HOLINESS IN FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

Title: HOLINESS IN FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 16:10-12
Supporting Texts: Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Proverbs 3:9-10, Matthew 6:19-21

INTRODUCTION:
Financial stewardship is an integral part of holy living. It involves managing resources in a way that honours God. Jesus emphasises in Luke 16:10-12 the importance of faithfulness in managing even the smallest financial matters, as it reflects one’s integrity and spiritual maturity. This study explores how believers can practise holiness in financial stewardship.

1. RECOGNISING GOD AS THE SOURCE

"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1).

Acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all wealth is foundational to financial stewardship.

a) God Owns Everything
We are stewards, not owners (Deuteronomy 8:18).

b) Trust in His Provision
Depend on God to meet your needs (Philippians 4:19).

c) Avoiding Greed
Be content with what God has provided (Hebrews 13:5).

d) Practising Gratitude
Thank God for His blessings (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

e) Biblical Example:
Job acknowledged God’s sovereignty over his possessions (Job 1:21).

2. FAITHFULNESS IN TITHING AND OFFERINGS

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse" (Malachi 3:10).

Giving tithes and offerings demonstrates trust and obedience to God.

a) Tithing as an Act of Worship
Honour God with the first fruits (Proverbs 3:9-10).

b) Offerings as a Sacrifice
Give generously and willingly (2 Corinthians 9:7).

c) Blessings of Giving
God promises abundant blessings for faithful giving (Luke 6:38).

d) Support for God’s Work
Use resources to advance God’s kingdom (Philippians 4:15-17).

e) Biblical Example:
The widow of Zarephath gave her last meal to Elijah and was blessed (1 Kings 17:10-16).

3. MANAGING RESOURCES WISELY

"Be diligent to know the state of your flocks" (Proverbs 27:23).

Wise management of resources reflects good stewardship.

a) Planning and Budgeting
Make prudent financial decisions (Luke 14:28).

b) Avoiding Debt
Live within your means (Proverbs 22:7).

c) Saving for the Future
Prepare for unforeseen needs (Proverbs 21:20).

d) Investing Wisely
Seek counsel and make informed financial choices (Ecclesiastes 11:2).

e) Biblical Example:
Joseph stored up grain during years of plenty to prepare for famine (Genesis 41:34-36).

4. GENEROSITY AND HELPING OTHERS

"It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

Holiness in finances includes a heart of generosity.

a) Helping the Needy
Provide for the less fortunate (Proverbs 19:17).

b) Supporting Fellow Believers
Share with those in the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).

c) Hospitality
Use resources to show love and kindness (Romans 12:13).

d) Lending Without Interest
Be a blessing without expecting personal gain (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).

e) Biblical Example:
The Good Samaritan used his resources to care for a stranger in need (Luke 10:33-35).

5. AVOIDING LOVE OF MONEY

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10)

A holy life requires a proper perspective on wealth.

a) Contentment over Covetousness
Be satisfied with God’s provision (1 Timothy 6:6).

b) Seeking Eternal Riches
Focus on storing treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).

c) Resisting Greed
Avoid the snare of materialism (Luke 12:15).

d) Prioritising God’s Kingdom
Seek first God’s righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

e) Biblical Example:
Zacchaeus demonstrated repentance by returning what he had unjustly taken (Luke 19:8-9).

CONCLUSION:
Holiness in financial stewardship is about managing God’s resources in a way that honours Him. Whether through tithing, generosity, wise management, or resisting the love of money, believers can reflect God’s character in their finances. As we remain faithful stewards, God promises to bless and multiply our resources for His glory.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me recognise You as the source of all I have.

2. Father, give me a heart of obedience in tithing and giving.

3. Lord, grant me wisdom to manage my finances wisely.

4. Father, teach me to live a life of generosity and compassion.

5. Lord, help me resist the love of money and focus on eternal riches.

6. Father, bless the work of my hands and prosper my efforts.

7. Lord, enable me to be a blessing to others through my resources.

8. Father, teach me contentment in every financial season.

9. Lord, guide me in making wise investments for the future.

10. Father, let my financial life glorify You always.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You will walk in financial integrity and be blessed abundantly.

2. The Lord will open the windows of heaven over your life.

3. You will be a channel of blessing to your generation.

4. God will grant you wisdom for financial breakthroughs.

5. Your storehouse will never run dry.

6. The Lord will prosper the works of your hands.

7. You will experience divine provision even in scarcity.

8. Your generosity will open doors of favour for you.

9. God will protect your resources from devourers.

10. You will leave a legacy of godly stewardship for generations to come.