Introduction:

1. The Bible has much to say about financial stewardship.

2. This lesson covers three questions in this arena:

a. Why does the church not teach our youth about stewardship including budgeting, financial planning, etc.?

b. Is it okay to invest in the stock market?

c. How do we avoid enabling while trying to help people?

Discussion:

I. Guiding Our Youth in Financial Stewardship

A. As for the question of offering specific financial planning advice, I refer the questioner to the elders.

B. Nonetheless, I will offer some basic biblical principles of stewardship that should prove helpful in the broad sense.

C. It starts with proper a attitude about possessions.

1. God owns it all (Exodus 9:29; Deuteronomy 10:14; Psalms 24:1-2; 89:11).

2. He gave humanity a stewardship (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15).

3. All that we have is His gift intended for our good and His glory (Matthew 6:25-33; 1 Corinthians 4:7; James 1:17; 4:13-17).

D. Proper attitude allows us to grasp and accept God’s will for earning and using the resources He provides.

1. God expects diligent labor if we are able (Genesis 2:15; 3:19; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12; Colossians 3:22-25).

2. We must be industrious and avoid procrastination (Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:5; 12:11; 20:13).

3. Yet, we must avoid covetousness in these pursuits (Proverbs 15:16; Luke 12:15; Colossians 3:5; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:5).

4. We are to honor God with our earnings, so I offer two key areas to do so (Proverbs 3:9).

a. Giving to the work of the church including helping the poor (Acts 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 9:6-14; 2 Corinthians 8-9; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 6:17-18).

b. Providing for one’s own (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 5:4, 8).

E. These principles should help our youth be good stewards.

II. The Propriety of Investing in Stocks

A. Part of this question has to do with gambling and greed.

B. Investing is not gambling.

1. While investing carries some risk, it differs from gambling in that there is a reasonable expectation of a return.

2. Investors do not benefit from the losses of others; they are banking on the success of others.

C. Investing is not inherently greedy as most investments promote slow, steady growth.

D. I find no biblical principle that is violated in making sensible, legal investments in reputable business ventures.

III. Helping Without Enabling

A. This can be a delicate balance as the calls for tender care must be balanced with calls for loving discipline.

B. It seems the dividing line between helping and enabling is likely different from case to case.

C. However, one thing is sure, every able-bodied person is expected to earn their keep (2 Thessalonians 3:10-15).

1. Paul demanded discipline for the slothful.

2. We must lift those who have fallen into any sinful behavior rather then enabling it (Galatians 6:1-2; Jude 22-23).

3. God disciplines those He loves, and He expects us to do the same (Hebrews 12:5-11).