INTRODUCTION
Money is more likely to cause the downfall of a spiritual leader than anything else. Money is necessary to live. It is a great blessing in the work of the Lord. And yet it is responsible for eviler than any other single thing. How can anything be so good and evil at the same time?
In this chapter, I want to share with you biblical principals of how to handle money. God is concerned about how you use the money He puts into your hands, no matter how much or how little. To a very large extent, how you handle money will determine success or failure as a leader.
A. MONEY AND OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
We must learn to be careful about our use of money because through its Satan destroys many leaders. Money has great spiritual significance Jesus taught a great deal about money and how it affects a man’s relationship to God. Possibly the most familial passage in this regard is, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single; thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil; thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon”. Matthew 7:19-24.
1. Earthly Treasure is Uncertain
Economic inflation can its value and thieves can steal it, be the thief an individual or an agency. Heavenly treasure is the only investment with a guaranteed rate of return for all eternity.
2. Where are your Affections?
How we spend our money shows us where our affection is. If we spend all our selves most of all. If we invest 10 percent (a tithe) or more of our money to spread the gospel, we show we love God and the gospel.
3. You can not Serve God and Money
You can not serve God and money at the same time. Either Jesus is your Lord, or money is! Its that simple you cannot have it both ways. The direction of your life and the form of your ministry will be determined either by Jesus or by your relationship with money one or the other! “
B. MONEY A SNARE OF SATAN
Money can have a book I it! if you don’t relate to it rightly, you will be e snare by your love for it. Satan wo is the prince of the power of the air uses money as one of his most effective snares.
1. A Pagan God
In Matt. 6:24. Jesus taught about two master to choose between God and Mammon. Mammon was the name of the pagan god of wealth and prosperity. Using the name, the way He did Jesus was also implying there is a demonic principality who controls much of this world’s wealth.
Comments