FOUR STEWARDSHIP

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS

FOR ADULTS

Writer:
Rick Ellison
State Missionary
Alabama Baptist Convention
State Board of Missions

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Copyright 2007, Rick Ellison, Office of Sunday School, Alabama Baptist Convention, State Board of Missions in Montgomery.
Permission is granted to reproduce copies for use in the local church or association. Not for sale or resale.
This resource is made possible by the gifts of Alabama Baptists through the Cooperative Program.
 FOUR SPECIAL SUNDAY SCHOOL
LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF SOLOMON

BEING RICH TOWARDS GOD

40 SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES FOR LIFE MANAGEMENT

ADULT BIBLE STUDY LESSON PLANS WITH STUDENT LEARNING GUIDES

RICK ELLISON
OFFICE OF SUNDAY SCHOOL
ALABAMA BAPTIST CONVENTION
STATE BOARD OF MISSIONS

GOD IS A GIVER – SO SHOULD WE

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 1

 BEING RICH TOWARDS GOD
BY
RICK ELLISON

HOW TO USE THIS RESOURCE

This resource contains four Sunday School lessons. These lessons can be used as a series or each
as a stand-alone Bible study. The Learners’ Guide is provided first. Make as many copies as
needed for your church or the local association. The Teachers’ Guide follows with a plan for
teaching adults. Teachers should read the Learners’ Guide first and then use the Teachers’ Guide
to prepare.

BEING RICH TOWARDS GOD

40 SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES FOR LIFE MANAGEMENT

BIBLE STUDY #1
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
SCRIPTURE: ECCLESIASTES 5:10-20
KEY QUESTION: WHAT ARE SOME TRUTHS FROM GOD’S WORD THAT WILL HELP ME WITH
WEALTH MANAGEMENT?

BIBLE STUDY #2
MANAGING TIME – FAMILY – WORK AND CHRISTIAN SERVICE
SCRIPTURE: ECCLESIASTES 2:4-11, 2:18-26
KEY QUESTION: HOW DO I BALANCE MY TIME BETWEEN FAMILY, WORK AND CHRISTIAN
SERVICE?

BIBLE STUDY #3
ENTERTAINMENT – PLEASURE AND THE JOY OF GIVING AND SERVING
SCRIPTURE: ECCLESIASTES 2:4-11
KEY QUESTION: HOW DO I BALANCE ENTERTAINMENT, PLEASURE AND THE JOY OF GIVING
AND SERVING GOD IN MY LIFE?

BIBLE STUDY #4
BECOMING RICH BY GIVING
SCRIPTURE: ECCLESIASTES 11:1-2
KEY QUESTION: HOW DO I BECOME RICH BY GIVING?

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 2

 LESSON 1
Learners’ Guide
Being Rich Towards God
40 Spiritual Principles For Life Management
––Rick Ellison─

Wealth Management
It is easier to become a millionaire today than ever before in history. As a matter of fact, the
number of people becoming millionaires is increasing at an astonishing rate. The number of
millionaires is not only growing in the United States but around the world. It is a global
phenomenon.
While the number of the rich increase there is also another phenomenon to consider. Bankruptcy
is also growing at an astonishing rate. It has become woven into the fabric of our culture. High
consumer debt in conjunction with the loss of a job, illness, divorce or other unexpected
circumstances has made financial crises a reality. Add to these circumstances errors in money
management and lifestyle mistakes and there are problems leading to financial distress. The
United States Congress in recent years has recognized and has implemented legislation to
address the impact of bankruptcies in America.
Whatever our financial status God has entrusted to each of us a certain amount of wealth to
manage. God has a spiritual purpose in the use of our wealth. How will we manage what God has
given us?
As we study the Bible we can learn much wisdom from a man in the Old Testament named
Solomon. Solomon was the last king to reign over a united Israel. He was the son of David and
Bathsheba. The book of II Samuel reveals that when Solomon was born, God loved him and so
he was called Jedidiah, which means “beloved by the Lord”.
Solomon was a very wise and brilliant man. His wisdom was greater than the wise men of his
day and he was an expert in many subjects. He was also a great writer composing over a
thousand songs and over three thousand proverbs. Solomon’s wealth and fame spread through
the nations.

READ ABOUT SOLOMON’S WEALTH

I KINGS 10:14-29
What are some things that you notice about Solomon’s wealth?
Despite all of Solomon’s riches he struggled with the use of his wealth. As a matter of fact, his
wealth did not satisfy him.
READ ECCLESIASTES 5:10-20

Solomon understood that we can’t keep our wealth forever (Ecclesiastes 2:18). He understood
that our finances can cause us to worry (Ecclesiastes 2:22-23). It is certainly possible for us to
have a good job, income, and nice house but no peace of mind when it comes to our finances.

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 3

WHAT ARE SOME SPIRITUAL TRUTHS FROM GOD’S WORD THAT WILL HELP US
WITH WEALTH MANAGEMENT?
1. Don’t be a slave to buying things.
Psalm 49:17-20
2. Live within your income.
Matthew 6:21
3. Don’t become a slave to debt. Use debt wisely.
II Kings 4:1-7
4. Save money.
Psalm 144:13-15
5. Be a wise and thrifty shopper.
Proverbs 31:16-21
6. Communicate and be in agreement with your spouse about spending.
Ephesians 5:33
7. Teach your children and be a positive example about the use of wealth.
Proverbs 22:6
8. Manage your money and check book well.
II Timothy 6:17-19
9. Give of your tithes and offerings through the local church in obedience to Christ.
Malachi 3:8-10
10. Give generously to missions to win our world to Christ and fulfill the Great
Commission.
Matthew 28:19-20
I Corinthians 16:1-4

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 4

 LESSON 1
Teachers’ Guide
40 Spiritual Principles For Life Management
––Rick Ellison─
Wealth Management
(Begin with prayer)

CREATING A CLIMATE FOR LEARNING

Begin the Bible study by sharing how the number of millionaires and billionaires are growing in
the world. Review the information in the Learners’ Guide. You may want to do further research
on how the numbers of wealthy people are growing in the United States and around the world by
using the internet or other research.
You may also want to share that at the same time many people in our country are losing their
wealth due to circumstances stated in the Learners’ Guide.

PLEASE BE DIPLOMATIC BECAUSE SOME MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE PAIN OF

BANKRUPTCY.

NOTE: FINANCIAL CRISES COULD HAPPEN TO ANY OF US.

QUESTION FOR DISCUSSION. (A large class may break into groups to discuss the following
question and report back to the large group.)
What is the most difficult thing that people encounter about managing finances or wealth?

BIBLE BACKGROUND
Review the background information about Solomon in the Learners’ Guide. You may want to
add further information about Solomon.
NOTICE SOLOMON’S WEALTH – READ I KINGS 10:14-29.
QUESTION: What are some things that you notice about Solomon’s wealth?
As rich as Solomon was his wealth did not satisfy him.
READ ECCLECIASTES 5:10-20.
QUESTION: Why was Solomon not satisfied with his wealth?

APPLICATION
JESUS TALKED ABOUT MONEY MORE THAN ANY OTHER SUBJECT IN THE BIBLE.
QUESTION: What are some truths from God’s word that will help us with wealth management?

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REVIEW THESE PRINCIPLES.
1. Don’t be a slave to buying things.
Read Psalm 49:17-20
Question: Why do we become so consumed with buying things? Collecting more
things?
2. Live within your income.
Read Matthew 6:21
Question: Why do many people spend more than they earn?
3. Don’t become a slave to debt. Use debt wisely.
Read II Kings 4:1-7
Question: How does paying off our credit debt free us?
4. Save money.
Read Psalm 144:13-15
Question: Why is it difficult for many people to save money?
5. Be a wise and thrifty shopper.
Read Proverbs 31:16-21
Question: What are some ways that you have found to be a wise and thrifty shopper?
6. Communicate and be in agreement with your spouse about spending.
Read Ephesians 5:33
Question: Why does a lack of communication about spending cause problems in
marriages?
7. Teach your children and be a positive example about the use of wealth.
Read Proverbs 22:6
Questions: Why is it important for children to learn to bring their tithes and offerings
to church? What are other ways that we can be a good example to our children about
the use of wealth?
8. Manage your money and check book well.
Read II Timothy 6:17-19
Question: Is one spouse often better at paying the bills and keeping the check book?
9. Give of your tithes and offerings through the local church in obedience to Christ.
Read Malachi 3:8-10
Question: Why is giving our tithes and offerings an obedience issue with God? How
does our level of debt affect the giving of our tithes and offerings?
10. Give generously to missions to win our world to Christ and fulfill the Great
Commission.
Read Matthew 28:19-20, I Corinthians 16:1-4
Question: How does giving our money to missions work help and bless us personally?
Review the ten principles if time permits. Close in prayer.

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 6

 LESSON 2
Learners’ Guide
40 Spiritual Principles For Life Management
––Rick Ellison─
Managing Time – Family – Work – and Christian Service

Today there is a wave of philanthropy unlike anything witnessed in history. Historically some
multi-millionaires have given significant amounts of money to charities. Today, billionaires are
creating foundations. They are investing millions of dollars to help people around the world.
These men and women of note are doing more than donating enormous amounts of money. They
are using their business expertise and a commitment of time to make a difference in the world.
Many have overcome the challenges of managing time, family, work and service to others.
Most of us live busy and sometimes hectic lives. Yet, God is concerned with every detail of our
lives because he loves us so much. What would God through His holy word, the Bible, teach us
about managing our lives in such a way that we fulfill God’s will, experience satisfaction and joy
and bring glory to God?
Solomon was a man of great wisdom. He was busy at all kinds of work projects. He used his
time to build great houses, gardens, vineyards and orchards. He was extremely busy with huge
projects such building cities and water systems. Solomon was in charge of a large work force. He
received all kinds of wealth for his labor. The use of his time left him dissatisfied.
Added to Solomon’s busy schedule was a poor family life. Tragically, Solomon did not guard his
heart. As Solomon grew older his wives turned his heart to other gods. In the midst of his
business he eventually came to a point where his heart was not fully devoted to God.
READ I KINGS 11:4-10
At a point in Solomon’s busy schedule he surveyed what he had accomplished. As he balanced
time, work and family he was not happy.
READ ECCLESIASTES 2:4-11
Balancing our time between family, work and our service for Christ through our church can be
challenging. It can leave us tired and unhappy about life in general. Solomon came to understand
that our busy schedule without God equals dissatisfaction.
READ ECCLESIASTES 2:18-26
WHAT ARE SOME SPIRITUAL TRUTHS FROM GOD’S WORD THAT WILL HELP US
USE OUR TIME MOST WISELY?

1. Time is more valuable than money. We can make more money but not more time.
READ EPHESIANS 5:15-17
2. Set aside a specific time and place to spend alone with God each day in prayer and
Bible reading. Our time alone with God gives us strength and wisdom in life
management.

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 7

 READ EPHESIANS 3:14-21
3. Prayerfully consider the importance of spending adequate time with your spouse and
children. Commit to this quality time and don’t be diverted by doing things less
important. Specifically plan to spend time together.
EPHESIANS 6:1-4
4. Love the type of work you do and work hard. Don’t be lazy but don’t be a
workaholic. Work skillfully and with character.
READ ECCLESIASTES 2:24
5. Set goals for your life that glorify God. Organize your schedule.
READ PSALM 119:105
6. Commit time for service through the local church. Commit to membership and
service in community with fellow believers.
READ HEBREWS 10:24-25
7. Serve in a ministry through the church. Serve in a ministry that you have a passion for
and in which you are gifted.
READ PSALM 100:2
8. Give God generously of your time. Give Him more than an hour of your time each
week.
READ ROMANS 12:9-13
9. Schedule some specific times of rest.
READ MARK 6:30-31
10. Through time alone with God discover what He really wants you to accomplish with
your life.
READ II CORINTHIANS 9:8

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 8

 LESSON 2
Teachers’ Guide
40 Spiritual Principles For Life Management
––Rick Ellison─

Managing Time – Family – Work – and Christian Service

(Begin with prayer)

CREATING A CLIMATE FOR LEARNING

(Share)
Today, there are billionaires who are giving away their money. They are forming charitable
foundations to make our world a better place. After earning billions of dollars they are investing
both their money and time for charitable causes. They have discovered that making money in
itself does not give their lives significance. These billionaires are seeking to balance time,
family, business and service to make the world a better place.

(You may want to research on the internet the stories of billionaires giving their money to
charity.)

QUESTION FOR DISCUSSION:

(A large class may break into groups to discuss the following question and report back to the
large group.)
HOW DO WE MANAGE TIME – FAMILY – WORK AND HAVE TIME FOR CHRISTIAN
SERVICE?

BIBLE BACKGROUND
Review the background information about Solomon in the Learners’ Guide. You may want to
add further information about Solomon.

NOTICE SOLOMON’S WORK AND FAMILY LIFE. NOTICE HOW SOLOMON FAILED
AND WAS NOT FULLY DEVOTED TO GOD.
READ I KINGS 11:4-10

At a point in Solomon’s busy schedule he surveyed what he had accomplished. As he

balanced time, work and family, he was not happy.
READ ECCLESIASTES 2:4-11
QUESTION: Why can balancing time between family, work and our service for Christ through
the church leave us tired and unhappy?

SOLOMON CAME TO UNDERSTAND THAT OUR BUSY SCHEDULES WITHOUT

GOD EQUALS DISSATISIFACTION.

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 9

 READ ECCLESIASTES 2:18-26

APPLICATION
Review these principles.

WHAT ARE SOME SPIRITUAL TRUTHS FROM GOD’S WORD THAT WILL HELP US
USE OUR TIME MOST WISELY?

1. Time is more valuable than money. We can make more money but not more time.
READ EPHESIANS 5:15-17
QUESTION: What are some other ways that time is more valuable than money?
2. Set aside a specific time and place to spend alone with God each day in prayer and
Bible reading. Our time alone with God gives us strength and wisdom in life
management.
READ EPHESIANS 3:14-21
QUESTION: How does spending time alone with God help us to prioritize the use of
the rest of our time?
3. Prayerfully consider the importance of spending adequate time with your spouse and
children. Commit to this quality time and don’t be diverted by doing things less
important. Specifically plan to spend time together.
READ EPHESIANS 6:1-4
QUESTION: What are some things that we allow to take our time that are less
important than spending time with our families?
4. Love the type of work you do and work hard. Don’t be lazy but don’t be a
workaholic. Work skillfully and with character.
READ ECCLESIASTES 2:24
QUESTION: Can we show a positive Christian testimony by our behavior at our
jobs?
5. Set goals for your life that glorify God. Organize your schedule.
READ PSALM 119:105
QUESTION: As we organize our schedules which should have priority? The urgent
or the important?
6. Commit time for service through the local church. Commit to membership and
service in community with fellow believers.
READ HEBREWS 10:24-25
QUESTION: Why is service in the local church important to our spiritual growth and
health?
7. Serve in a ministry through the church. Serve in a ministry that you have a passion for
and in which you are gifted.

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 READ PSALM 100:2
QUESTION: Why are we happier serving in a ministry in which we have passion?
Are there times when we need to serve in a ministry where we have less passion?
8. Give God generously of your time. Give Him more than an hour of your time each
week.
READ ROMANS 12:9-13
QUESTION: Why is it important to give God more than just an hour of our time each
week?
9. Schedule some specific times of rest.
READ MARK 6:30-31
QUESTION: How does Jesus give us an example of the need to rest?
10. Through time alone with God discover what He really wants you to accomplish with
your life.
READ II CORINTHIANS 9:8
QUESTION: Why is discovering God’s specific will for you important to your
personal fulfillment?

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 11

 LESSON 3
Learners’ Guide
40 Spiritual Principles For Life Management

––Rick Ellison─
Entertainment – Pleasure – And the Joy of Giving and Serving God With Passion
Mega millions of dollars are spent each year in the United States in the pursuit of entertainment
and pleasure. Money is not the only commodity that is spent in the pursuit of pleasure. Time is
also spent in order to enjoy a diversion from the busyness of life. Notice some items where we
invest our money and time in the pursuit of rest, relaxation and enjoyment.

• Movies • Books • Recorded Movies

• Sports • Magazines • Radio
• Internet • Music • Recorded Music
• Video Games • Television • Vacations
• Trips • Eating out • Hobbies
• Historical pursuits • Shopping • Parties
• Plays • Sightseeing • Theme Parks

Pursuing wholesome entertainment has an important place in our lives. It can offer opportunities
of enjoyment with our families and friends. These experiences can give us precious memories
that we will never forget. We can enjoy much needed rest and restoration through these
experiences. It is central to our nature to desire happiness and joy.
There are two pitfalls to avoid in our quest for entertainment and pleasure.
1. Avoid living for the weekends or time off. God wants us to experience joy even in the
busy times of working.
2. Avoid the let down that can come after each entertainment experience. God wants us
to experience His joy in each experience of life.

In the Old Testament, Solomon was a man who tried entertainment and pleasure. Parties and
entertainment did not bring Solomon happiness and satisfaction. Notice what Solomon wrote.
READ PROVERBS 14:13
READ ECCELIASTES 2:1-3, 10-11
Consider this question. While there is nothing wrong with innocent fun, will entertainment help
us to escape from the burdens of life to the extent that there is true long term happiness?
The Bible gives us insights about the fact that our giving and service for God can cause us to
experience a higher peace and joy than mere entertainment. Solomon’s true happiness came from
his relationship with God. So does ours. When we experience the joy that comes from serving
Christ our other pursuits such as sports or vacations can even take on a greater meaning. They
can be used for the glory of God.

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WHAT ARE SOME SPIRITUAL TRUTHS FROM GOD’S WORD THAT WILL HELP US IN
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS AND JOY?
1. Understand that Jesus has come to give us abundant life.
READ JOHN 10:10
2. In the busyness of life, as believers we can sometimes take for granted our salvation
and how exciting it is that we are a part of God’s family and will go to heaven some
day. In the day to day details of life we can never forget that we have eternal life.
READ ROMANS 6:3-4
3. Some believers do not experience happiness and joy each day because of guilt from the
past or a feeling of low self esteem. Some may feel that they don’t deserve God’s love.
READ JOHN 3:17-18
4. Wholesome vacations, hobbies and entertainment have their place. These activities can
help us unwind and provide extended time with our family. Every good and pure gift
that we enjoy is a gift from God.
READ MATTHEW 7:11
5. God desires that we be a cheerful giver of our time, talents, tithes and offerings. True
joy comes from serving God and supporting His kingdom’s work.
READ II CORINTHIANS 9:7
6. Serving and giving our finances to God brings longer lasting happiness than
entertainment or hobbies.
READ II CORINTHIANS 9:6
7. Joy comes from serving God using our spiritual gifts and natural abilities.
READ I CORINTHIANS 12:4-5
8. The negative things that we think about the most takes away our happiness and controls
our joy.
READ PHILLIPPIANS 4:8
9. The more we submit to God to control our mind the happier we will be.
READ I CORINTHIANS 2:16
10. God desires that we develop a lifestyle of joyful, meaningful service.
READ PSALM 100:2

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 13

 LESSON 3
Teachers’ Guide
40 Spiritual Principles For Life Management
––Rick Ellison–
Entertainment – Pleasure – And the Joy of Giving and Serving God With Passion
(Begin with prayer)

CREATING A CLIMATE FOR LEARNING

Note that millions of dollars are spent each year in pursuit of entertainment and pleasure. On a
marker board or blank piece of poster board ask the class to brainstorm.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS WE DO FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND RELAXATION?
DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.
QUESTION #1: Why does pursuing wholesome entertainment and relaxation have an important
place in our lives?
QUESTION #2: Why is it important not to just live for the weekends and time off?
QUESTION #3: How do we avoid the let down after each entertainment or vacation experience?

BIBLE BACKGROUND
Review the background information about Solomon in the Learners’ Guide.
◦ NOTE THAT PARTIES AND ENTERTAINMENT DID NOT BRING SOLOMON
HAPPINESS AND SATISFACTION.
• READ PROVERBS 14:13
(Solomon wrote)
• READ ECCLESIASTES 2:1-3, 10-11
(Solomon wrote)
◦ QUESTION: Will innocent fun and entertainment give us true long term happiness?
◦ NOTE: OUR SERVICE AND GIVING TO GOD IS KEY TO EXPERIENCING A
LIFE OF PEACE AND JOY.

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 14

APPLICATION

1. Understand that Jesus has come to give us abundant life.

READ JOHN 10:10
QUESTION: Does being joyful and happy in Christ have any affect on our stress level,
health or even our outlook on life?
2. In the busyness of life, as believers we can sometimes take for granted our salvation
and how exciting it is that we are a part of God’s family and will go to heaven some
day. In the day to day details of life we can even forget that we have eternal life.
READ ROMANS 6:3-4
QUESTIONS: Should the fact that we have eternal life have an affect on our level of
happiness and joy each day? Why?
3. Some believers do not experience happiness and joy each day because of guilt from the
past or a feeling of low self esteem. Some may feel that they don’t deserve God’s love.
READ JOHN 3:17-18
QUESTIONS: Why is it important to understand that Jesus died on the cross for the
forgiveness of all our sins? Why is it important to receive God’s forgiveness as we
confess our sins as believers?
4. Wholesome vacations, hobbies and entertainment have their place. These activities can
help us unwind and provide extended time with our families. Every good and pure gift
that we enjoy is a gift from God.
READ MATTHEW 7:11
QUESTION: What are some good gifts that God gives us for our enjoyment?
5. God desires that we be a cheerful giver of our time, talents, tithes and offerings. True
joy comes from serving God and supporting His kingdom’s work.
READ II CORINTHIANS 9:7
QUESTION: Why is God delighted when we serve him cheerfully at church and in the
world?
6. Serving and giving our finances to God brings longer lasting happiness than
entertainment or hobbies.
READ II CORINTHIANS 9:6
QUESTION: Why is it that the more we give to God the more joy we receive?
7. Joy comes from serving God, using our spiritual gifts and natural abilities.
READ I CORINTHIANS 12:4-5
QUESTION: Why do we enjoy serving God more in the ministries and activities where
we are spiritually gifted and have natural ability?

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 15

 8. The negative things that we think about the most takes away our happiness and control
our joy.
READ PHILIPPIANS 4:8
QUESTION: How do we break the cycle of constantly dwelling on negative issues that
control our joy?
9. The more that we submit to God to control our mind the happier we will be.
READ I CORINTHIANS 2:16
QUESTION: What keeps us from submitting to God the control of our minds as we are
obedient to him and obey His word in the Bible?
10. God desires that we develop a lifestyle of joyful, meaningful service.
READ PSALM 100:2
QUESTION: How do we develop a lifestyle of joyful service?

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 16

 LESSON 4
Learners’ Guide

40 Spiritual Principles For Life Management

––Rick Ellison─
BEING RICH BY GIVING
Stop and reflect. What is the greatest gift you have ever received from another person? What is
the greatest gift you have ever given another person? Those two scenes may stir up pleasant
images in your mind. Those experiences in our memory may take us back in time to perhaps one
of the best days of our life.
As those memories stir in your mind consider another question. If you could learn one of the
most important truths ever recorded in the history of the world, would you incorporate it into
your life? Here’s the truth that God wants you to receive as a gift.

THE RICHEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD ARE THOSE WHO

HAVE DISCOVERED THE JOY OF BEING A GIVER.

If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior you have discovered the joy of
receiving. You have received the blessing of forgiveness of sins, an abundant life in God’s
family and an eternal place in heaven when you die. As one receives of God’s grace He desires
that we become like Him.

NOTICE: GOD IS A GIVER. HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES.

Genesis 1:1-5 God gave us the earth.
Genesis 1:27-28 God gave us physical life.
Genesis 12:1-3 God gave the nation Israel to be a witness to the other nations.
Exodus 14:27-31 God gave Israel the Promised Land.
Joshua 1:2
Exodus 31:18 God gave Israel His commandments.
I Kings 4:29 God gave Solomon wisdom.
Jeremiah 1:5 God gave the prophets to Israel.
Mark 14:22-25 God the Father gave His son Jesus.
Luke 23:46 Jesus gave His life on the cross.
Acts 1:8 God gave the church to be His witness to the world
John 3:16 perhaps is the greatest verse in the Bible on the giving of God.
“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in
Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 King James Version)
God desires that we continually become more like Him. God is a giver. He desires that we also
be a giver.

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 17

In the Old Testament, God had given to Solomon a great gift. God gave Solomon a “discerning
heart” (I Kings 3:9). It pleased God to give Solomon the gift of wisdom. Solomon became one of
the wisest men of all time.
It is however, a tragedy that Solomon did not use this wisdom wisely as he grew older. His wives
turned his heart to other gods.

READ I KINGS 11:1-10

ECCLESIATES 11:1-2
(Solomon spoke of investing in life.)
God is a giver and He desires that we be like Him. God desires that we experience the joy of
being rich towards him by giving. Solomon spoke of “casting bread upon the water.” Giving our
finances as God directs will give us blessings as He decides in the future.

WHAT ARE SOME SPIRITUAL TRUTHS FROM GOD’S WORD THAT WILL HELP US
DISCOVER HOW TO BE A GIVER?
1. God has given to us personally and richly.
Philippians 4:19
2. God desires that we enjoy the riches that He has given to us.
I Timothy 6:17
3. God desires that we be rich in good works toward others.
I Timothy 6:18-19
4. God commands that we give our tithes (10% of income) and offerings to Him as
givers.
Matthew 23:23
(Jesus taught us not to neglect the giving of tithes and offerings.)
5. God desires for us to express our love to Him by giving of our money and service.
Psalm 116:12
6. God desires that we give of our prayers, money and service in regard to His world
wide mission, and in cooperation with fellow churches. Southern Baptists have the
greatest system for giving to missions. When a church designates a percentage of its
offerings to be given for missions through the Cooperative Program, God’s work
around the world is supported.
Matthew 28:16-20
(The Cooperative Program is the best systematic way to support missions ever in the
history of Christianity.)
7. God knows that what we are most passionate about and think about the most is where
we want to give.
Matthew 6:21
8. God desires that we put the obtaining of things into perspective in regard to
happiness.
Ecclesiastes 5:10-11
9. God wants us to know that money does not solve all of our problems.
Psalm 4:5

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 18

 10. God brings about peace of mind more than money does.
Ecclesiastes 5:12

Being Rich Towards God Rick Ellison 19

 LESSON 4
Teachers’ Guide
40 Spiritual Principles For Life Management

––Rick Ellison─
Being Rich By Giving
(Begin with prayer)

CREATING A CLIMATE FOR LEARNING

Begin the Bible study by sharing about the greatest gift you have ever received.
QUESTION: What is the greatest gift you have ever received from another person?
Share about the gift you gave someone else that was most meaningful to you.

QUESTION: What is the most meaningful gift you have ever given to someone?

God has a wonderful gift for you today because you are a part of this Bible study. God is a giver
and there is a truth that He wants you to receive as a gift.

THE GIFT
THE RICHEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD ARE THOSE WHO
HAVE DISCOVERED THE JOY OF BEING A GIVER.

QUESTION: What is the greatest gift that God has given to you because of His grace?
As we receive God’s grace He wants us to be a giver.

BIBLE BACKGROUND
Review from the Learners’ Guide.

“NOTICE: GOD IS A GIVER.” HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES.

Review each example of how God is a giver from the Learners’ Guide. Prepare in advance
scripture strips with each scripture passage written on the strip. Hand these out at the beginning
of the class. As you review each way that God is a giver ask the person with the scripture strip to
read the verses. Be sure to give scripture strips only to those who feel comfortable looking up
scripture.
Note how John 3:16 is the greatest verse that we have on giving because God gave His only son
for our salvation. God wants us to become more like Him as we grow as a giver.
In the Old Testament, God had given to Solomon a great gift. God gave Solomon an
“understanding heart” (I Kings 3:9). Even though Solomon was one of the wisest men of all time

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he did not always use his wisdom wisely. As Solomon grew older his wives turned his heart to
other gods.
READ KINGS 11:1-10
READ ECCLESIASTES 11:1-2
(Solomon spoke of investing in life)
He spoke of “casting bread upon the waters.” Giving our finances as God directs will give
blessings decided upon by Him.

NOTE THIS TRUTH: God desires that we experience the joy of being rich towards Him by
giving.
APPLICATION
WHAT ARE SOME SPIRITUAL TRUTHS FROM GOD’S WORD THAT WILL HELP US
DISCOVER HOW TO BE A GIVER?

1. God has given to us personally and richly.

Read Philippians 4:19
QUESTION: What are some things God has given to you?
2. God desires that we enjoy the riches He has given to us.
Read I Timothy 6:17
QUESTION: How do we enjoy the riches God has given to us?
3. God desires that we be rich in good works toward others.
Read I Timothy 6:18-19
QUESTION: What are some good works we can do for others?
4. God commands that we give our tithes (10% of income) and offerings to Him as
givers.
Read Matthew 23:23
(Jesus taught us not to neglect the giving of tithes and offerings.)
5. God desires for us to express our love to Him by giving of our money and service.
Read Psalm 116:12
QUESTION: Can we ever repay God for all the good things He has done for us?
6. God desires that we give of our prayers, money and service in regard to his world
wide mission, and in cooperation with fellow churches. Southern Baptists have the
greatest system for giving to missions. When a church designates a percentage of its
offerings to be given for missions through the Cooperative Program, God’s work
around the world is supported.
Read Matthew 28:16-20
(The Cooperative Program is the best systematic way to support missions ever in the
history of Christianity.)
QUESTION: Why is it important for our spiritual health and our church’s health to
participate in and support missions?

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 7. God knows that what we are most passionate about and think about the most is where
we want to give.
Read Matthew 6:21
QUESTION: Is what we spend our money on an indication of where our heart is and
what we value in life?
8. God desires that we put the obtaining of things into perspective in regard to
happiness.
Read Ecclesiastes 5:10-11
QUESTION: Do we ever have the idea that buying things can bring us long term
happiness?
9. God wants us to know that money does not solve all of our problems.
Read Psalm 4:5
QUESTION: What problems will money solve and not solve?
10. God brings about peace of mind more than money does.
Read Ecclesiastes 5:12
QUESTION: What kind of peace of mind will money bring? What kind of peace of
mind will God give?

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