Best practices for finances for disciples of Christ

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How to use Money?

Luke 16:1-13

Luke 16:14

Luke 16:9

Ephesians 5:8-9

Matthew 6:19-21

Luke 12:15

Hebrews 9:27

Principle of giving

    Luke 16:9

Matthew 6:20

Principle of faithfulness

    Luke 16:10

Principle of learning

    Luke 16:11-12

“If you’re not trustworthy with what belongs to someone else, why would anyone entrust you with things of your own?”

John 3:12

Proverbs 11:25

Principle of loving

    Luke 16:13

Luke 15–17:

Immediate context (Luke 16:1-13)

    Jesus has just told the parable of the shrewd manager. The point isn’t to praise dishonesty, but to insist on wise, faithful stewardship of “worldly wealth.” 

    Verses 10-13 make a chain: faithfulness in little things → trust with greater things; faithfulness with worldly wealth (another’s) → trust with “true riches” (your own); you can’t serve both God and money. 

    Verse 12 drives home that how you handle resources that aren’t ultimately yours is the proving ground for greater trust.

What is “someone else’s” and what is “your own”? 

    In this context, “someone else’s” is worldly wealth and responsibilities that ultimately belong to God, we only manage them. 

“Your own” points to “true riches” (v. 11): spiritual authority, kingdom responsibilities, eternal rewards - what God intends to permanently entrust to you.

Link to Luke 15

    The parables of the lost sheep, coin, and sons show God’s heart for the lost and the joy of restoration. The younger son squandered the father’s assets, the older son resented the father’s generosity. Both illustrate poor stewardship of the father’s goodness. Jesus is calling disciples to align with the Father’s heart and use resources in ways that reflect God’s mercy - especially toward people.

Link to the Pharisees (Luke 16:14-31)

    The Pharisees “loved money,” and the story of the rich man and Lazarus shows the eternal gravity of how we use wealth. Neglecting the poor exposes unfaithful stewardship and a heart serving money, not God.

Link to Luke 17:1–10 

    Jesus emphasizes humble, duty-bound service. Faithful servants don’t posture for credit. They simply do what’s entrusted to them. That humility is the posture of trustworthy stewards whom God can entrust with more.

Bottom line

    God watches how we handle temporary, earthly things - money, influence, time, and responsibilities that ultimately belong to Him. If we’re faithful, generous, and aligned with His purposes, He will entrust us with lasting, “true” riches in His kingdom. If we won’t be faithful with what isn’t ours, we’re not ready to receive what God wants to make truly ours forever.

Best practices for finances 

The aim is faithfulness to Jesus, wise stewardship, care for others, and eternal perspective:

  1. Acknowledge God’s ownership, you are a steward
    • Psalm 24:1, Haggai 2:8, 1 Corinthians 4:2, Matthew 25:14-30
  2. Guard your heart from loving money, seek God first
    • Matthew 6:19-21, 24, 33, Luke 12:15, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Colossians 3:5
  3. Practice contentment in every season
    • Philippians 4:11-13, 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Psalm 62:10
  4. Work diligently, skillfully, and as service to the Lord
    • Colossians 3:23-24, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, Proverbs 10:4-5, 14:23, Ephesians 4:28
  5. Be honest and fair in all financial dealings
    • Proverbs 11:1, 13:11, Leviticus 19:35-36, James 5:4
  6. Plan, budget, and count the cost
    • Proverbs 21:5, 24:27, 27:23-27, Luke 14:28-30, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
  7. Save prudently for future needs without hoarding
    • Proverbs 6:6-8, Genesis 41:34-36, Proverbs 30:24-25
  8. Live within your means, avoid self-indulgent spending
    • Proverbs 21:17, 23:20-21, Isaiah 55:2
  9. Give first, generously, and cheerfully, prioritize Kingdom and the poor
    • Proverbs 3:9-10, 11:24-25, 19:17, Luke 6:38, Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 13-15, 9:6-8, 10-11, 1 Timothy 6:17-19
    • Note: Jesus affirms justice, mercy, and faithfulness as weightier. Giving is from a transformed heart (Matthew 23:23, 6:1-4)
  10. Support gospel workers and the local church
    • Galatians 6:6, 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, 3 John 5-8, Luke 8:3, Philippians 4:15-18, Romans 12:13
  11. Treat debt with great caution, repay what you owe, avoid cosigning
    • Proverbs 22:7, Romans 13:8, Psalm 37:21, Proverbs 6:1-5, 11:15, 17:18
  12. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes and greed-fueled risk
    • Proverbs 13:11, 20:21, 28:20,22, 1 Timothy 6:9
  13. Diversify and invest with patience, accept uncertainty humbly
    • Ecclesiastes 11:1-2, 6, James 4:13-15
  14. Do justice: pay fair wages, never exploit, defend the vulnerable
    • Deuteronomy 24:14-15, Proverbs 22:22-23, Malachi 3:5, James 5:1-6, Isaiah 1:17
  15. Provide for your household and plan for legacy
    • 1 Timothy 5:8, Proverbs 13:22, 2 Corinthians 12:14
  16. Pay taxes and fulfill civic obligations with integrity
    • Matthew 22:21, Romans 13:6-7
  17. Maintain transparency and accountability in handling funds
    • 2 Corinthians 8:20-21
  18. Hold wealth loosely, be ready to release it for Christ
    • Luke 12:33-34, Mark 10:17-25, Proverbs 11:28
  19. Seek wise counsel, keep learning
    • Proverbs 11:14, 12:15, 15:22, 19:20



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