This video segment is one of five presentations in the “Creating a Gospel-Centered Marriage: Finances” seminar. The full GCM series of seminars and pre-marital mentoring ministry they facilitate can be found at www.bradhambrick.com/gcm.

NOTE: Many people have asked how they can get a copy of the seminar notebook referenced in this verbal presentation. Summit members can pick up a copy of the notebook in the church office. For those outside the Summit family, you can request a copy from Summit’s admin over counseling at counseling@summitrdu.com (please note this is an administrative account; no individual or family counsel is provided through e-mail).

Gospel Centered Finances Part 1 from Equip on Vimeo.

Financial Beliefs and Character Evaluation

Memorize: 1Timothy 4:7-9; 6:8 (ESV), “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance… Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment’” As you memorize this passage reflect upon these key points:

  • “Timothy” – Paul was writing to a young man he was mentoring as he started his adult life and ministry.
  • “Silly myths” – Common sense about money from a debt-sick culture likely belong in this category.
  • “Train yourself” – This training begins with thinking rightly about the subjects in which we need to live godly.
  • “Present life” – Godliness has value for our current circumstances; it is not just about heaven.
  • “Contentment” – Contentment is a core virtue of godliness that has far-reaching implications for finances.

Teaching Notes

“The problem isn’t primarily about money and budgeting. Money and budgets are simply the topics of dispute (p. 187).” John Henderson in Catching Foxes

“Because it is built on a lie (material things can make us happy), materialism can’t and doesn’t work. It leaves us empty, in debt, and addicted, while taking our time, attention, and energy away from the most important human relationship in all of life (p. 107).” Paul Tripp in What Did You Expect?

“We spend money we don’t have to buy things we don’t need to impress people we don’t know/like.” American Proverb

“Are you awake and free from the false messages of American merchandising? Or has the omnipresent economic lie deceived you so that the only sin you can imagine in relation to money is stealing (p. 164)?” John Piper in Desiring God

“It is remarkable that the writer [of Hebrews 13:4-5] puts money and the marriage bed side by side… The pursuit of power and pleasure mingle in these two areas as in no others (p. 129).” John Piper in This Momentary Marriage