Scripture Reference: Proverbs 22:7
(KJV)
"The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
Introduction
The term
financial freedom often conjures up thoughts of great wealth, opulence, and a
worry-free lifestyle. However, from a biblical standpoint, financial freedom
runs much deeper than material wealth. It is a lifestyle patterned on living in
obedience to God's principles for stewardship, provision, and generosity.
Understanding financial freedom is the first step to experiencing it. In this
sermon, we are going to look at the biblical basis for financial freedom, why
it is important for believers, and how to walk in it.
1. What Is Financial Freedom?
Financial freedom could be described as the potential of managing God-given resources for your needs and the benefit of others. It is not having so much money, but possessing the control over your funds in such a way that no bondage in debt or financial stress exists in one's daily life.
Biblical Perspective
- Stewardship: Psalm
24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the
world, and they that dwell therein." All we own belongs to God, and we are
merely stewards. The place to begin with financial freedom understands that
everything we possess belongs to God and has been entrusted to us for His
purposes.
- Contentment: 1 Timothy
6:6-8 says, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing
out." Financial freedom is not about accumulating wealth but being content
with what God has provided.
Practical Definition
- Being debt-free or managing debt wisely.
- Having a budget that aligns with God's principles.
- Saving and investing for future needs.
- Being generous and able to give without hesitation.
2. Why Is Financial Freedom
Important for Believers?
Understanding
why financial freedom matters helps us prioritize it in our lives.
A. It Reflects God’s Character
God is a
God of order and provision. As it says in Philippians 4:19, "But my
God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ
Jesus." As we walk in financial freedom, it reflects His provision and
wisdom in our lives.
B. It Frees Us to Serve God Fully
Debt and
financial pressure can curtail our capacity to serve God fully. Proverbs
22:7 says that debt will make us slaves to the lender. Financial freedom
enables a man to concentrate on God's calling with no diversion of any kind
whatsoever.
C. It Enables Generosity
Acts 20:35 says,
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Financial freedom
positions us to be a blessing to others, support the work of the Kingdom, and
take care of people around us.
D. It Brings Peace
Financial
struggles often bring anxiety and conflict. Matthew 6:31-33 reminds us
not to worry about our needs but to seek first God's Kingdom. Financial freedom
brings peace and confidence in God's provision.
3. Biblical Principles for Financial
Freedom
In order
to understand and achieve financial freedom, we must follow God's principles
for managing resources.
A. Work Diligently
Proverbs 14.23 says,
"In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tended only to
penury." Financial freedom requires diligence and hard work. God blesses
the work of our hands, and laziness leads to lack.
B. Live Within Your Means
Luke 14:28 teaches
us to count the cost before embarking on any project. To live within one's
means to draw up a budget and adhere to it. Shun the very temptation to live
beyond your income by unnecessary debt.
C. Shun Debt
Romans 13:8 exhorts,
"Owe no man anything, but to love one another." Though debt may be
required for some necessary items, such as a home or education, avoid consumer
debt and high-interest loans.
D. Save and Invest Wisely
Proverbs 21:20 says,
"There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but
a foolish man spinet it up." Saving for the future is a biblical
principle. However, our trust must remain in God, not in our savings.
E. Be Generous
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 reminds
us that God loves a cheerful giver. Generosity is a hallmark of financial
freedom. When we give, we acknowledge God as our source and partner with Him in
blessing others.
4. Steps to Walking in FinancialFreedom
It is not
enough to understand the concept of financial freedom; there is a need to take
intentional steps to walk in it.
A. Assess Your Current Situation
- List all your income sources and expenses.
- Identify areas of financial stress such as debt or overspending.
- Recognize patterns and attitudes that block financial freedom.
B. Make a Plan
- Set Goals: Determine
short-term and long-term financial goals.
- Budget: Create a
budget that prioritizes needs, savings, and giving.
- Eliminate Debt: Make a
plan to pay off debt, starting with the highest-interest debts.
C. Seek God's Wisdom
James 1:5 says,
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men
liberally, and upbraided not; and it shall be given him." Pray for wisdom
in managing your finances and making decisions.
D. Trust God's Provision
Matthew 6:33
encourages us to seek first God's Kingdom, trusting Him to provide for our
needs. Financial freedom requires faith that God is our ultimate source.
E. Be Accountable
Find a
trusted friend, mentor, or financial advisor who will hold you accountable to
your goals and help you stay on track.
5. Overcoming Challenges to
Financial Freedom
A. Dealing with Unexpected Expenses
Life is full
of unexpected events, but financial freedom involves planning for such
eventualities through savings and insurance. Trust God to provide in difficult
times.
B. Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Coming
from a background of financial struggle may make breaking the cycle seem
impossible, but remember, Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all
things through Christ which strengthened me." You can rewrite your
financial story with God's help.
C. Overcoming Fear and Greed
Fear and
greed make a poor financial decision. Meditate upon 2 Timothy 1:7:
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love,
and of a sound mind."
Conclusion
Understanding
financial freedom is about aligning your finances with God's principles.
Financial freedom is not how much money one has, but peace, purpose, and
generosity in managing the resources God's way.
Let us
commit to seeking God's wisdom, trusting His provision, and walking in
obedience to His Word. As we do, we will experience the joy and blessing of
financial freedom, not just for ourselves but for the glory of God and the
benefit of others.
Call to Action
- Reflect on your current financial habits.
- Ask God to reveal areas where you need to align with His principles.
- Take practical steps this week toward financial freedom.
Closing Scripture: "And
God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all
sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." 2
Corinthians 9:8, KJV
