Dwight Fletcher | Money Matters Pt. 1

Today we start a new series on one of the most important issues we will face in this life – money. It is astounding when we consider the effect that money has on our lives. Problems surrounding finances have been repeatedly cited as the leading cause of divorce. Up to 90 per cent of populations cite money as the primary reason for stress. The advertising that surrounds us constantly convinces us to make more money, spend more money or save more money. It’s a big deal in our lives.

To put it another way, money matters. It matters to us and it matters to God. This is why Jesus often used the concept of money to teach principles while on earth. He knew that telling us to simply not care about money wouldn’t miraculously make money problems go away. Instead, we have to anchor our faith and actions on the principles of the Kingdom of God. As we apply the Principles of the Kingdom of God to every situation, including money, we get the results that God promises in His Word.

At its core, the message of Jesus throughout His earthly ministry was about us entering and operating in the Kingdom of God. Jesus came to give us access to the Kingdom through salvation. When talking to Nicodemus about the Kingdom in John 3:5 (NIV), Jesus said this, “ Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”

Jesus describes Himself as the door in John 10:7, as the gate in John 10:9, as the way in John 14:6 – all to the Kingdom of God. It’s clear that entering the Kingdom and operating like a Kingdom citizen was central to Jesus’ teaching. So, what exactly did Jesus teach about this topic?

For starters, He showed us that the Kingdom of God is more than just a place to go when you die. It’s actually better described as God’s current and prevailing rule over your heart. When you become a Christian, you become a citizen of the Kingdom of God. When you willingly submit to the authority of King Jesus, you become an ambassador of Christ operating on ‘foreign soil’ in this world.

Jesus also made it clear that the Kingdom of God is different from the kingdom of the world. In John 18:36 (NIV), He expressly told Pilate, “ My kingdom is not of this world.” His Kingdom is not limited by natural laws. His citizens have access to God’s supernatural presence. The superior rulership of His Kingdom frees you from many of the limitations of this natural world. For example, Jesus said, “… if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Luke 11:20 NIV). The Kingdom of God comes whenever something happens that only God can do. When we supernaturally heal the sick, raise the dead, cure diseases, cast out demons and take authority of the powers of darkness, we represent the Kingdom, and bring it to earth.

If you are a Christian, then operating as a citizen of the Kingdom of God is something that should become your first priority. Because as you submit to the ways of the Kingdom, the blessings of God start to accrue to your life.

So if you’re often overwhelmed about money it might be because you’re not approaching your finances as a Kingdom citizen. This is why we’re going to spend the next few weeks discussing the ways of the Kingdom as it relates to money. As we do, I pray that God will transform your approach to finances and give you breakthroughs in the areas you need. Join me next week Sunday as we discuss the first step to operating under the Kingdom constitutions.