LIVING WITHOUT FINANCIAL PRESSURE

LIVING WITHOUT FINANCIAL PRESSURE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Philippians 4:19
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:9-10, Matthew 6:31-33, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Psalm 23:1, Malachi 3:10

INTRODUCTION
Living a life free from financial pressure is something that many people desire. Financial struggles can cause anxiety, affect relationships, and hinder spiritual growth. However, God’s Word offers guidance and wisdom on how to manage finances effectively and live a debt-free and prosperous life. This study focuses on biblical principles that will help us navigate financial challenges, live within our means, and trust God as our ultimate provider.

1. UNDERSTANDING GOD AS YOUR PROVIDER
To live without financial pressure, we must first understand and believe that God is our ultimate provider.

a) God is the source of all provision (Psalm 23:1)
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." God promises to provide for all our needs.

b) Trust in God’s provision, not in wealth (Matthew 6:31-33)
Seek first the kingdom of God, and all other things will be added unto you.

c) God's provision is abundant (2 Corinthians 9:8)
God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you always have all sufficiency in all things.

d) God rewards faithful stewardship (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Honour the Lord with your wealth, and He will fill your barns with plenty.

e) Biblical Example: The Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16)
God miraculously provided for the widow during a time of famine when she trusted Him with what she had.

2. DEVELOPING A HEALTHY FINANCIAL MINDSET

A healthy financial mindset is key to managing finances effectively and avoiding unnecessary stress.

a) Be content with what you have (1 Timothy 6:6-8)
Godliness with contentment is great gain. Avoid the temptation to chase after material wealth.

b) Avoid debt and live within your means (Romans 13:8)
Owe no one anything except love. Live below your means to avoid financial strain.

c) Have a grateful heart (Psalm 107:1)
Thank God for what you have, and avoid the trap of constantly desiring more.

d) Embrace the power of delayed gratification (Proverbs 21:20)
The wise store up choice food and oil, but the fool gulps his down.

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites’ Manna (Exodus 16:16-18)
God provided for the Israelites daily, teaching them to trust in His daily provision and avoid hoarding.

3. PRACTICAL WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR FINANCES EFFECTIVELY
Good financial management is essential to living without financial pressure.

a) Create and stick to a budget (Proverbs 21:5)
The plans of the diligent lead to profit, as surely as haste leads to poverty.

b) Save for the future (Proverbs 6:6-8)
The ant saves during the summer so that it has food in winter. Develop a savings habit for emergencies.

c) Avoid unnecessary expenses (Luke 14:28-30)
Before building, count the cost. Make intentional choices about how to spend your money.

d) Prioritise debt repayment (Proverbs 22:7)
The borrower is servant to the lender. Repay debts as soon as possible to avoid financial bondage.

e) Biblical Example: Joseph's Savings in Egypt (Genesis 41:46-49)
Joseph wisely saved during seven years of abundance to prepare for the coming famine.

4. GOD'S PROMISES FOR FINANCIAL BLESSINGS
God promises to bless us financially when we follow His principles.

a) Tithing opens the windows of heaven (Malachi 3:10)
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, and God will open the windows of heaven.

b) Giving generously leads to abundance (Luke 6:38)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap.

c) God’s favour brings prosperity (Proverbs 3:4-10)
When you trust in God and honour Him with your finances, He will bless you abundantly.

d) God gives us the power to create wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18)
It is God who gives you the power to get wealth, so that He may establish His covenant.

e) Biblical Example: The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-29)
When we prioritise God over wealth, He can bless us beyond measure, as He did for those who followed Him with their resources.

5. LIVING A LIFE OF GENEROSITY
Generosity is key to both receiving and maintaining financial blessings.

a) Give to those in need (Proverbs 19:17)
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.

b) Help those who are less fortunate (Acts 20:35)
It is more blessed to give than to receive.

c) Sow seeds for future harvests (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, but whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

d) Practice hospitality and kindness (Hebrews 13:16)
Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

e) Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)
Generosity is shown in action, as demonstrated by the Samaritan who helped the wounded man, regardless of cost.

CONCLUSION
Living without financial pressure is not just a dream, but a biblical reality. By following God's principles on money management, giving, contentment, and financial discipline, we can enjoy a life of financial freedom and prosperity. Let us trust God as our Provider and implement His wisdom to live debt-free and enjoy the abundance He has for us.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I trust You as my Provider; supply all my needs in Jesus' name.

2. Father, help me to live within my means and avoid financial pressure.

3. Lord, grant me the wisdom to manage my finances effectively.

4. Father, help me to be content with what I have and not to covet what I do not have.

5. Lord, give me the grace to honour You with my wealth and finances.

6. Father, open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings upon me.

7. Lord, teach me how to save and plan for my future.

8. Father, deliver me from the spirit of debt and financial bondage.

9. Lord, help me to be generous and give to those in need.

10. Father, release supernatural financial breakthrough into my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall live without financial pressure; God's provision is abundant in your life!

2. Every debt over your life is cancelled in Jesus' name!

3. You will experience financial freedom and prosperity like never before!

4. God is opening doors of opportunity and promotion for you!

5. Your finances are blessed, and you shall lend to many nations!

6. The windows of heaven are open over your finances; expect supernatural provision!

7. As you honour God with your wealth, He will increase you more and more!

8. You will live a debt-free life, and financial pressure will be far from you!

9. God will teach you how to build wealth for generations to come!

10. Your financial life will be a testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness!

May God bless you with wisdom, provision, and peace in your finances as you trust Him for your every need!