FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Theme: LIVING A BALANCED LIFE Title: FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Deuteronomy 8:18 – “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”

Key Verse: Proverbs 10:22 – “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”

Supporting Texts: Malachi 3:10, Luke 6:38, Proverbs 21:5, 1 Timothy 6:6–10, 3 John 1:2

Description: Financial development means growing in wisdom, discipline, and stewardship over money, so that we can honour God, bless others, and live free from financial bondage.

INTRODUCTION:
Financial development is one of the most neglected yet vital aspects of a believer’s life. Many Christians excel spiritually but struggle financially because they ignore God’s principles for money management. A truly balanced life must include financial stability rooted in godly wisdom.

God is not against prosperity; He desires His children to prosper in all things and be in good health, even as their soul prospers (3 John 1:2). However, prosperity must be handled with responsibility and with the right heart. Without financial development, believers risk living below their potential and becoming liabilities rather than assets in the Kingdom.

As Christians, we are called to live as good stewards of the resources God entrusts to us. Financial development enables us to meet our needs, support our families, advance the work of God, and be a blessing to others.

1: UNDERSTANDING GOD’S PRINCIPLES FOR WEALTH
Every believer must recognize that true wealth comes from God. He gives us the power, wisdom, and opportunities to create wealth, not for selfish gain but to establish His covenant.

a) God as the Source (Deuteronomy 8:18) – Wealth is not from luck or mere human effort but from God who empowers us.

b) Stewardship Mindset (Psalm 24:1) – Everything belongs to God; we are caretakers and must handle resources faithfully.

c) Wealth with Purpose (2 Corinthians 9:8) – God blesses us so we can abound in good works and be channels of blessing.

d) The Danger of Forgetting God (Hosea 13:6) – Wealth without God leads to pride and eventual downfall.

Biblical Example: Solomon was blessed with great wealth because he sought wisdom and honoured God first (1 Kings 3:9-13).

2: THE POWER OF GIVING
Financial development is incomplete without giving. Kingdom prosperity operates on the principle of sowing and reaping.

a) Tithing (Malachi 3:10) – Tithing opens the windows of heaven and rebukes the devourer.

b) Offerings (Luke 6:38) – Giving releases divine favour, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.

c) Giving to the Poor (Proverbs 19:17) – Helping the needy is lending to the Lord, and He will repay abundantly.

d) Sacrificial Giving (2 Samuel 24:24) – True giving involves sacrifice that honours God and invites divine blessings.

Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath gave her last meal to Elijah and experienced supernatural provision (1 Kings 17:12-16).

3: CULTIVATING FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE
Without discipline, resources will be wasted, and poverty will persist. Financial development requires order and wisdom.

a) Planning and Budgeting (Proverbs 21:5) – The plans of the diligent lead to abundance, but haste brings poverty.

b) Contentment (1 Timothy 6:6) – Godliness with contentment is great gain and protects from greed.

c) Avoiding Debt (Proverbs 22:7) – Debt enslaves, but financial freedom empowers believers to serve God better.

d) Saving and Investing (Proverbs 6:6-8) – Like the ant, we must store resources for future needs and multiply wisely.

Biblical Example: Joseph saved during the years of plenty and preserved nations during famine (Genesis 41:33-36).

4: DILIGENCE AND PRODUCTIVITY
Financial development thrives on hard work, innovation, and excellence, not laziness.

a) Diligence in Work (Proverbs 22:29) – Diligent workers stand before kings, not obscure men.

b) Value Creation (Ecclesiastes 9:10) – Whatever your hand finds to do, do it well, adding value to others.

c) Avoiding Laziness (Proverbs 10:4) – Laziness leads to poverty, but diligence brings wealth.

d) Multiple Streams of Income (Ecclesiastes 11:2) – Diversifying resources prevents sudden collapse in hard times.

Biblical Example: Apostle Paul worked as a tentmaker while preaching the gospel, showing diligence and balance (Acts 18:1-3).

CONCLUSION:
Financial development is a divine responsibility. God expects us to handle resources wisely, give generously, and live in diligence and discipline. When we follow His principles, we will prosper without sorrow.

Let us therefore commit ourselves to financial discipline, stewardship, and generosity. As we do, we will rise to become channels of blessing, fulfilling God’s covenant of prosperity in our generation.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for being my Source and Provider.
2. Father, give me wisdom to handle resources faithfully.
3. Lord, deliver me from financial carelessness and waste.
4. Father, help me to be a faithful tither and giver.
5. Lord, break the power of debt and lack in my life.
6. Father, teach me diligence and discipline in managing money.
7. Lord, bless the work of my hands and prosper me.
8. Father, help me to use my resources to advance Your Kingdom.
9. Lord, make me a channel of blessing to the poor and needy.
10. Father, let my finances bring glory to Your name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall prosper by the blessing of the Lord.
2. You shall never lack any good thing.
3. You shall rise above debt and financial bondage.
4. You shall enjoy open heavens in your finances.
5. You shall handle resources with wisdom and discipline.
6. You shall prosper in the work of your hands.
7. You shall be a channel of blessing to nations.
8. You shall enjoy supernatural provision daily.
9. You shall never beg but lend to many.
10. You shall walk in financial freedom and abundance.