COMPASS CATHOLIC
FINANCIAL BIBLE STUDY
“THE VERSES”
COMPASS CATHOLIC MINISTRIES 1 FINANCIAL BIBLE STUDY
Week 1 Readings “Introduction”
Memory Verse: Luke 16:11 (This verse is the Compass theme.) “Therefore, if you have not been faithful in the use of worldly wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?”
Questions 3-5: Isaiah 55: 8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways my ways, says the Lord.”
Week 2 Readings “God‟s Part / Our Part” 2
Memory Verse: 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 “Everything in the heavens and earth is yours O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of all things. Riches and honor come from you alone, and it is at your discretion that people are made great and given strength.”
Day One
Question 3: Deuteronomy 10:14 “Behold, to the Lord your God belong the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it.”
Psalm 24: 1 “The earth is the Lord‟s and all it contains; even all who dwell in it.”
1 Corinthians 10: 26 “For the earth is the Lord‟s and all it contains.”
Question 4: Leviticus 25:23 “The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are aliens and sojourners with Me.”
Psalm 50: 10-12 “For every beast of the forest is Mine; the cattle, the birds and everything that moves in the field is mine. The world is mine and all it contains.”
Haggai 2:8 “The silver and gold are mine, declares the Lord of Hosts.”
Day Two (week 2): 3
Question 1: 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 (memory verse) “Everything in the heavens and earth is yours O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of all things. Riches and honor come from you alone, and it is at your discretion that people are made great and given strength.”
Psalm 135:6 “Whatever the Lord pleases, He does; in the heavens and in the earth; in the seas and the deep.”
Question 2&3: Sirach 10:4-5 “Sovereignty over the earth and the success of people are in the hands of God.”
Isaiah 40:21-24 “Have you not known from the foundations of the earth that it is He who sits above the circle of the earth. We are like grasshoppers to Him, and he rules the heavens and the earth. He reduces rulers to nothing. He merely blows on them, and they wither.”
Acts 17:26 “He made from one man every nation of mankind. He has appointed our time and the boundaries of our habitation.”
Day Three (week 2) 4
Questions 1-3: Genesis 45: 4-8 “Then Joseph said to his brothers, „Please come closer to me,‟ and they came closer. And he said, „I am your brother Joseph whom you sold into Egypt. Now, do not be angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to save your lives. The famine has been in the land these two years, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. God sent me before you to preserve our family and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. It was not you who sent me here but God, and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord over his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.”
Baruch 4:29: “For he who has brought disaster upon you will, in saving you, bring you back enduring joy.”
Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him; for those who are called according to His purpose.”
Day Four (week 2) 5
Questions 1-3: Psalm 34:9-10 “Those who honor the Lord will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing.”
Sirach 40:26 “The fear of God builds confidence better than riches. The fear of God is all we need. We will want nothing.”
Matthew 6:31-33 “For those who fear the Lord, there is no want. Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs through the glory of Christ Jesus.”
Day Five (week 2) 6
Question 1: 1 Corinthians 4:2 “It is, of course, required of stewards that they be found faithful and trustworthy.”
Question 2: Luke 16:1-2 “Then Jesus said to them, „A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, „What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.‟ ”
Questions 3&4: Luke 16:10 “The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones.”
Day Six (week 2)
Read the “God‟s Part/ Our Part” Notes pp 17-26
Week 3 Readings “Debt” 7
Memory Verse: Proverbs 22: 6 &7 “Raise up a child in the way that they should go, and, when they are older, they will not depart from it. Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Day One Questions 3&4: Deuteronomy 15:4-6 “Since the Lord, your God, will bless you abundantly in the land He will give you to occupy as your heritage, there should be no one of you in need. If you but heed the voice of the Lord and observe His commandments, you will lend to many nations, and borrow from none. None will rule over you, since the Lord, your God, will bless you as He promised.”
Deuteronomy 28:1-2&12 “If you continue to heed the voice of the Lord, and are careful to observe all His commandments, the Lord, your God, will raise you high above all the nations of the earth. When you obey the Lord, all these blessings will come upon you and overwhelm you. The Lord will open up for you His rich treasure house of the heavens, to give your land rain in due season, blessing all your undertakings, so that you will lend to many nations and borrow from none.”
Deuteronomy 28:15, 43-45 “But if you do not obey the Lord and observe His commandments, all these curses shall come upon you and overwhelm you: Aliens will rise higher and higher above you, while you sink lower and lower. They will lend to you. They will become the head and you the tail. All these curses will come upon you if you are disobedient until you are destroyed, because you would not obey the Lord, your God, nor keep His commandments.” Day Two (week 3) 8
Questions 1,2&3: Romans 13:8 “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
1 Corinthians 7:23 “You have been purchased at a price. Do not become slaves to human beings.”
Proverbs 22: 6 &7 (memory verse) “Raise up a child in the way that he should go, and, when he is older, he will not depart from it. Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Day Three (week 3)
Questions 1&2: Psalm 37:21 “The wicked borrow but do not repay; the just are generous in giving.”
Proverbs 3:27-28 “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it. If you can help your neighbor now, don‟t say, „Come back tomorrow and then I‟ll help you.‟ ”
Day Four (week 3) 9
Questions 1&2: 2 Kings 4:1-7 “A widow complained to Elisha: „My husband, your servant, is dead. You know that he was a God-fearing man, yet his creditor has come to take my two children as his slaves.‟
„How can I help you?‟ Elisha answered her. „Tell me what you have in the house.‟
„This servant of yours has nothing in the house but a jug of oil,‟ she replied.
„Go out,‟ he said, „borrow vessels from all your neighbors – as many empty vessels as you can. Then come back and close the door on yourself and your children. Pour the oil into all the vessels. As each is filled, set it aside.‟
She went and did so, closing the door on herself and her children. As they handed her the vessels, she would pour in oil. When all the vessels were filled, she said to her son, „Bring me another vessel.‟ Her son replied, „There is none left.‟ Then the oil stopped.
She went and told the man of God, who said, „Go and sell the oil to pay off your creditor. With what remains, you and your children can live.‟ ”
Day Five (week 3) 10
Question 1: Proverbs 22:26-27 “Do not give your hand in pledge or become surety for the debt of others; for, if you have not the means to pay, your bed will be taken from under you.”
Proverbs 17:18 “It is poor judgment to co-sign a friends debt.”
Sirach 8:13 “Whatever you lend, count it as lost.”
Question 2; Proverbs 6:1-5 “My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor, you have been snared by the utterance of your lips; caught by the words of your mouth. So, do this my son. Since you have been persuaded by your neighbor, hurry and go find him. Do not sleep until you are free from this burden.”
Day Six (week 3)
Read the Debt Notes pp 47-63
Week 4 Readings “Honesty and Counsel” 11 Memory Verses: Leviticus 19:11 “You shall not steal, nor lie, nor speak falsely to one another.” Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to advice is wise.”
Day One (week 4) Questions 3,4&5: Leviticus 19:11-13 “You shall not steal, nor lie, nor speak falsely to one another. You shall not swear falsely by My name thus profaning it. I am the Lord. You shall not defraud nor rob your neighbor. You shall not withhold overnight the wages of your day laborer.”
Deuteronomy 25:13-16 “You shall not keep two different weights in your bag, one large and the other small; nor shall you keep two different measures in your home, one large and the other small. Use a true and just weight and a true and just measure; that you may have a long life on the land which the Lord is giving you. Everyone who is dishonest in any of these matters is an abomination to the Lord, your God.”
Ephesians 4:25 “Put away falsehood, and tell your neighbor the truth, for we all belong to each other.”
CCC 2464 “It was said to the men of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ "
Question 5: Proverbs 14:2 “Those who follow the right path fear the Lord. Those who follow the wrong path despise Him.”
Question 6: Proverbs 26:27&28 “If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself. A lying tongue hates its victims, and flattery causes ruin.”
Sirach 20:25 “A liar‟s way leads to dishonor; his shame remains with him forever.”
Romans 13:9&10 “All God‟s commandments are summed up in this one commandment: „Love your neighbor as yourself.‟ So, love satisfies all of God‟s commandments.”
Day Two (week 4) 12
Question 1: Psalm 15:1-5 “A psalm of David: Lord, Who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell in your holy mountain? Whoever walks without blame and does what is right. Whoever speaks truth from the heart and does not slander a neighbor. Whoever does no harm to another and never defames a friend. Whoever disdains the wicked and honors those who fear the Lord. Whoever keeps an oath despite the cost and lends no money with interest. Whoever accepts no bribe against the innocent. Whoever acts like this shall never be shaken.”
Proverbs 20:7 “When a man walks in integrity and justice, happy are his children.
Proverbs 12:22 “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who are truthful are His delight.”
Isaiah 33:15-16 “He who practices virtue and speaks honestly; he who does not accept a bribe; he who closes his eyes lest he look on evil; he shall dwell on the heights. His stronghold will be like a fortress, and his food and drink in steady supply.”
Question 2: Proverbs 3:31&32 “Do not envy violent people; don‟t copy their ways. Such wicked people are an abomination to the Lord. He offers his friendship to the Godly.”
Sirach 7:13 “Delight not in telling lie after lie. It never results in good.”
Proverbs 21:6 “Wealth created by lying is a vanishing and deadly trap.”
Day Three (week 4) 13
Questions 1&2: Exodus 22:1-4 “A fine must be paid by anyone who steals an ox or sheep and then kills or sells it. If a thief is caught in the act of breaking into a house and is killed in the process, the person who killed the thief is not guilty. But, if it happens in daylight, the one who killed the thief is guilty of murder. A thief who is caught must pay in full for everything that was stolen, or sold as a slave to pay the debt….
Numbers 5:5-8 “The Lord said to Moses, Tell the Israelites: „If a man wrongs his neighbor, he shall confess the wrong he has done, restore his ill-gotten goods in full, and in addition give one fifth of their value to the one who was wronged.‟ ”
Luke 19:8 “But Zacchaeus said to the Lord, “I shall give half my possessions to the poor, and, if I have cheated someone, I shall repay four times over.”
CCC 2412 “If I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold."
CCC 2454 “Every manner of taking and using another's property unjustly is contrary to the 7th commandment. The injustice committed requires reparation.”
CCC 2487 “Every offense against justice and truth entails the duty of reparation, even if its author has been forgiven. When it is impossible publicly to make reparation for a wrong, it must be made secretly. “
Questions 3&4: Exodus 23:8 “Never take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the most clear-sighted and twists the words even of the just.”
Proverbs 15:27 “He who is greedy of gain brings ruin on his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.”
Day Four (week 4) 14
Questions 1&2: Proverbs 12:15 (memory verse) “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to advice is wise.”
Proverbs 15:22 “Plans fail when there is no counsel, but they succeed when counselors are many.”
Sirach 32:19 “Do nothing without counsel, and then you will have no regrets.”
Question 3: Psalm 16:7 “I bless the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart exhorts me.”
Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and show you the way, give you counsel and watch over you.”
Day Five (week 4) 15
Questions 1,2&3: Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.”
2 Timothy 3:16&17 “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for correction and for training in righteousness so that one who belongs to God may be competent and equipped for every good work.”
Hebrews 4;12 “The word of God is living and sharper than any two-edged sword.”
CCC 11 “This catechism aims at presenting an organic synthesis of the essential and fundamental contents of Catholic doctrine, as regards both faith and morals, in the light of the Second Vatican Council and the whole of the Church's Tradition. Its principal sources are the Sacred Scriptures, the Fathers of the Church, the liturgy, and the Church's Magisterium.”
Questions 4&5: Psalm 1:1-3 “Happy are those who do not follow the counsel of the wicked. Rather, the law of the Lord is their joy. They study God‟s law day and night. They are like a tree planted near the water that yields its fruit in season. Whatever they do prospers.”
Proverbs 12:5 “The plans of the Godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.”
Day Six (week 4)
Read the “Honesty &Counsel Notes” pp 79-94 Week 5 Readings “Generosity/Giving” 16
Memory Verse: Acts 20:35 “Keep in mind that Jesus said, „It is more blessed to give than to receive.‟ ”
Day One (week 5)
Questions 3&4: Sirach 35:7-9 “Pay homage to the Lord in a good spirit. Do not spare freewill gifts. Be cheerful with each contribution, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to God as He has given to you, generously according to your means.”
Mathew 23:23 “How terrible it will be for you Pharisees, you teachers of the law. Hypocrites! You are careful to tithe even the tiniest part of your income, but you ignore the more important things of the law – justice, mercy and faith. Yes, you should tithe, but you should not leave undone the more important things.”
1 Corinthians 13:3 “If I give away everything I own, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
2 Corinthians 9:7 “You must each make up your own mind how much you should give. Don‟t give reluctantly, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Day Two (week 5) 17
Question 1: Acts 20:35 (memory verse) “Keep in mind that Jesus said, „It is more blessed to give than to receive.‟ ”
Sirach 4:31 “Let not your hand be open to receive and closed when it is time to give.”
Question 2: Proverbs 11:24&25 “It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything. The generous prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
Matthew 6:19-21 “Store up your treasures in heaven where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.”
Tobit 4:7-11 “Give alms to the poor. Give alms in proportion to what you own so that God‟s face will not turn away from you. Almsgiving frees one from death and keeps one from going into the dark abode.”
Luke 12:34 “Wherever your treasure is, there also will be your heart.”
1 Timothy 6:18-19 “Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share. Thus, they will accumulate as treasure a good foundation for the future. In this way, they will win the life that is the true life.”
Day Three (week 5) 18
Question 1: Malachi 3:8-10 “Dare a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me in your tithes and offerings! You and the entire nation are accursed for robbing Me. Bring the whole tithe into My house, and I will open the floodgates of heaven to pour down blessings upon you without measure.”
Tobit 1:6-8 “I would often make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem as is required by our law. I would bring the first fruits of my fields and flocks together with a tenth of my income. I would present them to the priests, Aaron‟s sons. Also, I used to give a second tithe in money. This tithe I gave to the poor, the orphans and the widows. I did this to comply with the Mosaic Law and also the demands of Deborah, my grandmother. I was an orphan.
Question 2: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 “We want you to know of the grace of God that has been given to the churches of Macedonia. In the midst of affliction and poverty, their joy and generosity are impressive. I can testify that they give spontaneously and beyond their means. They give themselves first to the Lord and then to us through the will of God.”
Day Four (week 5) 19
Question 1: Numbers 18:8-10, 24 “The Lord said to Aaron, „I have given you charge of the contributions made to Me by the Israelites. I have assigned them to you and your sons who are the priests. As priests, you shall have the right to share in the offerings as they will accrue to you and your sons. You will treat them as most sacred; as if they belong to you.‟ ”
Galatians 6:6 “Those who are taught the word of God should help their teachers (priests) by paying them.”
1 Timothy 5:17&18 “Elders (priests) who do their work well should be paid well, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the scripture says, „Those who work deserve their pay.‟ ”
Day Five (week 5) 20 Question 1: Sirach 29:8,9&11 “Be generous to a poor man. Don‟t keep him waiting for your alms. Help the needy. Do not send them away empty-handed. Doing as God has instructed with your possessions will profit you more than gold.”
Isaiah 58:6-11 Ezekiel 16:49&50 “The kind of fasting that I want calls for you to free those who are wrongly imprisoned, and stop oppressing those who work for you. Treat your workers fairly, and give them what they earn. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need help. If you do these things, your salvation will come like the dawn. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the Lord will protect you from behind. Then, when you call, the Lord will answer, and He will quickly reply. The lord will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry.”
Question 2: Matthew 25:35-45 “For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. Then these righteous ones will reply, „When did you see me, and I did not do these things?‟ The Lord will reply, „Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for these least brothers of mine, you did for me.‟ Then, He will say to those on his left, „Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.‟ They will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
Question 3&4 Galatians 2:9&10 “When James, Kephas and John, pillars of the church in Jerusalem, recognized the grace that God had bestowed upon me (Paul), they gave me and Barnabus their right hands in partnership that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised (the Jews). They reminded us to care for the poor which was the very thing I intended to do.”
Day Six (week 5) Read the “Generosity/Giving” Notes pp 106-117. Week 6 Readings “Work” 21
Memory Verse: Colossians 3:23&24 “Whatever your task, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men… You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Day One (week 6)
Questions 3&4: Genesis 2:15 The Lord God then took the man and settled him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and care for it.”
Genesis 3:17-19 “To the man He said, „Because you listened to your wife and ate from the forbidden tree, the ground will be cursed. You shall toil to eat its yield all the days of your life. Thorns and thistles shall hinder you as you eat of the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face shall you get bread to eat until you return to the ground. For you are dirt and to dirt you shall return.‟ ”
Question 5: CCC 2427 “Human work proceeds from persons created in the image of God and called to prolong the work of creation by subduing the earth, with and for one another. Hence, work is a duty: ‘If any one will not work, let him not eat.’ Work honors the Creator's gifts and the talents received from Him.”
Exodus 20:9&10 “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day you shall rest. The seventh day shall be dedicated to the Lord your God.”
2 Thessalonians 3”10-12 “If anyone will not work, neither should they eat. We hear that some of you are disorderly, not keeping busy and minding the business of others. You should work quietly and eat your own food.”
Day Two (week 6) 22
Questions 1&2: Genesis 39:2-5 “The Lord was with Joseph, and he was assigned to the household of his Egyptian master. The master saw that the Lord was with Joseph and brought him success in every endeavor. The master put Joseph in charge of his household and all his possessions. The Lord blessed the master‟s possessions from the moment that Joseph was placed in charge. He blessed the master‟s possessions both inside and out.”
Exodus 35:30-35 “Moses said to the Israelites, „The Lord has chosen Bezalel of the tribe of Judah, and has filled him with a divine spirit of understanding and skill in every craft. He has also given him and Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has endowed them with all these skills, arts and crafts.‟ ”
Psalm 75:5-7 “Don‟t lift your fists at the heavens. Don‟t speak arrogantly in rebellion. No one on earth can raise another person up in rank. It is God alone who judges and decides who will rise and who will fall.”
Day Three (week 6) 23
Questions 1&2: Ephesians 6:5-9 “Slaves, be obedient to your masters as to Christ; not only when being watched, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Whether slave or free, each will be accountable to the Lord for the good or bad that he does. Masters, act in the same way toward your slaves, and stop bullying them; knowing that, like your slaves, you have a Master in heaven who shows no partiality.”
Colossians 3:22-25 “Slaves, obey your masters from your hearts. Do your work as for the Lord knowing that your Lord will reward you in due time. Be slaves of Christ Jesus. The wrongdoer will receive his just reward. There is no partiality.”
1 Peter 2:18 “Slaves, be subject to your masters with all reverence, not only to those who are good and equitable but also to those who are perverse.”
Day Four (week 6) 24
Questions 1&2: Proverbs 6:6-11 “Observe the ant, O sluggard, study her ways and learn her wisdom. The ant has no chief, no commander or ruler. She gathers her food in the summer storing up her provisions in the harvest. How long will you rest, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? Alas, poverty will come upon you like a highway man, and want like an armed robber.”
Proverbs 18:9 “A lazy person is like someone who destroys things.”
2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 “You should imitate us, for we did not act foolishly when we were among you, nor did we eat food that we did not work for. We worked very hard so as not to burden you. We wanted to present ourselves as a model for you.”
Questions 3&4: Exodus 34:21 “For six days you may work, but on the seventh day you shall rest. You must rest on that day even during the seasons of plowing and harvesting.”
CCC 2184 “Just as God rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done, human life has a rhythm of work and rest. The institution of the Lord's Day helps everyone enjoy adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, social, and religious lives.”
Day Five (week 6) 25 Questions 1&2: Proverbs 31:10-28 “When one finds a virtuous wife, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize. She brings him good and not evil all the days of his life. She obtains wool and flax and makes cloth with skillful hands. Like merchant ships, she secures her provisions from afar. She rises while it is still night, and distributes food to her household. She picks out a field to buy; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is strong, and sturdy are her arms. She enjoys the success of her dealings; at night her lamp is undimmed. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle. She reaches out her hands to the poor and extends her arms to the needy. She fears not the snow for her family; they are all doubly clothed. She makes her own coverlets; fine linen and purple are her clothing. Her husband is prominent at the city gates among the elders of the land. She makes garments and sells them, and stocks the merchants with belts. She is clothed with honor and dignity, and she welcomes the days to come. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and on her tongue is kindly counsel. She watches the conduct of her family and eats not her food in idleness. Her children rise up and praise her; her husband too extols her saying: „There are many virtuous women in the world, but you surpass them all.‟ Charm is deceptive; beauty does not last, but a godly woman is praised. Reward her for all she has done; praise her deeds to the people.”
Titus 2:1-8 “Promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching. Teach the men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect and to live wisely. Teach the women to live a godly life. They must not gossip, and they must not be heavy drinkers. The older women must train the younger women in what is good; that they should love their husbands and children; take care of their homes and that they should be submissive to their husbands. The young men should live wisely in all they do. As an example, you must do good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. If we teach and live like this, others won‟t have anything bad to say about us.
Day five (week 6) continued 26
Questions 3,4&5: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 “Don‟t be partners with those who are unbelievers. How can goodness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? For, we are the temple of the living God. God said, „I will be their God, and they will be my people. I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters says the Lord God almighty.‟ ”
Day Six (week 6)
Read the Debt Notes pp 127-137
Week 7 Readings “Saving & Investing” 27 Memory Verses: Proverbs 21:20 “Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool consumes it all.” Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent are sure of profit, but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty.”
Day One (week 7) Questions 3&4: Genesis 41:33,34-36 “Joseph said to Pharaoh, „My suggestion is that you find the wisest man in Egypt and put him in charge of a nationwide program. Collect one fifth of all the crops during the seven good years and put it into the royal storehouses. Then there will be enough to eat when the seven years of famine come. Failing this, disaster will surely strike the people.‟ ”
Proverbs 21:20 (memory verse) “Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool consumes it all.”
Proverbs 30:24&25 “Among the smallest and wisest things on earth are ants. They aren‟t strong, but they store up food for the winter.”
Sirach 25:3 “What you have not saved in your youth, how will you acquire it in your old age?”
Questions 5&6: Luke 12:16-21,34 Jesus told them a parable, “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. The man said, „What shall I do since I do not have the space to store my harvest? This is what I shall do. I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones so that I can store it all. Then I will rest, eat, drink and be merry for I want for nothing.‟ But, God said to him, „You fool, this night your life will be taken from you. Who will own all your possessions then?‟ Such is the fate of one who stores up treasure for himself alone. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.‟” Day Two (week 7) 28
Question 1: 1 Timothy 5;8 “Whoever does not provide for relatives and especially family members has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Question 2: I Timothy 6:9 “Those who want to be rich are falling into a trap, into many foolish desires which plunge them into ruin.”
Question 3: 1 Timothy 6;10 “For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people, in their desire for money, have strayed from the faith and caused themselves many pains.”
Question 4: 1 Timothy 6;11 But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness.”
Day Three (week 7) 29
Question 1: Proverbs 21:5 “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”
Proverbs 24:27 “ Develop your business first before building your house.”
Proverbs 27:23&24 “God said to Abraham, „Watch your flocks, and give careful attention to your herds, for riches don‟t last forever, perhaps not until the next generation.‟ ”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is an appointed time for everything and a time for every affair under the heavens.”
Ecclesiastes 11:2 “Diversify your assets among seven or eight portions, for you know not what risks might lay ahead.”
Day Four (week 7) 30
Question 1: Genesis 24:35&36 “The Lord has blessed my master (Abraham) abundantly. He is a wealthy man with flocks, herds, silver and gold, male and female slaves and camels and asses.”
Proverbs 13:22 “The good man leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren, but the sinner‟s wealth is distributed to the just.”
2 Corinthians 12;14 “Paul said, „Now I am ready to come to you not as a burden, for I don‟t want what is yours; I want you. Children ought not to save for their parents, but parents for their children.”
Question 2; Proverbs 20:21 “An in heritance gained early in life is not a blessing in the end.
Galatians 4:1&2 “As long as the heir is not of age, he is no different than a slave, although he owns everything. He is under the supervision of guardians until the date set by his father.”
Day Five (week 7) 31
Questions 2&3: Proverbs 28:20 “The trustworthy man will be richly blessed. He who is in haste to grow rich will not go unpunished.”
Proverbs 28:22 “The greedy person tries to grow rich quickly, but it only leads to poverty.”
Day Six (week 7)
Read the Debt Notes pp 151-163
Week 8 Readings “Crisis & Perspective” 32
Memory Verses: Philippians 4;11-13 “For I have learned to be content in any and all circumstances. I have learned the secret of facing plenty as well as hunger; abundance as well as want. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Day One (week 8)
Question 3: Romans 8:31-35 “What can we say about such wonderful things as this? If God is for us, who can be against us? If God did not spare his son, Jesus, who gave himself for us, won‟t He also give us everything else. Who then will condemn us? Will Christ Jesus? No, for He is the one who died for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us. Does it mean that Christ doesn‟t love us if we have trouble or calamity? No, nothing can separate us from Christ‟s love.”
Daniel 4:31&32 Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar‟s dream (This took place in the royal palace in Babylon which is present day Baghdad, Iraq.): “You will no longer be ruler of this kingdom. You will be driven from human society, and live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Seven years will pass until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone He chooses.”
Jeremiah 32:17 “O sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power. Nothing is too hard for you.”
Day Two (week 8) 33
Questions 1&2: Romans 8:28-29 “We know that everything works together for good for those who love God and keep His commandments. God‟s son Jesus is like our older brother, and we are God‟s children.”
Questions 3&4: Sirach 2:1-11 “When you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Be unfazed by adversity. Cling to God, and your future will be great. Accept your challenges; be patient for gold is tested in fire. Worthy men are tested in the crucible of humiliation. Trust God, and He will help you. Wait for his mercy. Your reward will not be lost. Has anyone persevered in the Lord and been forsaken?”
James 1:2-4 “Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful. This is God‟s will for you who are Christians.”
Day Three (week 8) 34 Questions 1&2: Matthew 7:24-25 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won‟t collapse because it is built on rock.” Question 3: Deuteronomy 30:15&16 God to the Israelites: “If you obey the commandments of the Lord, loving Him and walking in His ways, you will live and grow numerous, and the Lord will bless you in the land that you are entering to occupy.”
Joshua 1:8 God to the Israelites: “Keep the law on your lips. Recite it by day and night. Obey the law, and you will achieve your goals.”
Hebrews 11:36-40 “ Others endured mockery, scourging, chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, sawed in two, and put to death at sword‟s point. They were tormented. The world was not worthy of them.
Question 4&5: Genesis 37:23-28 “So, when Joseph arrived, his brothers pulled off his beautiful robe and threw him into a pit. Later, they sold him to a group of Ishmaelite traders who were taking their goods to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers, „What can we gain from killing our brother? That would just give us a guilty conscience. Let‟s not be responsible for his death.‟ The brothers sold him to the traders for twenty pieces of silver. The traders took Joseph off to Egypt.”
Genesis 41:12-41 “Pharaoh summoned Joseph to interpret his dream. Joseph was brought quickly from the dungeon. Joseph said to Pharaoh, „God will tell you what it means, not I.‟ Joseph stated
Day Three (week 8) continued 35 that both dreams meant the same thing. “There will be seven good years when your harvests will be bountiful and great prosperity will prevail throughout Egypt. But afterward, the next seven years will see a famine so severe that the memory of the good years will be wiped out. My suggestion is that you find the wisest man in Egypt and put him in charge of a nationwide program. Collect one fifth of all the crops during the seven good years and put it into the royal storehouses. Then there will be enough to eat when the seven years of famine come. Failing this, disaster will surely strike the people.‟ ”
2 Corinthians 11:23-27 (Paul complains) “They say they serve Christ, but I have served Him far more. I have worked harder, been whipped often and put in jail many times. Five different times the Jews gave me 39 lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned. I have faced danger in the cities and in the desserts far more than men who claim to be Christians but are not. I also have the burden of how the churches are getting along.”
Question 6: Psalm 73:1-20 “How good God is to the upright. But, I lost my balance; my feet slipped. I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They suffer no pain. Their bodies are sleek and healthy. They are free of the burdens of life. Pride adorns them like a necklace; violence clothes them like a robe. So my people turn to them and drink deeply of their words. They say, „Does God really know or really care?‟ Though I tried to understand all this, it was too difficult for me. Then I entered the sanctuary of the Lord and came to understand their end. You set them on a slippery road, and you hurl them down to ruin. They are like a dream after waking, Lord, dismissed like shadows when you arise. Day Four (week 8) 36
Questions 1-3: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 “You must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey; when you are lying down and when you are getting up.”
Proverbs 22:6&7 “Raise up a child in the way that they should go, and, when they are older, they will not depart from it. Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.”
Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Question 4; Matthew 5:25&26 “Come to terms quickly with your enemy unless you be dragged into court, handed over to an officer and thrown into jail. I assure you that you won‟t be free again until you have paid the last penny.”
Matthew 22:17-22 “„Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?‟ Jesus answered, „Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the tax. Whose image is this and whose inscription is on this coin?‟ „Caesar‟s,‟ they said. Jesus replied, „Then render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.‟”
Romans 13:1-7 “Every person should obey the authorities. There is no authority except from God. Therefore, it is necessary to be subject not only because of wrath but also because of conscience. This is why you pay taxes. The authorities are ministers of God. Pay honor and respect to whom they are due.”
Day Five (week 8) 37 Questions 1&2: Sirach 29;23 “Be it little or much, be content with what you have, and pay no heed to those who would disparage your home.”
Philippians 4;11-13 memory verse “For I have learned to be content in any and all circumstances. I have learned the secret of facing plenty as well as hunger; abundance as well as want. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
1 Timothy 6:6-8 “Indeed, faith with contentment is a great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and we will take nothing out of it.”
Questions 3-5: Acts 4:32-37 “The community of believers had everything in common, and no one claimed any possessions as their own. The apostles bore witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and great favor was accorded to them all. No one was needy among them, for those who owned property would sell it bringing the proceeds of the sale to the apostles who distributed to each according to their need. Barnabas (translated „son of encouragement‟) sold a piece of property and gave the proceeds to the apostles.”
1 Thessalonians 4:11&12 “Try to live a tranquil life, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your own hands. Conduct yourselves properly to outsiders and don‟t depend on them”
Day Six (week 7)
Read the Debt Notes pp 181-202
Week 9 Readings “Eternity” 38 Memory Verse: Mark 8:36 “What profit is there if you gain the whole world and lose your soul?”
Day Two (week 9)
Question 1: Psalm 39:4-6 “Lord, let me know my end, the number of my days so that I may know how frail I am. You have given my days a very short span. My life is as nothing before you. All mortals are but a breath.”
Psalm 103:13-16 “Like a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on the faithful. He knows how we are formed and remembers that we are dust. Our days are like the grass; like flowers of the field. The wind sweeps over us, and we are gone.”
Questions 2-4: Psalm 90:10-12 “Seventy is the sum of our years, or eighty, if we are strong. Most of our days are sorrow and toil. They pass quickly, and we are gone. Teach us to make the most of our time so that we may grow in wisdom.”
Day Three (week 9) 39
Question 1: 1 Chronicles 29:15 “We stand before you as aliens. We are only your guests. Our life on earth is like a shadow that does not abide.”
Philippians 3:20 “Our true citizenship is in Heaven, and from Heaven we await our savior, Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:11 “I urge you as aliens and foreigners to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your soul.”
Question 2&3: 2 Peter 3:10-13 “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. The heavens and earth will pass away with a mighty roar. Everything done on it will be found out. Because of this, what sort of persons ought you to be? Conduct yourselves in holiness and devotion anticipating the coming of the Lord. He has promised that we will have new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”
Day Four (week 9) 40
Question 1: Ecclesiastes 12:13&14 “In conclusion, fear God and keep his commandments, for this is everyone‟s duty. God will judge us for everything we do – both good and bad.”
2 Corinthians 5:9&10 “Our aim is to please Him always. For we must all stand in front of Christ to be judged for both the good and the evil that we have done.”
Questions 2-4: 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 “No one can lay any other foundation other than the one we have, Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on that foundation, that building will stand at the judgment. Fire will test the quality of each one‟s work. The smart builders will be saved, but the unwise builders will be saved only through a wall of flames.”
Day Five (week 9)
Question 1-4: 2 Corinthians 4:18 “Look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for your troubles that are seen will pass away, but the joys to come will last forever.”
Day Six (week 7)
Read the Debt Notes pp 219-228