Planning Ahead

1.  Introduction

· Good principle:  Start with the Finish in mind – or you will go off course.

· Applies to every area of your life:
e.g. Building a house
e.g. Establishing Business
e.g. Retirement
e.g. Family
e.g. Marriage

· Proverbs 22:3  “A prudent man foresees the evil & hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished”

Question:  How would you advice this man about his finances?

· He lived in one country but retires in a different new country

· The currency in his present country cannot be used in the country he retires

· What should he plan to do while he is alive?

E.g.  Indonesia - money cannot be used in N.Z.
Jesus taught on this issue, Matthew 6:19-24  - Note contend “Reward”.

2. Key Directions from Jesus:

i) “Lay up Treasure”

· This is the plan of God for every person – think ahead with your finances

· Lay up = 2343 Strongs = Thësaurizó = to amass, accumulate, heap up

· Treasure = wealth, riches, valuables

· Clear direction from Jesus to consider the future and plan to amass wealth

ii)  “Lay up – for yourself”

· The sole beneficiary of their treasure to be laid up is yourself

· What you do will benefit  you in the future

· No one else can do this for you – you personally responsible

· Not talking about selfishness, but being wise or being a fool

· Fool 
- does not think and plan ahead for his future
- lives in the hope that somehow it will work out OK!
- does not think with eternal perspective

· Luke 12:13-21 *“You fool!” - failed to plan for eternal future

· So is everyone who is rich to self – not rich to God
The issue is not having money – it is really a issue of perspective
a)  The money cannot be taken with you
b)  The money can be used to create future eternal

iii) “Lay up Treasurers in Heaven”

· As they say in Real Estate—location is everything

· E.g. If you build an expensive home on land and then find it was a dump and is subsiding steadily—value drops immediately

· Treasure on earth is uncertain—theft!

· Treasure on earth must be left behind

· The only place where treasure is safe, is in heaven

· Treasure in heaven will be enjoyed for eternity

iv) There is a Rival Master

· v13  “No man can serve two Masters”

· Master  = supreme ruler/Lord

· Key issue is one of loyalty – which one do you serve, listen to, yield to?

· Both masters talk to you and seek your attention

· Your behavior will reveal which master you serve

· Attitude:  Love/Hate  -  loveless, detest

· Hold/Despise  - think against,

· Where your treasure is there will be your heart.

· If not purposefully interest in the Kingdom of God – heart is not there

3.  How can you Transfer your Treasure?

· Key question: How can I develop/ accumulate wealth on earth?

· How can I transfer it ahead so that I can have a eternal treasure?

· Must do something with finances now

· Your behavior will reveal what you believe?,  what your priorities are?

· 1 Timothy 6:17 “Command them that are rich!”
“Command” is a directive – comes from Superior Commander

NOT:

i) Not High minded – arrogant, self important

ii) Not trust in money – uncertain!

DO:

iii) Trust in the Living God – bring, generous, kind, rewarding

iv) Enjoy what you have – celebrate life, enjoy all your possessions

v) Do good  =  Acts of kindness under direction of the Holy Spirit

vi) Generous= Use money to advance Gods interests!

vii) Communicate = Connect in vital relationships with other believers

Result:

· Lay up treasure for time to come!

· Seize hold of something that lasts forever!

 Core Issue = Faith!

· Faith that God is good, God is just  -  His word can be trusted!

· Faith that God will reward and the reward will more than compensate!