Finding Financial Freedom

Why Am I in Bondage?

September 22, 2002

Proverbs 22:7

“The rich rule over the poor,

and the borrower is servant to the lender.”

 1.  Debt versus deliverance.

            “Fire makes a great servant but a terrible master.”

Romans 13:8

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.”

2.  Want versus need.

Philippians 4:11,12,19

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want… And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

3.  Selfishness versus Stewardship.

Proverbs 11:24

“One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.”

“Stewardship – which requires possessions and includes giving – is the true spiritual discipline in relation to wealth.”  (Dallas Willard)

Breaking FREE from Bondage:

F -  Fix your eyes on Christ’s values.

Proverbs 30:7-9

“Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.  Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

R - Rejoice.

Psalm 103:2

            “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits”

E - Expect the unexpected.

Proverbs 21:20

“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.”

E - Encourage others through your lifestyle.

Hebrews 10:24,25

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… let us encourage one another.”