Page 8 - Managing Your Resources - Student Syllabus - short combined

Study Section 2: Let’s get a new perspective on economics!

2.1 Connect
If you watch TV or see movies, you will find out that the WORLD has some ideas about the
purpose of money and how to manage it. The world says, “Get all you can get. Enjoy life.
Spend. If you don’t have it, borrow it. The amount of money you have is a reflection on
how important you are. Climb the ladder of success and get it all!”

God’s Word says that all that advice is foolish. Jesus told us not to lay up for ourselves treasurers on
earth, because they will not last. Life is more than personal pleasures. That’s because life is but a vapor
that will last such a short time. God wants us to lay up our treasures that will last for all eternity. We
need to invest our time and energies, and yes our wealth, in tomorrow, not today! Let’s learn how to do that…..

2.2 Objectives
1. The student should be able to describe basic principles presented in God’s Word about
basic financial management.

2. The student should be able to explain the basic attitude we should have about riches and
wealth and giving.

3. The student should be able to read a poem by C.T. Studd which gives a clear understanding of the
basic principles for giving in the Bible.

2.3 God’s View of Money versus the World’s View of Economics.

Col 3:1-3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above,
where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on
earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
This world is not our home. We are travelers on a journey to a better home. Remember
what Jesus taught us to do:

Matthew 6:19-21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy,
and where thieves break in and steal.20 But store up for yourselves treasures
in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not
break in and steal.21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
God’s view of economics is very different from our earthly views. In fact,
God’s ways are most often just the opposite of our own.

Isaiah 55: 8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways
my ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so
are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
We look at people and view their success based on their wealth (earthly
economics). God views the success of a person by how much he gives (heavenly economics).

Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak,
remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

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