11. If we threw out the rest of the Bible and just embraced what it says about these two
things, it would transform our culture.
12. FYI: God created sex; God doesn’t need your money.

God does not want something from you. He wants something for you. It’s true
financially.
A. Specifically, the peace of mind that comes with trusting him as the source of all
you need.
B. God’s biggest competitor for your trust is money.

Both are self-centered.
2. The root is the same for both . . .
ON SCREEN: Greed
Greed: the assumption that it’s all for my consumption
3. Now or later/hoarding.
4. Both are emotionally driven: fear/desire.
5. Both leave you living as if there is no God.

Until there’s trouble . . .
D. Financially speaking: God is a backup plan.
1. When we get into trouble financially, we get real cozy with God.
2. That’s human nature.
As your pastor, my job is to do what I can to keep you from doing that. So I have to model
that. And I have to teach this.
And the answer is very simple. And most of you ignore me every time I talk about it.

Why would a preacher teach his kids to give first?
1. Because I want the church to get my kids’ money?
2. Because the church “needs” their $1.70?
3. Because after the service I go back and scoop up an armful of cash and
checks and run . . .?
C. It’s because I know this is the key to financial independence.

1. Independencia a creer que la vida está valuada en posesiones.
2. Independencia a un estilo de vida que deja a DIOS solo para emergencias.
3. Independencia de una vida independiente de DIOS.

I know that for the rest of their lives, money will be God’s primary competitor. And I don’t want money to win. I don’t want them choosing money over their marriages or my grandkids.

I don’t want them to be slaves to consumer debt.

I want them to own their stuff and for their stuff to never own them. And this is how you do it.

Generally speaking, people learn to be percentage givers when they get into
financial trouble.
1. When they can afford it the least.
2. When they need God to get involved.
3. When they are in debt.
C. Give. Save. Live.
1. Give before you spend. Write that check first. “God, I want to make sure your
kingdom and your concerns get funded first. I’ll figure out a way to live on
the rest. No more leftovers for you.”
2. Write the next check to you—hoard.
3. Live on the rest. Consume.
D. You need to think percentage, not just dollars.

1. Would you please take a baby step in this direction? When you are paid (paycheck,
tips, bonus), would you write your first check to your local church? Even if it’s one
percent. “God, your kingdom first.”
2. Then, if you don’t have some sort of automatic savings system, write the next check to
you. Save second.
3. Financial independence is living as if your ultimate dependence is not your finances.