From Bondage to Blessing

No matter how long we have been walking with the Lord, none of us can say that we have arrived at full maturity and are, therefore, no longer in need of instruction, correction, or challenge. One area that many of us seem to struggle with the most is finances - the Christian and his money.

While it is true that the Lord calls some to take a vow of poverty, it seems that the greater majority of believers are themselves taken captive by poverty and held like prisoners against their will. We need to face up to what the Bible teaches about prosperity and success. There has been such an abusive overemphasis on these areas that many of us have revolted by going to the other extremes of poverty and failure, which is just as wrong.

The goal of this series is to provide the Biblical framework for us to become faithful stewards and responsible Christians in the handling of our financial affairs.

February 6 Setting Things In Order
February 13 Should Christians Tithe?
February 20 New Testament Giving
February 27 Breaking the Spirit of Poverty
March 6 The Blessing of Abraham

Don’t miss this life-changing series of messages! Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday morning, here at Valley Chapel!

BREAKING THE SPIRIT OF POVERTY

Throughout this month, we have been sharing the teaching series “From Bondage to Blessing.” Many people, we said, think that poverty is determined by “how much you have.” But, poverty really has nothing to do with how much or how little you have. Poverty isn’t lack. But, poverty is the fear of not getting, that causes you to hold tightly onto what you have. And, when you clasp tightly on to everything you have, God is unable to pour out His blessings upon you, for you are unable to receive them.

Many Christians are in a state of poverty because they have failed to recognize their need and obligation to tithe. Some people believe that they don’t need to tithe, because they are “free from the law.” But, tithing isn’t really a matter of the law – it’s a matter of faith. Tithing demonstrates your faith in God, as well as your faithfulness to God. Tithing shows that you trust God, and that you are trustworthy with what belongs to God.

Although the Old Testament speaks of tithing, the New Testament speaks only little of it. However, there is much in the New Testament about giving – beginning first and foremost with John 3:16, which says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” We see in just these few words the very character of God – He loved, so He gave. God sets the example for us by giving of His best. Last week we looked at another example, found in 2 Corinthians, where Paul allows the giving of one church to be an example and a challenge to another church. Just as they gave, we too should give!

This week we want to focus on the crux of it all – how to literally break the spirit of poverty in your life. We can see how this is accomplished through the example given to us in 1 Kings 17. Imagine, if you will, a child of God being provided for supernaturally by God. Imagine again, a widow giving away her last worldly provision to a preacher! There are principles found in this chapter that will outline for us exactly how to “Break the Spirit of Poverty!”

The truths we share this Sunday morning can and will revolutionize your life! Don’t miss it!

Today’s BIG IDEA…

1 Kings 17 demonstrates FOUR PHASES involved in breaking the spirit of poverty.

We can break the spirit of poverty in our life if we obey the principles of His Word!

Phase One
The Prophet’s Position

· Go there!

· God commands!

Phase Two
The Widow’s Plight

· God’s timing

· Proverbs 11:24

· Proverbs 10:15

· Ecclesiastes 5:13

Phase Three
God’s Proclamation

· Me first!

· A prophetic promise

· The woman’s priorities

Phase Four
Supernatural Provision

· Matthew 6:31-33

· Proverbs 3:9-10

· Matthew 21:28-31

· Matthew 7:21

· Psalm 96:8


Supernatural Abundance

· Proverbs 11:24

· Ecclesiastes 11:1

· Luke 6:38

· 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

· Psalm 37:25-26