How to Get Out of Debt

Read Proverbs 22:7. In what sense are we under bondage to the

lender?

What can be done to escape from this unfortunate phenomenon?

If you are in debt, the following outline will help you begin a debt-­

elimination process. The plan is simple. It has a premise and three steps.

The premise is a commitment to God to be faithful in returning His

holy tithe to access His wisdom and blessing. He is eager to bless those

who obey Him.

Step 1 is to declare a moratorium on additional debt: no more credit

spending. If you don’t borrow money, you can’t get into debt. If you

don’t borrow any more money, you can’t get further into debt.

Step 2 is to make a covenant with God that from this point on, as He

blesses, you will pay off your debts as quickly as possible. When God

blesses you financially, use the money to reduce debt—not to purchase

more things. This step is probably the most crucial. When most folks

receive unexpected money, they simply spend it. Don’t; instead apply it

to your debt-reduction plan.

Step 3 is the hands-on practical part. Make a list of all your debts, from

the largest to the smallest, in descending order. For most families, the

home mortgage is at the top of the list, and a credit card or personal debt

is at the bottom. Begin by making at least the minimum payment due on

each of your debts on a monthly basis. Next, double up or increase your

payments in any way you can on the debt at the bottom of the list. You’ll

be happily surprised how quickly you can eliminate that smallest debt.

Then use the money that you were paying on the bottom debt to add to

the basic payment on the next debt as you work your way up the list. As

you eliminate your smaller high-interest debts, you’ll free up a surprising

amount of money to place on the next-higher debts.

God clearly doesn’t want us in debt. Once the covenant is made,

many families find that God blesses them in unexpected ways, and the

debt is reduced faster than they had anticipated. By following these

three simple steps, many families have become debt-free. You can

too! By putting God first, you’ll receive His wisdom and blessing for

manag­ing what He has entrusted to you.

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such

things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave

you nor forsake you’ ” (Heb. 13:5, NKJV). How could applying

these words greatly help people avoid getting into debt?

Following Godly Counsel

We are material beings, and we live in a material world, a world that,

at times, can be very alluring. You’d have to be made out of steel and

synthetic oil, not flesh and blood, not to feel, at times, the lure of mate-

rial possessions and the desire for wealth. At one time or another, who

hasn’t fantasized about being rich or winning the lottery?

Though we all face it, and there is nothing wrong in and of itself in

working hard to earn a good living or even being wealthy, none of us

has to succumb to the trap of making idols out of money, wealth, and

material possessions. We are promised divine power to stay faithful to

what we know is right. This is important, because the temptation of

wealth and material possessions has led to the ruin of many souls.

Read Matthew 6:24 and 1 John 2:15. Though expressed differently,

what’s the common theme found in both of these scriptures?

Unfortunately, the love of the world can be so strong that people will

get into debt in order—as they hope—to satisfy that love. (It never

works; see Eccles. 4:8.)

And because debt is one of Satan’s nets that he sets for souls, it just

makes sense that God would like to see His children debt-free. He has

given us counsel through the Bible and the prophetic gift that will lead

us to financial freedom.

Read Psalm 50:14, 15. What attitude should God’s people live with?

What does it mean to “pay your vows” (NKJV)?

We enter into our church membership with praise and thanksgiving

to our God, who has created and redeemed us. In point 9 (of 13) in our

baptismal vows, we were asked, “Do you believe in church organization?

Is it your purpose to worship God and to support the church through

your tithes and offerings and by your personal effort and influence?” As

Seventh-day Adventists, we all said yes. So, this text (Ps. 50:14, 15) is a

promise to those who offer thanksgiving to God and are faithfully paying

their vows.

What do your choices tell you about how well you deal with the

lure of the world? Why is working hard to earn a good living not

necessarily the same thing as making an idol of wealth or money?

How can we learn the difference?

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?

Read for This Week’s Study: Deut. 28:1, 2, 12; Matt. 6:24;

1 John 2:15; Prov. 22:7; Prov. 6:1–5; Deut. 15:1–5.

Memory Text: “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is

servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7, NKJV).

One definition of debt is “living today on what you expect to

earn in the future.” Today debt seems to be a way of life, but it

should not be the norm for Christians. The Bible discourages

debt. In the Scriptures there are at least 26 references to debt, and all

are negative. The Bible does not say that it is a sin to borrow money,

but it does talk about the often-bad consequences of doing so. When

considering financial obligations, Paul counseled: “Render therefore to

all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs,

fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Owe no one anything except

to love one another” (Rom. 13:7, 8, NKJV).

Why is debt an almost international scourge at every level—­

personal, corporate, and government? Every society has always had

at least a small percentage who were in debt. But today a much larger

portion of the people are in debt, and it’s almost never to their benefit.

This week we will consider the reasons for debt and how to deal with

it. You may be debt-free, but you can share this valuable information

with family and friends who could benefit from it.

Further Thought: The heavenly record book of remembrance also

notes the financial faithfulness of God’s family members. “The record-

ing angel makes a faithful record of every offering dedicated to God

and put into the treasury, and also of the final result of the means thus

bestowed. The eye of God takes cognizance of every farthing devoted to

His cause, and of the willingness or reluctance of the giver. The motive

in giving is also chronicled. Those self-sacrificing, consecrated ones

who render back to God the things that are His, as He requires of them,

will be rewarded according to their works. Even though the means thus

consecrated be misapplied, so that it does not accomplish the object

which the donor had in view—the glory of God and the salvation of

souls—those who made the sacrifice in sincerity of soul, with an eye

single to the glory of God, will not lose their reward.”—Ellen G. White,

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 518.

“God desires people to pray and to plan for the advancement of his

work. But, like Cornelius, we are to unite praying with giving. Our

prayers and our alms are to come up before God as a memorial. Faith

without works is dead; and without a living faith it is impossible to

please God. While we pray, we are to give all we possibly can, both of

our labor and our means, for the fulfillment of our prayers. If we act

out our faith, we shall not be forgotten by God. He marks every deed

of love and self-denial. He will open ways whereby we may show our

faith by our works.”—Ellen G. White, Atlantic Union Gleaner, June

17, 1903.

Discussion Questions:

Ê How do praying and giving go together? That is, how might

praying help you know what to give as well as where, when, and

how much to give?

Ë A well-known magazine in the United States told about young

professionals on Wall Street who were making so much money and

yet were so miserable, so empty, so full of angst and worry. One of

them, a portfolio manager, said: “What does it matter after I die if

I had made an extra one percent gain in my portfolio?” What les-

sons can we take from this story about how giving, even sacrificial

giving, can be so spiritually beneficial to the giver in that it helps

free us from the “deceitfulness of riches” (Matt. 13:22)?

Ì In the first Ellen G. White quote above, notice the part about

funds being “misapplied.” Why is it important for those of us who

give to keep her point in mind?

Special Projects: “Big Jar” Giving

Research has shown that only about 9 percent of people’s assets are

liquid and could be contributed as an offering on a moment’s notice.

Cash, checking, savings, money market funds, and so on are generally

considered liquid assets, at least for those possessing things like this.

Most of our assets, about 91 percent, are “invested” in real estate, such

as our homes, our livestock (if we are rural), or other nonliquid items.

The differences in the percentages of liquid and nonliquid assets can

be illustrated by putting 1,000 pennies in two different glass jars, with 10

pennies representing each percentage point. So, you would have 90 pennies

in a small jar representing the 9 percent liquid assets and 910 pennies in a

large quart-size jar representing the 91 percent of nonliquid assets.

Most people give their offerings or contributions from the small

jar—from their liquid assets. This is what they have in their checking

account or pocketbook. But when someone really gets excited about

something, they give from the big jar. The Bible tells many such stories.

Read Mark 14:3–9 and John 12:2–8. Who were the main characters

at Simon’s feast? What was the value of Mary’s gift? Why did she

anoint Jesus at this time?

Mary’s gift was worth 300 denarii—a full year’s wages. It was, most

likely, a “big jar” gift. Following this incident, Judas betrayed Jesus for

a little more than one third of that amount—a “little jar” gift, 30 pieces

of silver (Matt. 26:15). It takes real love and commitment to make big

jar gifts—from our investments. But when we get greedy, like Judas,

we can sell our souls for next to nothing.

The work and activities of Barnabas are mentioned 28 times in the

New Testament. We know him primarily as a companion to the apostle

Paul and as a great missionary. But the foundation for all of this is estab-

lished in the first passage, where he is mentioned. In Acts 4:36, 37, we

read of his giving, truly, a “big jar” offering. What a powerful example

of Christ’s words: “ ‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be

also’ ” (Matt. 6:21, NKJV).

Why is sacrificial giving as important for the givers as for the

recipients?

God Takes Note of Our Offerings

Read Mark 12:41–44. Whether we are rich or not rich, what message

can we take from this story? What’s the principle that this teaches

us, and how can we apply it to our own worship experience?

Jesus and His disciples were in the temple courtyard where the

treasury chests were located, and He watched those who were bring-

ing their gifts. He was close enough to see that a widow had given two

copper coins. She had put in all that she had. “But Jesus understood her

motive. She believed the service of the temple to be of God’s appoint-

ment, and she was anxious to do her utmost to sustain it. She did what

she could, and her act was to be a monument to her memory through

all time, and her joy in eternity. Her heart went with her gift; its value

was estimated, not by the worth of the coin, but by the love to God and

the interest in His work that had prompted the deed.”—Ellen G. White,

Counsels on Stewardship, p. 175.

Another very significant point is that this is the only gift Jesus ever

commended—a gift to a church that was just about to reject Him, a

church that greatly deviated from its calling and mission.

Read Acts 10:1–4. Why did a Roman centurion receive a visit from

a heavenly angel? Which of his two actions were noted in heaven?

Apparently, not only are our prayers heard in heaven, but the motive

of our gifts also is noted. The passage notes that Cornelius was a gener-

ous giver. “ ‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’ ”

(Matt. 6:21, NKJV). The heart of Cornelius followed his gifts. He was

ready to learn more about Jesus. Prayer and almsgiving are closely linked

and demonstrate our love to God and our fellow men—the two great

principles of God’s law: “ ‘ “You shall love the Lord your God with all

your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your

mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself ” ’ ” (Luke 10:27, NKJV). The first

is revealed in prayer, the second in almsgiving.

Offerings and Worship

The Bible does not give us an order of service for worship. But it

appears that at least four things are present in worship services. In the

New Testament this list includes study/preaching, prayer, music, and

tithes and offerings.

Three times each year, the men (and families) of Israel were all to

appear before the Lord in Jerusalem. And “ ‘they shall not appear

before the Lord empty-handed’ ” (Deut. 16:16, NKJV). In other words,

part of the worship experience was the returning of tithe and giving

offerings. It was at Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles

that God’s children brought their tithes and offerings. It’s hard to imag-

ine someone coming to those feasts empty-handed.

In other words, for ancient Israel the giving of their tithes and

offerings was a central part of their worship experience. Worship,

true worship, isn’t just expressing in words and songs and prayer our

thankfulness and gratitude to God, but also expressing that thankful-

ness and gratitude to God by the bringing of our offerings to the house

of the Lord. They brought it to the temple; we bring it to the church on

Sabbath (at least as one way to return our tithe and offerings), an act

of worship.

Read 1 Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 96:8, 9; and Psalm 116:16–18. How do

we apply the principles expressed here to our own worship experi-

ence?

As God’s children, who are tasked with the responsibility of manag-

ing His business on the earth, it is a privilege, an opportunity, and a

responsibility to bring our offerings. If the Lord has given us children

to raise for Him, we should share with them the joy of bringing tithes

and offerings to Sabbath School and church services. In some places,

people return their tithe online or by other means. However we do it,

the returning of tithes and offerings is a part of our worship experience

with God.

What has been your own experience with the role of returning

tithe and offerings as part of worship? How does the practice

impact your relationship with God?

What Portion for Offerings?

Read Deuteronomy 16:17. Rather than a percentage, what criterion

does God give as the basis for the amount of our offerings?

Our offerings are an acknowledgment and expression of our gratitude

to God for His abundant gifts of life, redemption, sustenance, and con-

stant blessings of many kinds. So, as we noted in the passage above, the

amount of our offerings is based on what we have been blessed with.

“ ‘For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be

required’ ” (Luke 12:48, NKJV).

Read Psalm 116:12–14. How are we supposed to answer the question

posed in verse 12? How does money fit in with the answer?

How could we ever repay God for all His blessings to us? The simple

answer is that we never could. It seems that the best we can do is be

generous with the cause of God and in helping our fellow human

beings. When Jesus sent out His disciples on a missionary trip, He told

them, “ ‘Freely you have received, freely give’ ” (Matt. 10:8, NKJV).

Our offerings contribute to the development of a Christlike character.

We are thereby changed from selfishness to love; we are to be con-

cerned for others and the cause of God as Christ was.

Let us always remember that “ ‘God so loved . . . , that He gave’ ”

(John 3:16, NKJV). In contrast—as sure as day follows night—the

more we hoard for ourselves, the more selfish in our own hearts we will

become, and the more miserable we will feel, as well.

It is up to us to determine what amount we give and what entity

receives our gifts. But bringing an offering to the Lord is a Christian

duty with spiritual and moral implications. To neglect this is to do spiri­

tual damage to ourselves, perhaps more than we realize too.

What do your offerings, and your attitude about giving them, say

about your relationship with God?

Motivation for Giving

We love God because He first loved us. Our giving is in response to

His amazing gift of Jesus to us. In fact, we are told, “The Lord does

not need our offerings. We cannot enrich Him by our gifts. Says the

psalmist: ‘All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given

Thee.’ Yet God permits us to show our appreciation of His mercies by

self-sacrificing efforts to extend the same to others. This is the only

way in which it is possible for us to manifest our gratitude and love

to God. He has provided no other.”—Ellen G. White, Counsels on

Stewardship, p. 18.

When we surrender “our” money to Jesus, it actually strengthens our

love for Him and for others. Therefore, money can be a real power for

good. Jesus spent more time talking about money and wealth than just

about any other subject. One verse in every six in Matthew, Mark, and

Luke is about money. The gospel’s good news is that God can deliver

us from the misuse and love of money.

Read Matthew 6:31–34 and Deuteronomy 28:1–14. What does God

promise to do for us if we obey Him? Is it selfishness on our part to

claim the promises of God?

Our offerings are an evidence of our willingness to sacrifice self

for God. Making an offering can be a deeply spiritual experience, an

expression of the fact that our lives are wholly surrendered to God as

our Lord. To us, as an English idiom says, it is “putting our money

where our mouth is.” You can say you love God, but generous offerings

help reveal (and even strengthen) that love.

An offering comes from a heart that trusts in a personal God who

constantly provides for our needs as He sees best. Our offerings rest

on the conviction that we have found assurance of salvation in Christ.

They are not an appeasement or a search for God’s acceptance. Rather,

our offerings flow from a heart that has accepted Christ by faith as the

only and sufficient means of grace and redemption.

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7. What is the Lord saying to us here? What

does it mean to give as one “purposes in his heart” (NKJV)? How

do we learn to give cheerfully?