Excerpt: Jesus talks about money because he’s after our hearts. In week three of The Jesus Way, we explored what it means to put Jesus first in our finances and asked a simple, searching question: Who’s first in your house?
Big Idea
You’re invited to enjoy “Jesus-first” finances. This isn’t pressure or panic; it’s an invitation to trust and joy. At Lifepoint, your generosity is already making a difference. In the last five years, we’ve given roughly $950,000 (about 16%) to missions. Thank you for fueling gospel ministry here and around the world.
Scripture
1 Timothy 6:17–19 — “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share… so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”
Matthew 6:19–21 — “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Why Give? Four Gospel Reasons
1) Told
We give because Jesus tells us to. Scripture calls us to set our hope on God, be generous, and lay up treasure for the future. Obedience to Jesus is discipleship.
2) Trust
Generosity both shows and grows our trust. Jesus says to seek first the kingdom; he knows what we need. Giving re-aims our reliance away from wealth’s uncertainty and toward God’s provision.
3) Transformation
Intentional, sacrificial giving weakens money’s grip and forms Christlike hearts.
4) Treasure
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our hearts follow our investments. Jesus invites us to lay up treasure in heaven—secure, lasting, and aligned with what matters most.
We can’t take it with us, but in Jesus we can send it ahead.
Why Don’t We?
Exchange vs. Sacrifice
Most spending is an exchange: we pay and receive something instant, tangible, and immediately enjoyable. Gospel giving often feels delayed, spiritual, and sacrificial. The impact is real but less visible, so it can feel less compelling in our consumer culture.
Consumption vs. Conviction
Those who live Jesus-first financially treat generosity as convictional, not optional. They don’t let consumption crowd out conviction; they decide “kingdom first” and build life around that priority.
How Do We Start?
Cycle 1: Pray & Prioritize
- Pray regularly: “Father, reorder my loves. Make me cheerful and bold in generosity.”
- Prioritize the kingdom first; let other spending fit around that decision.
Cycle 2: Assess & Act
- Assess your current giving as a percentage. Be honest about your heart: do you love money, or do you enjoy God’s gifts while keeping Him first?
- Act on what God shows you. Automate giving to keep first things first. If money is tight, start with something—refuse to let your number be zero.
Practice This Week
- Memorize Matthew 6:21 — “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- List your five largest monthly expenses. Circle any that compete with your convictions. Pray over the list.
- Choose one concrete next step (e.g., begin giving, move toward a target %, automate, review a budget line item).
A Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for Your generosity to us in Christ. By Your Spirit, help us put Jesus first in every area—especially our finances. Keep our consumption from crowding out conviction. Make generosity a joy as we fuel gospel ministry and mission. Amen.
Take a step: Ready to practice Jesus-first finances? Give online here: lifepointmv.com/giving. Join a Small Group to grow with others: lifepointmv.com/next-steps/lifegroups.
