Disciples Serve God by Managing Financial Risks
When it comes to being disciples of Jesus, it is unhealthy (and ungodly) to separate your financial life from your faith life. A life of discipleship includes submitting your finances to Jesus’ mission as well as the rest of your life.
Over the next three weeks we lean into Scripture to shape a financial vision of discipleship. It is not intended to be a comprehensive view on godly stewardship, but to focus on a few key areas – to inspire and inform.
This week focuses on using what you’ve been given – including taking risks when appropriate. Here is our identity-in-Christ statement:
Because I am already rich in Christ, I am willing to put God’s money to work for Him, even if it means risking it for God.
Your Biblical Identity in Christ
1 Peter 4:7-11
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Before we go anywhere with this, let’s celebrate two things:
- God’s grace already poured out on you through Jesus
Christ, who died to forgive you of your sins and who
brought you into fellowship with your Heavenly Father.
- God’s grace also poured out through you so that others
can know this same gift of grace in their lives also.
God’s grace poured through you clearly includes gifts of the Spirit as referenced in 1 Peter 4. But as Jesus announces in Luke 14:33, unless we are willing to give up everything, we cannot be His disciples – and to follow our theme this week, that includes giving up your way of handling finances for His. If you are not willing to candidly face this part, the rest will not matter.
Prayer for the Day
Father God, knowing that I am to use whatever gifts I have received to serve others, help me become a faithful steward of Your grace. For the benefit of others, build in me a financial vision of that honors You. Amen.
Biblical Themes:
Generosity
In the story of the Bible, God is depicted as a generous host who provides for the needs of His guests. However, humans live from a mindset of scarcity and hoard God’s many gifts. In this video, we explore God’s plan for overcoming our selfishness by giving the ultimate gift of Himself in the person of Jesus.
https://bibleproject.com/videos/generosity/