Session Outline:

Jer. 6:12-13 "Their houses will be turned over to others, together with their fields and their wives, when I stretch out my hand against those who live in the land," declares the LORD. "From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit."

The four economic forces that shape our culture:

1. Mass ______________________

2. Mass ______________________

3. Mass ______________________

4. _______________________ credit

1 Tim. 6:10 love of money is the root of all sorts of evil

If we continue in the pattern the world has set before us we will never overcome financial bondage. We must seek God’s way in order to experience real financial freedom.

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

The way of the world is always contrary to God’s way. The world’s way of thinking would have us consider our own selfish needs above everything else. God tells us in His Word that as we give unto others we receive.

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...

1. EVE WAS CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT OF GOD’S CREATIVE POWER

2. HAD NO SINFUL NATURE

3. LIVED IN A PERFECT ENVIRONMENT

4. AN ABUNDANCE AND VARIETY OF FOOD

5. NO FEAR OF POVERTY, SICKNESS, AGE OR DEATH

6. THE PERFECT HUSBAND

7. HUSBAND HAD DAILY FELLOWSHIP WITH LORD

8. NO TENSIONS WITH IN-LAWS, NEIGHBORS OR RELATIVES

9. WALKED WITH GOD LITERALLY

10. FULFILLING ROLE AS HELPMEET

1. Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field

                    USING ATTRACTIVE MODELS

2. And he said unto the woman

APPEAL DIRECTLY TO THOSE UNDER AUTHORITY

3. Hath God said?

CREATING DOUBT ABOUT ESTABLISHED LIMITATION

4. You shall surely not die

REJECTING HARMFUL CONSEQUENCES

5. In the day you eat thereof your eyes shall be opened

CREATING DISCONTENT

6. You shall be as gods

PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE FROM AUTHORITY

7. The tree was good for food

JUSTIFY UNWISE PURCHASE TO MEET BASIC NEEDS

8. It was pleasant to the eye

APPEALING TO THE LUST OF THE EYE

9. A tree to be desired to make one wise

2Cor. 9:6-8 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Deut. 8:18 For it is He that giveth you power to get wealth.

It’s not to free us from Him — but to demonstrate His love

Matt. 6:30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you...

The Bible consistently warns about the way of the world. Ps. 1:1

Prov. 3:9-10 Honor the Lord from your wealth and the first of all your produce, so that your barns will be full of plenty.

I can pay it back — Prov. 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Phil. 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

1 Jon. 2:16 For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.

Takes research and planning — be a wise steward.

Luke 14:31 What king when he sets out to meet another king in battle does not first take counsel whether he is strong enough...

How do you measure up?

2 Chron. 7:13-14 If my people will pray — I will hear from heaven and forgive and heal their land.

2 Thes. 3:10 He that no workeee — no eateee

Of one spirit — don’t do it unless both agree

Which of the steps toward financial freedom do you most need help with? Think of some practical things you can do to better yourself in this area.