"The problem with money is that it makes you do things you don't want to do." Wall Street, the movie

The Problem

• How would you rate your Biblical I.Q. on money?
• By winking at the Scriptures we don't like and cherry picking the ones we do, we create our own little theology about God and money.
• One cannot serve both God and money; you are either a slave to God or to money.

The Power of Money

Money is not just a temptation for a moment of carnal pleasure; it is the temptation for us to be conquered by an inert, mindless master, one incapable of saving us from sin or satisfying the deep hunger of our soul for true peace, meaning, and purpose.

The Test of a Man's True Character

• No test of a man's true character is more conclusive than how he spends his time and money.
• If you really want to know what is important to you, get out your calendar and checkbook.

Is It Money or Me?

• What is money? Money is simply a commodity, a medium of exchange. Money, by itself, is uncomplicated.
• The problem is with men. God knew how much we would struggle with it -- that it would be His main competition for our affections.

Three Perspectives of Money

• Poverty Theology. The disciple of poverty theology believes possessions are a curse and has rejected materialism in every form. The person who thinks one must be poor to be humble is mistaken.
• Prosperity Theology. The disciple of Prosperity theology believes that you have not because you ask not. The theory is that one can create a binding transaction on God in which He is obligated to bless you. Many adherents to this approach live consumptive lifestyles.
• Stewardship Theology. The disciple of stewardship theology believes that God owns and controls everything. Possessions are a privilege not a right. Being a steward is more of an attitude, a way of looking at life as a caretaker.

Poverty theology exaggerates the role of sacrificial work, while prosperity theology overemphasizes the pursuit of financial rewards. The steward leads a balanced life, enjoying God's abundance while serving others in love.