Finances & Giving | Debt (What Keeps Us Enslaved): Strapped - Part 2

Springcreek Church - Garland, TX Podcast

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DEBT (What Keeps Us Enslaved)
Strapped - Part 2
Springcreek Church | Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
July 30, 2023
https://www.springcreekchurch.org/
#realspringcreekchurch #strapped #debt #finances #money #whatkeepsusenslaved
According to the latest studies, 2 out of every 5 Americans have lied to their significant other about pricey purchases, income levels, credit scores, or credit card debt. In fact, the younger you are (ie. Gen Z and Millennials) the more likely you’ve lied about finances. In fact, it’s more than half of them who have lied about money matters. Anything that has the power to produce that level of shame and secrecy is something that is crying out to be addressed. Come join us this weekend as we honestly and compassionately explore how debt is keeping us strapped and what to do about it.
SERIES: Strapped
This series is designed to address core financial topics of presumption, debt, greed, and generosity and leave you with a plan that better prepares you for the future regardless of what it may hold. Move you from feeling strapped to being set free.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Debt has been used as a mechanism for slavery throughout all history of the world whether that slavery is actual or metaphorical. Even though a person may not live their lives in chains, debt produces a relationship where one is bound, mentally, physically, and legally to another. According to Publilius Syrus, “Debt is the slavery of the free.” Of course, Scripture echoes this same sentiment when it tells us, The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender (Proverbs 22.7). Take some time to discuss this aspect of indebtedness. In particular, think of times when you felt particularly burdened by the money you owe(d). How did that feel? What pressures did that create? What strain did it put on relationships? Did you feel free?
2. There is tremendous dishonesty in our most intimate relationships here in America when it comes to money, what we pay, what we owe, what’s our credit standing and credit card balances. More than 40% of all Americans and a majority of Gen Z and Millennials have lied about these money matters to their spouse or significant other. What do you think about that? Why do you think people lie about these matters? Have you ever lied to someone you cared about in regard to something financial? What did you lie about? Were you ever found out? What was the result?
3. In order to break free from debt slavery, Pastor Keith suggested three principles that could lead to breaking free from debt slavery.
a.) Stop the bleeding – no new indebtedness
b.) Stay the course – take the route of slow but intentional discipline.
c.) Stand on God’s promises – the proven path out of fear is faith. Take the promises of God to heart and believe that by doing it His way, He will lead you to freedom.
Take some time to review the Scriptures referred to in this 3rd major point and share your reflections with the group about what they say, how they apply in your life, and how you have personally benefitted