4 Discipline: Managing My Generosity,Values & Growth
1. Managing My Generosity, Values
and Growth
(Lesson 4)
ESBI Mentality
(A Bible Based Financial Literacy Teaching)
2. Managing My Generosity,
Values and Growth
Understanding God’s Principles for
Financial Stewardship
“…For I have learned to be content in whatever
circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble
means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any
and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being
filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and
suffering need. I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13
4. In this famous story, Jesus introduces us to a rich man who
illustrates what happens when our lives center on ourselves
instead of others. Note the truths in this passage:
1. He was faced with a decision on what to do with the
surplus he had (v. 16-17).
2. He chose to store up his surplus and consume it all himself
(v. 18).
3. He was shocked when his life ended and God found him
bankrupt (v. 19-20).
4. He failed in life because he never developed a generous spirit
(v. 21).
Case Study: The Rich Man
(Luke 12:15-21)
5. 1. Giving Turns Your focus Outward.
Jesus said: “For where your treasure is, there will your
heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
2. Giving Adds value to Others.
Anyone who is generous is valuable. Proverbs 11:24-25
reminds us: “There is one who scatters, yet increases all
the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly
due, but it results only in want. The generous man will
be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be
watered.”
Why Generosity Matters Today?
6. 3. Giving helps the Giver.
When you are generous to others, you cannot help but
benefit yourself. It’s the way God set up His King- dom.
Jesus teaches us: “Give and it shall be given to you.
Good measure pressed down shaken together and
running over shall men give unto you.” (Luke 6:38)
Why Generosity Matters Today?
7. Making the Decision to Model
Generosity
1. Don’t keep score. (Give others your resources without
keeping track of your gift.)
2. Give others yourself, not just your money. (Offer your
time and energy sacrificially.)
3. Don’t wait for prosperity to become generous. (Manage
what you have now.)
4. Find reasons to give every day. (Look for excuses to
give generously to others.)
8. Making the Decision to Model
Generosity
5. Find people every day to whom you can add value. (Be
proactive in looking for people to invest in.)
Follow these rules of adding value:
a. Value people: Treat everyone with respect.
b. Know what people value: Listen and understand them
c. Make yourself more valuable: Grow in relevant ways.
d. Do things that God values: Since He loves
unconditionally, so must we.
9. Our Values: My Values Give
Me Direction
Over the last five years, global companies in the marketplace have
faced lawsuits because of moral and financial crimes. In churches,
ministers and priests have also faced criminal charges because of
their failure to live a life of integrity. Professional athletes share the
same story—somehow they believe they can do whatever they want
off of the field. They feel exempt from the “rules” of society.
What do all of these stories have in common? Values. Every story
reflects the Incredible damage that can be done when individuals
lose direction a they forget to practice values. Values give us a
moral
compass. We need them to make good and wise decisions,
especially when we face tempting circumstances.
10. Biblical Case Study: David and Saul
(I Samuel 24:1-22)
In this story, David is a leader who lives by his
values; he demonstrates that he’s a better man
than King Saul. You remember the story… Saul
has chosen to hunt for and kill David, because he
feels threatened by David’s popularity and
strength. When Saul enters a cave where David
and his men are hiding, David has a perfect
opportunity to kill his enemy and assume his
promised role as king. But he doesn’t. Why? It’s
all a matter of values.
.
11. Biblical Case Study: David and Saul
(I Samuel 24:1-22)
SAUL’S VALUES CAUSED HIM… DAVID’S VALUES CAUSED HIM…
1. To harm those who threaten him. 1. To harm no one.
2. To possess rage, jealousy and envy. 2. To be at peace with himself and God.
3. To be volatile in behavior. 3. To be predictable and righteous.
4. To disobey God in the little things. 4. To obey God in the little things.
5. To lose integrity by covering his sin. 5. To keep his integrity by respecting
Saul.
12. Why Values Matter Today?
1. Values are your anchor.
They can hold you in place during the storms
of life when everyone else is wavering.
2. Values are your faithful friend.
They remind you of your intentions and hold
you accountable to do what’s right.
3. Values are your north star.
They guide you when your future is unfamiliar and
uncertain.
13. Where to Start with Values?
1. Create a list of good values .
List words that describe your core values.
(No more than six words)
2. Make a decision to embrace those
values daily, regardless of your
feelings. How will you do this?
14. Where to Start with Values?
3. Tell your values to others.
Who will you share them with?
4. Compare your values to your practices
each day.
Where are you strong? Where are you weak?
5. Evaluate each day in light of your values.
List the ways that you implemented your core
values.
15. Our Growth: My Growth Gives
Me Potential
This final issue may be the most important one. If you are still
growing in any area, there is hope for you.
The truth is—it’s not so much where you are, but what
direction you are going that matters. Robert Louis Stevenson
said, “To be what we are, and to become what we are
capable of becoming, is the only end of life.” One Pulitzer
Prize winning composer said it this way, “Hell begins on that
day when God grants us a clear vision of all that we might
have achieved, of all the gifts we wasted, of all that we might
have done that we did not do.” A life that is positively
changing is the proper measure as to whether information is
making a differ- ence in one’s life.
16. Misconceptions About Growth
1. Growth is automatic: false. Many grow older without
growing up or growing wiser.
2. Growth comes from information: false. Knowledge
without application means little.
3. Growth comes with experience: false. Experience is
only good if it improves us.
4. Growth is unnecessary for me: false. If you plan to
lead, you must keep growing.
17. Biblical Case Study: The Apostle
Paul (Philippians 3:12-14)
1. He decided he wasn’t where he wanted to be.
Paul admitted he wasn’t perfect and that he still needed
to grow as a person.
“Not that I have already obtained it, or have already been
made perfect…” (Philippians 3:12)
2. He discovered what he wanted.
Paul figured out exactly what it was that was worth
working for and growing toward.
“…but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for
which I also was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 3:12)
18. Biblical Case Study: The Apostle
Paul (Philippians 3:12-14)
3. He determined what hindered him.
Paul uncovered exactly what it was that would prevent
him from reaching his goal.
“…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to
what lies ahead…” (Philippians 3:13)
4. He discerned how to get it.
Paul learned the steps he needed to take to gain the
outcome he was pursuing.
“…I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward
call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)
19. Steps for Personal Growth
1. Make a plan to grow in some way every day.
2. Establish goals for growth in key areas of your life.
3. Put yourself in a growth environment.
4. Learn to enjoy the journey : learn all you can from
each person, resource and opportunity.
5. File what you learn in a place where you can find it
when you need it.
6. Apply what you learn.
20. Assessment:
In what area (generosity, values or
growth) do you most need a plan?
Application:
What step will you take to grow in
this area?
What are the two greatest sources of stress in most working people’s lives? According to research done by a respected corporation, they are issues related to time and money. Too often we spend time buying things we really don’t want with money we really don’t have to impress people we really don’t like! In this session we will examine three issues that are discussed more in the New Testament than any other subjects: money, faith and relationships.
The Bible has more to say about money than almost any other subject. There are 500 verses on prayer and more than 2,000 on money and possessions. Jesus talked about money consistently, telling us it revealed where our heart really is. Sixteen out of thirty-eight of His parables deal with money and possessions. Let’s begin our discussion by looking at three statements about our finances. Reflect and respond: 1. Money will not make you happy. People earn more money now worldwide than ever before, but statistics reveal we are less happy now than even forty years ago. Most agree with the statement above, but we still don’t act like it. Discussion: Why are people less happy now? _______________________________________________________________________ 2. Debt will make you unhappy. King Solomon wrote: “The rich rule over the poor and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” Discussion: How does debt contribute to your grief and unhappiness? _______________________________________________________________________ 3. Having a financial margin gives you options. The truth is that money is a test and a tool for us. It reveals our hearts, and it can give us choices to do more of what we want, if we possess it. Discussion: How has money been a test for you? How has it been a tool in your hands? _______________________________________________________________________
It’s interesting. Job’s response to the loss of nearly all his material wealth was to worship. Somehow, Job knew the only way he could maintain good perspective in that horrible situation was to worship God, declaring His Lordship over his life. He knew that worship welcomed Kingdom power into his circumstances. Job had a very different view of his circumstances than his friends did. He saw what God saw.
More than two hundred years ago, clergyman John Wesley lived by a financial principle that he summarized in three sentences. When he began his ministry he made 30 pounds. He lived on 28 pounds, and gave two to the church. Later, he made 60 pounds. He still lived on 28, and gave 32 to the church. Eventually, he made 120 pounds, and continued to live on 28 pounds. He was consistently giving 92 to the church. What was his little principle?
More than two hundred years ago, clergyman John Wesley lived by a financial principle that he summarized in three sentences. When he began his ministry he made 30 pounds. He lived on 28 pounds, and gave two to the church. Later, he made 60 pounds. He still lived on 28, and gave 32 to the church. Eventually, he made 120 pounds, and continued to live on 28 pounds. He was consistently giving 92 to the church. What was his little principle?
Discussion: Review John Wesley’s philosophy on money: Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can. • How do you apply these three principles in your life? • Where do you need to improve?
Discussion: Review John Wesley’s philosophy on money: Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can. • How do you apply these three principles in your life? • Where do you need to improve?
Discussion: • Name one area of your spiritual journey that you believe you have grown in over the last three years. Why do you think you have grown in this area? • Now, list one area where you believe you have declined; where you perhaps have fallen behind in your growth. Why do you think you have declined in this area? GIVE - SAVE - EARN
1. “__________________________________” is like playing offense. It is aggressive. It takes initiative and lays hold of what God has promised. It actively persists through prayer and obedience until it has the answer. Example: The Woman with a Disease (5:25-34) The woman with an issue of blood exercised “claiming faith.” She pursued Jesus and reached out to touch Him. Her touch was different than everyone else’s touch. She drew on God’s power and Jesus knew it. Her radical faith made her whole (v. 34). Discussion: Can you name a recent time when you exercised “claiming faith?” 2. “__________________________________” is like playing defense. It is calm and quiet, built on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It rests in the knowledge of God’s character in difficult times. Example: Jairus (5:21-24, 35-43) Jairus was a synagogue official. His daughter was sick and close to death at home. When Jesus was interrupted on His way to see her, Jairus was not alarmed. Calmly, he rested on his relationship with Jesus. He trusted even when he didn’t understand. Discussion: Can you name a recent time when you exercised “trusting faith?”
1. “__________________________________” is like playing offense. It is aggressive. It takes initiative and lays hold of what God has promised. It actively persists through prayer and obedience until it has the answer. Example: The Woman with a Disease (5:25-34) The woman with an issue of blood exercised “claiming faith.” She pursued Jesus and reached out to touch Him. Her touch was different than everyone else’s touch. She drew on God’s power and Jesus knew it. Her radical faith made her whole (v. 34). Discussion: Can you name a recent time when you exercised “claiming faith?” 2. “__________________________________” is like playing defense. It is calm and quiet, built on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It rests in the knowledge of God’s character in difficult times. Example: Jairus (5:21-24, 35-43) Jairus was a synagogue official. His daughter was sick and close to death at home. When Jesus was interrupted on His way to see her, Jairus was not alarmed. Calmly, he rested on his relationship with Jesus. He trusted even when he didn’t understand. Discussion: Can you name a recent time when you exercised “trusting faith?”
Faith is everywhere around us. All of us exercise it everyday. For instance, you go to a doctor whose name you cannot pronounce. He gives you a prescription you cannot read. You take it to a pharmacist you have never seen. He gives you a medicine you do not understand…and yet you take it. Here are some truths about everyday faith: 1. Faith is ___________________________ from God (Romans 12:3/Ephesians 2:8). We already have it. The important choice is where we place it. 2. Faith is ___________________________ through the Word of God (Romans 10:17). As we consume God’s Word and exercise it, we build our faith muscle inside. 3. Faith is ___________________________ through words and actions (Romans 10:9/Mark 11:23). Faith and confession always go together. Faith and action always go together. 4. Faith is _______________________ in our day-to-day circumstances (James 1:2-3). Life will throw you difficult days that will test and exercise your faith. Discussion: • Where is the greatest test of faith in your leadership today? • How would God have you respond to that test?
Each of us has important relationships in our lives, but it is amazing how little time we put into deciding who will be involved in our key relationships. Most of us just let them happen. We leave our relationships to chance, demonstrating the little value we really place on them. Two relationship experts write: “Relationships help us to define who we are and what we become. Most of us can trace our successes to pivotal relationships.”
Each of us has important relationships in our lives, but it is amazing how little time we put into deciding who will be involved in our key relationships. Most of us just let them happen. We leave our relationships to chance, demonstrating the little value we really place on them. Two relationship experts write: “Relationships help us to define who we are and what we become. Most of us can trace our successes to pivotal relationships.”
Each of us has a relationship network. As we have already discussed, most leaders leave that network to chance. In the following diagram, you have the chance to write down the key people who make up your network. Be honest with yourself as you write in the names of those people who fit into your network. Note where your network is strong and where it is weak.
Each of us has a relationship network. As we have already discussed, most leaders leave that network to chance. In the following diagram, you have the chance to write down the key people who make up your network. Be honest with yourself as you write in the names of those people who fit into your network. Note where your network is strong and where it is weak.
Abigail is a favorite Bible character for many. She was winsome and charismatic. She handled relationships skillfully. Her husband, Nabal, stood in contrast. His relational skills were his downfall. David would have killed Nabal and everyone in his home if it weren’t for Abigail. Examine the contrast between the two in I Samuel 25.
Abigail is a favorite Bible character for many. She was winsome and charismatic. She handled relationships skillfully. Her husband, Nabal, stood in contrast. His relational skills were his downfall. David would have killed Nabal and everyone in his home if it weren’t for Abigail. Examine the contrast between the two in I Samuel 25.