It’s Not Your Money, Part 1: Cash

GRANT FISHBOOK, LEAD TEACHING PASTOR

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

C = Cheerful

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.  1 Timothy 6:6–10

I am not saying this because I am in need, for 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. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11–13

“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.” Proverbs 30:8–9

A =

Go to the ant, you sluggard;
     consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
     no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
     and gathers its food at harvest.
How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
     When will you get up from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
     a little folding of the hands to rest—
and poverty will come on you like a thief
     and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 6:6–11

And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
     “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
     “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
     “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16–21

S =

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it. Psalm 24:1

We are stewards of things, but God owns .

Pay attention
Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. Proverbs 27:23–24

Work hard
Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing. Proverbs 20:4

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

Limit debt
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. Proverbs 22:7

Budget spending
The plans of the diligent lead to profit
     as surely as haste leads to poverty. Proverbs 21:5

Whoever loves pleasure will become poor;
     whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich. Proverbs 21:17

Your will always exceed your !

Save and invest for the future
Dishonest money dwindles away,
     but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. Proverbs 13:11

H =

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9–10

Small Group Questions

1. What do you enjoy spending money on?
2. What is your physical response to the topic of money in church?
3. Read The Parable of the Rich Fool. What is God saying to you?
4. Which of the CASH points comes most naturally to you? Which area is the most challenging?
5. Are you being obedient as a steward of all that God has given you? What would need to change for you to come to a place of full obedience?
6. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?