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Financially Successful | Firm Foundation | Week 3
Mike Wilson
Building a Firm Foundation: How to Be Financially Successful
In the “Firm Foundation” teaching series, week three explores an essential but often challenging topic—financial success. Many people struggle with finances, but understanding biblical principles can lead to a life of financial freedom and stewardship. Jesus teaches a different approach to success, one that prioritizes contentment, generosity, and trust in God rather than merely accumulating wealth.
Defining Financial Success
The world defines financial success as having all you need and at least some of what you want. However, Jesus provides a radically different perspective. In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul writes,
I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
True financial success comes from contentment. While society constantly urges people to seek more—more money, more possessions, more experiences—the Bible calls believers to be satisfied with what God provides. Living within one’s means and trusting God for provision is a key element of being financially successful.
Creating Boundaries for Financial Success
To be financially successful, one must establish boundaries that prevent reckless spending and unnecessary debt. Jesus teaches that wisdom includes planning for the future and being good stewards of what God has entrusted. Luke 14:28 states,
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?
Many people struggle financially because they do not set financial limits. Whether it’s avoiding unnecessary debt, creating a budget, or saving for emergencies, wise financial planning is essential. As Christians, it is vital to ensure financial choices align with God’s principles rather than the pressures of the world.
The Principle of First Fruits
One of the foundational biblical principles regarding finances is tithing. Malachi 3:10 declares,
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do," says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in. Try it! Put me to the test!
Tithing is not about God needing money; it is about trust. When believers give the first 10% of their income to God, they demonstrate faith that He will provide for their needs. Many testimonies affirm that those who faithfully tithe experience God’s provision in ways they never expected.
Investing Wisely and Avoiding Debt
Financially successful people understand the importance of investing wisely and avoiding unnecessary debt. Proverbs 22:7 warns,
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Debt can become a financial and spiritual burden, limiting a person’s ability to give generously and live with peace.
By making wise investments and avoiding unnecessary financial commitments, believers can ensure they have the resources to bless others and fulfill God’s calling in their lives. It is essential to plan carefully, seek wise counsel, and live below one’s means to achieve long-term financial success.
Hard Work and Generosity
Being financially successful is not about hoarding wealth but using it for God’s purposes. Paul instructs in 1 Timothy 6:18-19,
Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
Jesus never condemned wealth but emphasized using it wisely. Hard work, diligence, and ethical financial practices lead to financial success, but the ultimate goal is generosity. A financially successful person understands that everything they have belongs to God and should be used to further His kingdom.
Contentment and Trusting God
At the heart of financial success is trust in God’s provision. Jesus reassures His followers in Matthew 6:31-33,
So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.
Many people strive for financial success by their own strength, but lasting peace comes from relying on God. By seeking His will and following biblical financial principles, believers can experience both financial stability and spiritual growth.
Practical Steps to Financial Success
Create a Budget – Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Having a financial plan helps ensure that spending aligns with biblical values.
Avoid Unnecessary Debt – Paying off existing debts and avoiding new ones provides freedom to give and invest in God’s kingdom.
Tithe Faithfully – Giving to God first demonstrates trust and aligns finances with His priorities.
Save and Invest Wisely – Setting aside resources for the future ensures stability and the ability to bless others.
Live Below Your Means – Prioritizing needs over wants helps maintain financial peace.
Give Generously – Financial success is not measured by accumulation but by the ability to bless others.
Conclusion
Being financially successful from a biblical perspective is about more than just wealth—it is about stewardship, contentment, and generosity. Jesus calls believers to seek first His kingdom, trusting that He will provide for their needs. By living wisely, giving faithfully, and managing resources well, every believer can build a firm foundation for financial success.
Through applying these principles, believers can find peace and purpose in their financial lives, knowing they are honoring God with their resources. Ultimately, true financial success is not measured by bank accounts but by a life lived in alignment with God’s plan.
Learn what it means when you give to New Life and begin your journey of living generously.
Did you like Firm Foundation – Week 3 – Financially Successful? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.
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