Living Generously Part III
Series: The Ultimate Lifestyle
May 4, 2008 Pastor Bill Bump
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1. THE WRONG USES OF WEALTH—AVOID THESE!
A. Issue #1 — The accumulation of wealth: Don’t hoard it.
James 5:3(NIV)
“You have hoarded wealth in the last days…”
James 5:2,3(NIV)
“Your wealth has rotted...moths have eaten your clothes...your gold and silver are corroded…”
B. Issue #2 — The appropriation of wealth: Don’t steal it.
James 5:4(NCV)
The pay you did not give the workers who mowed your fields cries out against you…
C. Issue #3 — The application of wealth: Don’t abuse it.
James 5:6(Ph)
“You have condemned and ruined innocent men, and they are powerless to stop you.”
2. THE RIGHT USES OF WEALTH — PRACTICE THESE!
A. Issue #1 — The right appropriation of wealth: Hard work
Proverbs 13:11(LB)
Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.
Proverbs 14:23(NIV)
Hard work brings a profit; mere talk leads to poverty.
Scripture says we can make as much money as we can as long as it doesn’t hurt:
Our own health.
Proverbs 23:4(NIV)
Do not wear yourselves to get rich. Have the wisdom to show restraint.
Our own family.
Our own spiritual life.
III John 2(NIV)
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
B. Issue #2 — The right allocation of wealth: Spend money wisely
Proverbs 21:5(NIV)
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
C. Issue #3—The right application of wealth: Give money generously
Proverbs 11:24,25(LB)
It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes, the generous man shall be right. By watering others, he waters himself.
Matthew 6:20,21(NIV)
Store up for yourselves treasure in Heaven...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
I Corinthians 16:2(LB)
...put aside something from what you have earned during the week, and use it for the offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn.
