Lecture Notes: Week 2 - Wicked Series

Introduction

• Theme: Consequences of the worship and waste of wealth.
• Objective: Transition from wickedness to wisdom in wealth management.
• Focus: Change thinking, change life.

Key Concepts

Worship of Wealth

• Wickedness: Worship of wealth is explicitly called wicked by God.
• Idolatry: Money can become an idol if not managed by God’s principles.
• Biblical Reference: "You cannot serve both God and money."

Waste of Wealth

• Wastefulness: Considered wicked by God.
• Practical Examples: Unreturned items, unused subscriptions.

Financial Responsibility

God’s Principles

• Giving: Not linked to salvation or heaven but to become more like Jesus.
• Generosity: Reflection of a God-like character; impacts personal relationships.

Tithing

• Definition: Returning 10% of income to God as a demonstration of faith and obedience.
• Biblical Basis: Malachi 3:6-10 - Tithing as a test of faith.
• Promises: God will bless those who fulfill this principle.

Wisdom in Wealth

Solomon’s Example

• Request: Solomon asked for wisdom to govern, pleasing God.
• Result: God granted him wealth and honor in addition to wisdom.

Practical Wisdom

• Change in Mindset: Essential for handling more wealth and blessings.
• Responsibility: With more wealth comes the necessity for wisdom and good stewardship.

Practical Applications

Tithing as a Test

• Understanding: Tithing is both a personal and divine test.
• Results of Obedience: Overflow of blessings, protection against loss.

Real-life Application

• Example: Donut illustration to demonstrate the principle of tithing and blessings.

Overcoming Challenges

Misunderstandings

• Curse Misconception: The curse is broken through faith in Jesus.
• Consequences of Disobedience: Persist if God's principles are not followed.

Encouragement

• Promises of God: Assurance of blessings in return for faith and obedience.
• Call to Action: Don’t fail the test; change mindset and practice tithing.

Conclusion

Commitment

• Challenge: 90-day tithing commitment.
• Support: Church offers encouragement and support.

Final Thoughts

• Transformation: Emphasis on living a life transformed by faith and obedience.
• Impact: Encouragement to share the message and continue the journey of transformation.

These notes summarize the key points of the lecture on the consequences of wealth worship and waste, focusing on the biblical principles of tithing and generosity as pathways to wisdom and blessing.