The Debt Problems

Read Deuteronomy 28:1, 2, 12. What is God’s ideal for His children

regarding debt? How can they attain this ideal? And though this

context is very different from ours, what principles can we take

away from it to apply to ourselves now?

Studies show that there are three primary reasons that people get

into financial difficulty. They are listed here in the order of greatest

frequency.

The first is ignorance. Many people, even the educated, are finan-

cially illiterate. They were simply never exposed to the biblical or even

secular principles of money management. There is hope, however!

This lesson will provide a simple outline of these principles and how

to apply them.

The second reason for financial difficulties is greed, or selfish-

ness. In response to advertising and personal desire, people simply

live beyond their means. They aren’t willing to live in, drive, or wear

what they can really afford. Many of these same people also feel that

they are just too poor to tithe. As a consequence, they live their lives

without God’s promised wisdom and blessing (see Mal. 3:10, 11; Matt.

6:33). There’s hope for these people, as well, but it requires a change of

heart—and a spirit of contentment.

The third reason people find themselves in financial difficulty is

personal misfortune. They may have experienced a serious illness

without adequate health insurance. They may have been abandoned

by a spendthrift marriage partner. A natural disaster may have wiped

out their possessions. Or they may have been born and raised in abject

poverty. There is hope for these people too. Though their path is more

difficult, their troubles can be overcome. Change may come with the

support of Christian friends, the counsel and/or assistance of godly

counselors, hard work coupled with a good education, and the blessing

and providence of God.

Whatever the reason, even if it’s a person’s own fault, debt can be

alleviated. However, those in debt will need to make some changes in

their lives, their spending, and their financial priorities.

Read 1 Timothy 6:6–9. What is Paul saying here that all of us

need to heed? What do these words mean to you, and in what

ways can you better follow what the Word is teaching us here?