How Little Becomes Much
Wisdom And Wealth, part 1 of 3
With our economy in recession we are forced to learn how to get more out of each dollar we receive. But how do we do so? In this first installment in the series Wisdom and Wealth we will learn how little becomes much and look at a story that illustrates how even a person who brings in very little money can turn it into much and how the bible teaches ways in which this can be accomplished.
Download the notes.“Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
(Proverbs 13:11, NIV)
I) THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MONEY CYCLE (See PDF notes for chart)
II) THE ISSUES OF MONEY ACCUMULATION
Three big issues to consider
1) The issue of EARNING: Am I willing to work appropriately?
“A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.”
(Proverbs 20:4, NIV)
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.”
(Proverbs 23:4, NIV)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 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, NIV)
2) The issue of SAVING: Do I set aside money strategically?
“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.”
(Proverbs 21:20, NIV)
“The wise man saves for the future,but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.”
(Proverbs 21:20, LB)
“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.”
(Proverbs 6:6-8, NIV)
3) The issue of SPENDING: Do I give up my money carefully?
“Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred… A greedy man brings trouble to his family…”
(Proverbs 15:17,27a, NIV)
“Indulging in luxuries, wine, and food will never make you wealthy.”
(Proverbs 21:17, TEV)
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
(1 Timothy 6:6-7, NIV)
III)THE IMPACT OF MONEY ACCUMULATION
Two big impact areas to remember
1) A lot is simply the accumulation of a ___LOT OF LITTLES___.
“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty short cuts lead to poverty.”
(Proverbs 21:5, NLT)
2) The reason we accumulate is ultimately to ___HONOR GOD___.
“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, NIV)