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How to Elevate Your Finances

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:14-19 NLT

Follow your convictions not the crowd

…no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Philippians 4:15

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NLT

Invest in the things of God

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19 NLT

Allow God to bless your money

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. Philippians 4:17

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! Malachi 3:10 NLT

Become financially wise

Watch what you spend

The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. Proverbs 21:20 NLT

Calculate the cost

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Luke 14:28 NLT

Force yourself to save

Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. Proverbs 13:11 NIV

Learn from others

Thank God for what he has given you

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:8 NLT

I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied. Philippians 4:18 NLT

Pray for the ability to give more

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. Luke 6:38 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few minutes to get alone with God. Allow your body to become still and your mind to let go of the things that are competing for your attention. As you become still, begin a conversation with God about what you need to look at when it comes to your money. It's okay if you find this practice to be a bit difficult. Ask God to help you be honest with where you are concerning your money and its relationship to God. Talk with God and ask him some questions like, "To what extent does your money keep you up at night or cause stress in your life? To what extent do you rely on it for contentment and happiness? What do you believe about your money and its relationship to what matters in your life? To what extent do you believe you need more to give more? What commitments have you made that you now regret or that have reduced your options? In what way have you been faithful in giving first to God? In your faithfulness, how has your heart grown in generosity?" Don't feel pressure to answer all the questions. Allow them to be a guide as you navigate a real conversation with God. Now, continue in the posture of stillness and ask God to show you his heart for your money, his heart for that which outlasts this life's investments, financial commitments and purchases. Finally, close your time with God by praying for wisdom, discernment and faith to increase your trust in God for how to best steward the money with which he's blessed you.​

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about God or yourself lately in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. Read Philippians 4:14-18. Paul tells us that only one Church, out of the many he served, helped him financially. Why do you think that supporting the work of God financially is still such a difficult thing for most people?
  3. Continue reading Philippians 4:19. In what specific ways has God provided for your needs recently and what can you do to thank him for his provision?
  4. Read Matthew 6:19. In what ways have the uncertainties of this season with all its uncertainties reminded you to trust in God over your money?
  5. Read Luke 6:38. In what ways have you seen the truth of this passage play out in your real life?
  6. Read Proverbs 21:20. Where in your life do you need to be more financially wise and what can you begin to do to make those changes this week?