Making Sense…. Study 3 – Making sense of money (2)

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Making Sense…. Study 3 – Making sense of money (2) Introduction Throughout the Bible we are reminded of the importance of wisdom. Wisdom is the key to a successful, God honouring life, a life lived in harmony with God’s design rather than in opposition to it. It is thus both moral and practical and also both a human task and a gift from God. The Bible thus urges us not only to seek wisdom (e.g. Proverbs 4:5-8) but also to pray for wisdom (e.g. James 1:5). Wisdom applies to all of life. It therefore applies to how we think about money and our use of money. Without wisdom from God we are not likely to make sense of money or to use money in a sensible and God-honouring way. In this second study on the subject of money we therefore turn to a selection of the Bible’s ‘wisdom teaching’ to hear what it has to say about money.

Starting out… 1. What do you think of when you hear the words ‘wisdom’ and ‘folly’?

2. What would you say if asked about: a. The wise way to make and manage money?

b. The foolish way to make and manage money?

Read and Think The book of Proverbs is the classic summary of Old Testament wisdom: What do we learn from Proverbs regarding: 1. Hard work, patience and wealth? (See Proverbs 12:11(cf 28:19); 12:24; 13:4; 13:11; 14:23; 24:27)

2. Laziness, greed and poverty? (See Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:4-5; 18:9; 20:4; 21:25-26)

3. Money, ethics and morality? (See Proverbs 1:19; 10:2; 11:1; 15:27;16:8; 20:17)

4. Money and worship? (See Proverbs 3:9-10; 11:26-28; 14:31; 15:16)

5. Generosity and contentment? (See Proverbs 3:27-28; 11:24-25; 19:17; 30:7-9)

Apply

1. In what way has this study challenged or changed your thinking with regard to: a. The value you place on money?

b. The way in which you currently spend your money?

1. Which of the five areas that we looked at tonight spoke to your heart the most?

2. At what point did God’s word convict your conscience and challenge your desires?

1. What practical changes are you going to make in the light of this study with respect to: a. Spending (especially debt)?

b. Saving (as opposed to hoarding money)?

c. Giving (not just church but also in terms of the those in need)?