Key Verses – Matthew 25:14 - “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 
1 Corinthians 4:2 - Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
 
a prudent spender IS A cautious debtor 3rd.  *Debt is not inherently evil, but can lead to financial bondage.
 
1● Cultural Messages
A○ Debt is expected and a normal part of life.     B○ Debt is unavoidable in modern society.     C○ There’s nothing wrong with being in debt.
 
 
2● The Mind and Heart of God – Spiritual Dangers of Debt
A○ Debt robs us of freedom
Proverbs 22:7 - The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
B○ Debt presumes on the future
James 4:14 - Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
C○ Debt denies God the opportunity to provide for us and to teach us through denial
Luke 12:30-31 - For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
D○ Debt fosters envy and greed
Luke 12:15 - Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
E○ Debt is contrary to contentment
Philippians 4:11-12 - 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
1 Timothy 6:8 - But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
 
 
3● The Cautious Debtor – one who avoids entering into debt, is careful and strategic when incurring debt, and always repays debt.
 
A○ Debt can be efficient or inefficient
1■ Efficient debt is incurred on something that is likely to increase in value
a● House Mortgage, Education, Business
b● These can be good or bad, depending on the circumstances.
2■ Inefficient debt is incurred on depreciating assets that lose value
a● Consumer debt (credit cards, etc.), auto loans
3■ “OK” debt can be paid off under today’s circumstances.  (Ex, have money to pay cash, but buy on credit card to get cash back, & pay off monthly)
 
B○ Guidelines for debt
 
1■ For those struggling financially:  eliminate inefficient debt
a● Avoid going into debt (or going further into debt)
Proverbs 22:7 - The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
b● Create a plan to pay off inefficient debt as quickly as possible
Psalm 37:21 - The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;
c● Consider whether debt is a symptom of a deeper problem
1○ Discover/eliminate the issue (lack of contentment, emotional buying, insecurity, competition, etc.)
2○ Limit exposure to temptation when shopping online or in store, & don’t grocery shop while hungry ;0)
Matthew 6:13 - And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
 
2■ For those with means:  harness efficient debt  (in addition to eliminating inefficient debt)
a● Consider opportunities to leverage efficient debt to maximize returns (Ex, invest instead of paying off mortgage early)
b● Consider occasions to use debt to provide opportunities (Ex, a loan to start a business that creates jobs)
 
Here’s What I Want us To Do this WEEK
1.  Commit to be a Cautious Debtor - who Avoids entering into debt, is Careful & Strategic when incurring debt, & Pays Off inefficient debt as quickly as possible. 
 
2.  Do the Daily Devotions & Assignments for Week 6 – Cautious Debtor in the FreedUp App.