In point 9 (of 13) in our baptismal vows, we were asked, “Do you believe in church organization? Is it your purpose to worship God and to support the church through your tithes and offerings and by your personal effort and influence?” As Seventh-day Adventists, we all said yes. So this text (Psalm 50:14-15) is a promise to those who offer thanksgiving to God and are faithfully paying their vows.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

Amen!(0)

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Read Deuteronomy 28:1-2, Deuteronomy 28:12. What is God’s ideal for His children regarding debt? How can they attain this ideal? And though this context is very different from ours, what principles can we take away from this context and apply to our own now?

Studies show that there are three primary reasons that people get into financial difficulty. They are listed here in the order of greatest frequency.

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The first is ignorance. Many people, even the educated, are financially illiterate. They were simply never exposed to the biblical or even secular principles of money management. There is hope, however! This lesson will provide a simple outline of these principles and how to apply them.

The second reason for financial difficulties is greed, or selfishness. In response to advertising and personal desire, people simply live beyond their means. They aren’t willing to live in, drive, or wear what they can really afford. Many of these same people also feel that they are just too poor to tithe. As a consequence, they live their lives without God’s promised wisdom and blessing (see Malachi 3:10-11; Matthew 6:33). There’s hope for these people as well, but it requires a change of heart — and a spirit of contentment.

The third reason people find themselves in financial difficulty is personal misfortune. They may have experienced a serious illness without adequate health insurance. They may have been abandoned by a spendthrift marriage partner. A natural disaster may have wiped out their possessions. Or they may have been born and raised in abject poverty. There is hope for these people, too. Though their path is more difficult, their troubles can be overcome. Change may come in the support of Christian friends; the counsel and/or assistance of godly counselors; hard work coupled with a good education; and the blessing and providence of God.

Whatever the reason, even if it’s a person’s own fault, debt can be alleviated. However, those in debt will need to make some changes in their lives, their spending, and their financial priorities.

<–Sabbath Monday–>

Amen!(1)

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