MEMORY VERSE:“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” – Proverbs 13:11
BIBLE PASSAGE: Luke 19:11-27 KJV
INTRODUCTION:In the parable of the talents in Luke 19:11-27, Jesus makes it clear that He expects his followers to be faithful stewards of the resources that He has put at their disposal. Good stewardship includes wise investments. Many believers find it difficult to adopt a practical theology for money management and investing for a distant and uncertain future. The Bible, however, offers practical wisdom on investing the resources we have with insight and foresight.
LESSON OUTLINES:
- Biblical Principles For Investments And Savings
- Reasons For Investments
1. BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR INVESTMENTS AND SAVINGS
Investing’s is actually commended if done wisely. lt’s about putting money and/or other resources into real businesses that employ people and deliver products or services to customers. Hopefully, the companies we invest in do well and provide a return commensurate with our investments (Proverbs 31:10-31; Ecclesiastes 11:1-6).
However, believers should invest only on businesses (real estate, contracts, ventures, stocks, shares, bonds) they understand or have experience in (Proverbs 24:3-4). We are to avoid get-rich-quick schemes at all cost (Proverbs 13:11, 21:5). Do not invest in what you do not have. It is better not to invest at all than to invest what you cannot afford to lose. Do not accumulate debt in the name or investment. Prov. 22:7. Guard against Investing just because a Christian offers it; that is not a guarantee against loss.
Investing in your education and those of your children is a wise decision to make. By doing so you are preparing yourself for opportunities that will surely come your way and securing your future.
It’s equally important to also note that saving for future needs is biblical (Genesis 41; Proverbs 6:6-11, 21:5). Saving honours God because as it rightly values money as a gift that He has given to us (James 1:16-17) Instead of unplanned, impulsive, or foolish spending, wise saving demonstrates the importance of stewarding His gifts (Luke 12:47-48). Saving may also allow you to leave an inheritance, blessings for yours so they can then be a blessing to others (Proverbs 13:22).
2. REASONS FOR INVESTMENTS
i. Wealth Creation: investing your money will allow it to grow and compound. You earn money on the money already earned and create wealth over time.
ii. Beat Inflation: Returns from investment help to maintain the purchasing power at a constant level. If you do not beat the inflation rate, you will be losing money, not making money.
iii. Retirement Mass Creation: You should invest while you are earning so as to create a mass of funds that can be used when you retire. This provides security to maintain a comfortable style even after retirement.
iv. Accomplish Financial Goals: Investing can help you reach bigger financial goals. This return on your investments can be used towards financial goals, such as buying a home, buying a car, starting a business, or putting your children through school.
v. High Returns: Investing would help to achieve high returns as compared to banks savings account which provides little return.
CONCLUSION: Investing into the future is not an act of anxiety, everyone must save for the raining day. In order to build wealth, you should invest your money.