It’s one thing to be wealthy and trust God—it’s something else to have your wealth be your god. Watch as Dr. Stanley describes eight dangers for those who have a driving desire in life to get rich. Align your wealth with God's Word, God's way, and God's wisdom today.
Sermon Outline
Many believers feel caught between trusting God and trying to manage resources on their own. Does that sound familiar? The truth is that God has an answer for all our fears—including those about money. This week, Dr. Stanley explores how grace operates in our finances.
Key Passage: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Supporting Passages: Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Corinthians 9:14-15; 1 Timothy 6:9-10
Remembering to trust God rather than the gift itself is the challenge with financial blessing.
►“You have to decide, ‘Do I want God to grace my finances or do I not?’”
God’s plan for gracing our finances:
He desires to bless us financially.
He teaches us using the pattern of sowing and reaping (2 Cor. 9:6).
He loves cheerful givers (v. 7).
He’ll provide all we need in order to do good (v. 8).
It’s His pleasure to grace those who abide by His principles (Prov. 3:9-10).
God is perfectly able to fulfill His promises (2 Cor. 9:8).
The results of our generosity:
We will have enough to meet our needs.
We will have enough to give away to others.
All areas of our life will be enriched (v. 11).
What is our role?
Action—We must sow bountifully (v. 6). The principle of sowing and reaping applies to finances, friendship, love, diligence, and many other areas of life.
Attitude—We must give cheerfully (v. 7) and pour ourselves out for others willingly, not begrudgingly.
► “As long as I see it as mine, I limit what God’s going to do.”
God’s purpose for gracing our finances:
Our needs will be met (v. 8).
God limits His provision as long as we see ourselves as owners of our possessions (“reservoir attitude”).
He wants us to be generous and blesses those who are openhanded (“channel attitude”).
God’s focus is generosity, not prosperity.
The results of God’s grace giving:
God enriches us as we enrich others.
Other people’s needs are met (v. 12).
We become more like Jesus.
Our generosity motivates others to give.
God’s people are united (vv. 14-15).
God is glorified.
A lifestyle of grace giving:
We give in spite of our circumstances, not checking how much we have left or what we are able to afford.
We give enthusiastically, with excitement and joy, not reluctantly or under compulsion.
We give as Jesus gave, sacrificially and without expecting anything in return.
We give willingly, with cheer and generosity because we want to do so.
We give by faith, trusting God even when we cannot see our way clearly.
After Watching
Dr. Stanley contrasts two attitudes: protecting ones treasure and being openhanded with God’s provision. Which one honestly describes how you approach your finances right now?
This week, speak openly to God about your resources. You can use your own words or a prayer like this one: Lord, show me one specific place where I’m holding too tightly to something You want me to share with others. Give me the courage to open my hands, and help me trust that You’ll continue to supply what I need. In Jesus’ name, amen.
