How should I invest my money? How can I get out of debt? Money is just a stress to me! I never seem to make ends meet...

Money Basics by Daniel Jarvis is a simple, five-part Bible study designed for people who want to turn their financial situation into a positive part of life. It is designed for people who want to know God's opinion and the Bible's advice for finances. It's great to do alone, but even better to do as a couple or in a small group setting. Best of all, it's free and available right here on AbsoluteTruth.Net.

What will I need for this study?

--A copy of the Bible or access to the Bible online.  You'll get more out of this if you take the time to look up the verses. After all, God's opinions matter the most.

--An open heart and a willingness to follow God's principles.

--A blank notebook or legal pad.  You will use this for various lists, ideas, key verses, and answers to important thought & discussion questions.

--Patience.  It takes time to learn and implement God's truths.  Each lesson comes with thought questions for either group or personal consideration.

* You'll probably get more out of this study if you print out the five sections.

Introduction--Principles of Money:

Money is a TOOL that we use in our economy to make modern life (division of labor, investment, etc.) possible.

God uses money in our lives to PREPARE us for "true riches."  With it, He can gauge our maturity, trustworthiness, priorities, and faithfulness.

The proper use of money involves PURPOSE, PLANNING and DISCIPLINE.

PURPOSE :  What do I want to accomplish with my life?  How do I want to use the resources God has entrusted to me to grow His kingdom?  What direction has God given me concerning the use of His resources?

PLANNING :  How am I going to provide for the needs of my family both now and in the future, and how am I going to impact the world for Jesus Christ through the use of my money both now and in the future?  What financial goals should I set in my life?

DISCIPLINE :  What practical steps am I going to take in order to make my purpose & plan a reality? 

Key Bible Passage:  (copy this verse into your notebook)

Luke 16:10-12:  "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.  So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?  And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?" (NIV)

Other Scriptures to consider:  Luke 16:10-12, 1 Corinthians 4:2, Matthew 6:33, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Psalm 24:1-2

Thought & Discussion Questions:
(answer these in your notebook or with your small group)

What sins does the Bible name that are associated with money?

What positive qualities should we develop that are associated with money?

What are some of the root reasons that people misuse / mishandle money?

What would change about our lives if we viewed everything as belonging to God?

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Go to Part 1 of Money Basics>

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