Video link: WHY DO BELIEVERS FAIL TO REPAY THEIR DEBTS?
WHY DO BELIEVERS FAIL TO REPAY THEIR DEBTS?
(This message is for examination, not condemnation)
Main Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:18
The Word of God must transform not only our spiritual lives, but also our character, decisions, work, relationships, and finances.
The Bible says that faith must produce works. Repentance must produce changed behavior.
Hebrews 4:12 teaches that God's Word discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart. “THIS MESSAGE IS FOR EXAMINATION, NOT CONDEMNATION!”
1. SOME HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED TRUE FREEDOM AFTER SALVATION
A person can genuinely pray the prayer of repentance and still need transformation in the way they think and live.
Paul taught that repentance should be demonstrated by works befitting repentance.
Salvation must affect our behavior.
SALVATION CHANGES THE HEART—AND THE CHANGED HEART MUST BEGIN TO CHANGE THE LIFE.
2. SOME LACK A RELIABLE SOURCE OF INCOME
If a person has no reliable income-generating activity, how will they consistently repay debt? Some people keep moving from one activity to another without developing any one skill deeply.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 says: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.” WORK IS NOT A CURSE!
God placed Adam in the garden to work before the fall.
3. WE DECLARE WAR WITHOUT MAINTAINING A WARTIME POSTURE
Ephesians 6:11 says: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
The armor includes truth, righteousness, faith, the Word of God, prayer, and readiness.
SPIRITUAL WARFARE REQUIRES SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE!
We cannot fight darkness while deliberately walking in darkness.
We cannot rebuke the spirit of poverty while refusing to work.
4. WE BORROW FOR CONSUMPTION INSTEAD OF PRODUCTION
Some people borrow money and immediately consume everything.
The question is: “WHERE WILL THE REPAYMENT COME FROM?”
If the answer is: “I don't know.” Then the borrowing itself should be questioned.
Don't borrow simply to maintain an appearance.
5. WE BORROW FROM TOO MANY PEOPLE
Some people are paying Peter with Paul's money, and Paul with John's money! They borrow from one person to repay another. Then they borrow again to repay the second person.
If your current economic situation cannot support your lifestyle, something must change.
Seek employment and develop new skills rather than repeatedly seeking loans.
6. WE FAIL TO PROTECT OUR TRUSTWORTHINESS
If people know that you borrow money and disappear, your problem is bigger than the debt. You are losing trust.
Paul selected Timothy partly because he had a good reputation among believers. Your reputation can open doors. Your reputation can close doors.
7. WE MISUNDERSTAND GOD'S PRINCIPLES OF WEALTH
But Deuteronomy 8:18 says God gives the power to get wealth.
That means God can give us: ability, wisdom, ideas, skills, opportunities.
So don't only pray: “Give me money.” Pray: “SHOW ME THE WORK!”
8. WE ISOLATE OURSELVES FROM PEOPLE WHO COULD HELP US GROW
Being a person of faith does not mean becoming isolated from everyone who does not share our faith. We must maintain our convictions and boundaries, but we can still interact appropriately with people of different faiths.
DISCERNMENT IS BETTER THAN ISOLATION.
9. WE DO NOT HAVE A SYSTEM FOR SAVING
Proverbs 6 tells us to learn from the ant. The ant stores provisions.
Some people receive money today and consume everything today.
Then tomorrow they borrow.
IF YOU CANNOT SAVE SOMETHING, YOU MAY ALWAYS NEED TO BORROW SOMETHING.
Saving does not mean you must start with a huge amount. Start with discipline.
Dr Lawi Mshana, 0712924234, Tanzania
