Class Lesson August 14, 2016

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE

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The world of financial investing can be a virtual minefield. Some advisors are only in it to make a quick buck and offer little support to their clients. Other advisors can overwhelm you with too many options and not enough information. Yet, navigating fiscal waters without guidance can be hazardous to your economic health. 

Countless people have lost their entire life savings by making emotional, knee-jerk reactions to the natural ebb and flow of our economy. Ours has become an instant gratification society, so that we no longer are cultivating patience and persistence through waiting and trusting. If their investments don’t turn around instant returns, many people quickly move to the next “big idea” with very little thought.

Solomon knew the danger of the quick fix and warned readers to invest wisely and wait patiently. The law of the harvest takes time, but it yields a bountiful crop to those who are diligent and willing to work—and patient enough to wait.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 (HCSB)

1 Send your bread on the surface of the waters, for after many days you may find it. 2 Give a portion to seven or even to eight, for you don’t know what disaster may happen on earth. 3 If the clouds are full, they will pour out rain on the earth; whether a tree falls to the south or the north, the place where the tree falls, there it will lie. 4 One who watches the wind will not sow, and the one who looks at the clouds will not reap. 5 Just as you don’t know the path of the wind, or how bones develop in the womb of a pregnant woman, so you don’t know the work of God who makes everything. 6 In the morning sow your seed, and at evening do not let your hand rest, because you don’t know which will succeed, whether one or the other, or if both of them will be equally good.

 

Leading up to Ecclesiastes 11, Solomon admitted we face great uncertainty regarding the future, while at the same time assuring us God has it all under control (Ecclesiastes 9:1). In light of this, the wise king offered some tips for smart living.

Diversification is the mantra of most financial advisors today. They encourage their clients to invest in bonds, stocks, real estate, and numerous other options. But this financial planning strategy is actually a biblical principle. Solomon advised against putting all your eggs in one basket. His admonition was to spread out your investments in order to divide the risk. 

God has provided us with clear biblical principles to guide our investment strategies.

• Pray and ask God to give you understanding (Proverbs 3:13-14; 15:14). Don’t allow your heart to be swayed by popular opinions, trends, or emotions. Ask the Lord to guide your steps.

• Seek wise counsel (Proverbs 18:1; 20:18; 24:6). Don’t make decisions alone. Seek the giftedness of other men and women—and God’s Word—to guide you in your decision-making.

• If you are married, communicate with your spouse. If you aren’t in agreement, do not move forward (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Amos 3:3).

• Stay with what you know and avoid getting involved in areas outside your expertise (Proverbs 27:12). Play to your strengths and focus on the areas of your giftedness. This doesn’t mean you should never diversify, but to surround yourself with wise counselors who can help.

• Wait before taking action (Psalm 37:5-7). Don’t make hasty agreements; rather, be patient, pray, and move forward as God leads. Take advantage of opportunities God provides.

• If you don’t have peace, stop! (Philippians 4:6-7). Godly, biblical decisions are accompanied by His peace. If you are unsettled or anxious about a financial decision or agreement, seek the Lord for guidance and don’t proceed until He gives you His peace.

Farming is hard work that carries no guarantees. Each growing season, farmers depend on the right mix of sunshine and rain to yield an abundant harvest. It’s difficult enough for meteorologists to predict the weather; they certainly can’t control it. Fearfully watching the wind and constantly looking at the clouds ultimately can paralyze the farmer and prevent any possible harvest. Aware of this fact, Solomon admonished his readers to keep working faithfully, regardless of what may—or may not—come on the horizon.

If we wait for the perfect financial forecast before acting, we will be waiting a very long time. The minute we may think conditions are just right, circumstances may change, the market may fluctuate, or something totally unanticipated may arise. Bad things happen, or we may experience unforeseen circumstances and problems. Don’t use that possibility as an excuse for doing nothing. Some people will do nothing at all with their finances and assets until they are absolutely certain it is safe. 

We have no guarantees, so it’s good to go ahead and act—provided we do so wisely (such as following the principles mentioned with verses 1-2).

Wherever God has placed us to do our work—at church, at home, at school, in the marketplace—it’s His. In other words, He owns the field. He is the One who has given us the talents and abilities and has opened doors of opportunity for us. He is also the One who supplies the increase. All the money we make, any influence we acquire, and everything we have results from the work God has given us to do.

Some people may be more productive or influential than others; we are judged, however, not by the size of our wallets or our reach, but by our faithfulness to the call. God looks at what we have done with what He has entrusted to our care. 

So, step out in faith, keeping your eyes on Jesus and your hands on the plow.

"In seed time learn, in harvest teach,
in winter enjoy." —WILLIAM BLAKE

  

Our understanding is limited and our knowledge is finite. Yet we are loved and cared for by the One who scattered the stars in countless galaxies throughout the universe and intricately wove a precise network of veins and arteries to send blood coursing throughout our bodies. The same God who holds the earth together by a mere word sustains our lives—even our next breath. His knowledge is limitless; His relationship is intimate. He is more than able to take care of the details of our lives. So when faced with uncertainty, leave
it in His hands. 

Trusting in God and resting in Him by no means eliminates the need for us to act. When we do act, our trust in Him serves as a firm footing for all our agreements and transactions. 

Paul expressed this trust in his letter to the Philippians: “I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12-13).

Paul had lived a life of comfort, but he also had experienced the hardship of shipwreck and starvation. No matter the situation, he had learned to trust God and rest confidently in His provision. Paul’s experiences in verses 12-13 led to His confident declaration in verse 19: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

LIVE IT OUT

How will you live out the truth of this passage?

• Trust God. Underneath any decisions you make about money or investments should be a trust in God. Take a moment to intentionally surrender your finances to God. Choose to place your trust in Him instead of trusting in the economy or your circumstances.

• Get a game plan. Examine your current financial practices and determine what steps you should take so that you can begin investing if you don’t already. Enlist the help of a trusted Christian friend who has a handle on financial matters or visit with a financial planner.

• Invest in God’s kingdom. Sacrifice something you’ve been wanting to do for yourself, and instead, invest that money in a Christian ministry above and beyond the tithe to your church.

Navigating the waters of financial investment can be difficult without guidance. We can’t foresee adversity; but we can trust God’s Word and make wise decisions with our money.

So, go ahead. Work hard, make a solid plan, and then trust God to take care of the rest.



Teacher's Notes:

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Microsoft 1978, Bill Gates – lower left

What comes to mind when you hear the word “invest”?

• Investments are risky. We have all heard stories about people who invested and made a fortune. But, we have, also, heard about those who have invested and lost it all. We want to be in the former group, not the latter. 

 

 

 

I. Diversify - Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 

1 Send your bread on the surface of the waters, for after many days you may find it. 2 Give a portion to seven or even to eight, for you don’t know what disaster may happen on earth.
 


What did Solomon tell his readers to do … what did his phrases mean?

• Cast/send your bread (metaphor for personal wealth) on the waters
• After many days it will come back, you will find it – What you give will come back to you.
• One interpretation is that it means charitable giving. Sooner or later your generosity will be honored and rewarded either with kindness from others or perhaps even blessing from God.
• Whatever you do - it will eventually pay off
• Diversify your investments

Don’t put all your funds in one place; diversify your investments (v. 2).

• The phrase “seven or even to eight” (v. 2) is a Hebrew numerical formula, meaning “plenty and more than plenty.” It’s not to be taken literally but rather extend the widest possible diversification within the guidelines of practicality and discretion. Invest in 7 ventures, yes even 8.
• This proverb advocates diversifying your investments, rather than putting all of your resources in one place. The colloquialism says it best: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” That is not only ageless wisdom but biblical teaching. The wise investors spread out their investments. Diversification of resources offers some protection against the unforeseen that could wipe out investments that are limited to one or two areas.

Why are we often tempted to “put all our eggs in one basket”?

• Looks like a fool proof plan
• When my “ship comes in” I’ll be rich
• I don’t have time to investigate all the other possibilities
• The guy said this investment opportunity was really going places
• I can make a bundle easily … double my money in no time

What is the advantage of diversification of investment?

• you are getting an average return, some low, some high
• you don’t take a hit when an investment tanks
• since you cannot predict the future, you “place your bets” in more than one place
• high risk when you are younger
• low risk when you are older, closer to retirement

What are good and bad ways people respond to the uncertainty of the future?  

Wise ways

• stock up supplies
• keep a “nest egg”
• don’t invest in only a single thing, diversify

Foolish ways

• use it up now, won’t have it later
• anything can happen, might as well enjoy things now
• it’s never as bad as people predict

On the other hand, hoarding our resources is non-productive and prevents us from maximizing their potential. What steps could I take to set aside $50 each month to be placed in savings?

How do wise investments make you a better disciple of Jesus?

• God has given us many different kinds of resources
• when you use them wisely, you are acting responsibly
• it is part of God’s way of providing for you
• you can multiply God’s provision and use it for His Kingdom

Point: Solomon emphasizes several times in Ecclesiastes that no one knows the future and that we are to make the most of the present, we are not to conclude that we are to avoid planning for the future or taking risks, at least in those areas where the possibility of success is good. Hoarding our resources is non-productive and prevents us from maximizing their potential. Although life in our fallen world is unpredictable, we still are challenged to act wisely in managing our resources. Wisdom dictates that we explore multiple options for making a living and using our resources in order to do the best we can do. Diversifying our undertakings helps to reduce the risks associated with a single venture. 
 



II. Keep Working - Ecclesiates 11:3-4 


3 If the clouds are full, they will pour out rain on the earth; whether a tree falls to the south or the north, the place where the tree falls, there it will lie. 4 One who watches the wind will not sow, and the one who looks at the clouds will not reap.  


What sort of person did Solomon criticize?

• Someone who worries about the future
• Someone who is keeps waiting for the perfect opportunity will never be able to take advantage of it
• Someone who is paralyzed by indecision

Don’t wait for perfect conditions; be diligent in your labor (vv. 3-4). Keep Working!

How did Solomon illustrate that some things in life are predictable and inevitable?

• Weather happens … no way to stop it…we would say “it is what it is”
• Life happens … both good and bad
• Unbelievers might call it fate, but both good and bad events enter our lives

What is the danger of focusing too much attention on misfortune?

• Negative thoughts … worry about things that will probably never happen
• Focus on the glass half empty, not the half full
• Miss opportunities because of worry
• Shows a lack of faith in God’s protection and provision

How should we respond to excessive concern over what might or might not happen?

• Make wise choices
• Trust God for guidance and wisdom
• Research the possibilities, then pray for God’s wisdom

How have you reacted to misfortune in the past?

• “cinch up your belt” and go on
• Use it as an opportunity to grow, a learning opportunity
• Try a different approach than the one which didn’t work

What steps can we take when worry seems to have us paralyzed?

• Daily study of God’s Word … thinking about Who God is, His power, His authority, His love for you
• Learn to take small steps in trusting God
• Talk to God about it
• Maybe seek out godly counsel
• There may be health or physical causes for which there are solutions

Point: These verses are advocating that we not wait until conditions are perfect before we go to work, or invest, or take a risk. Instead, we are to keep working even though conditions may appear ominous and less than ideal. (Steve Spurrier – once said as a player at Florida, “Sometimes you just got to keep playing.”)
 



Too many people sit around waiting for “all their ducks in a row” or for “the stars to align” before they move ahead with a project or an idea. For the most part the conditions will never be idyllic. 
 


The biggest mistake people make is that they start investing too late. If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. Start investing now. 
 

Instead, we need to forge ahead, keep on keeping on, stay at the task. After all, God controls these conditions, and we cannot tell whether good or bad conditions will materialize. 
 


III. Trust God - Ecclesiates 11:5-6 

5 Just as you don’t know the path of the wind, or how bones develop in the womb of a pregnant woman, so you don’t know the work of God who makes everything. 6 In the morning sow your seed, and at evening do not let your hand rest, because you don’t know which will succeed, whether one or the other, or if both of them will be equally good.

What is the lesson behind the imagery of sowing seed morning and evening?

• do what needs to be done
• God will multiply your efforts
• don’t be lazy
• fulfill your responsibilities and trust God to take care of things

What undergirds all that happens in the course of human affairs?

• God is the one in control
• He is the one who controls nature
• He is the one who establishes how bodies grow, how seeds grow … everything
• He can be trusted

Don’t try to understand God’s ways; be dependent on Him (v. 5). Trust God!

• Trying to understand God’s ways is like trying to comprehend, how babies are formed in a mother’s womb. It’s a miracle that’s beyond our scope of expertise and intelligence. Yet we continue to have children. This is The Teacher’s point: We cannot understand God’s ways and how He fulfills His plan. Instead, we trust Him, depending on His sovereignty and grace. Whether we can or cannot see, we rely on God to go before us and show us the way. We will never understand the mystery in all God does. We will never understand His activity. Our part is not to try to figure it out. Our part is to trust in Him.

In what areas of life do you feel uncertain about the future?

• Retirement
• My kids/grandkids future
• Crazy political situation
• Our society’s attitude towards Christianity and people of faith

In a conversation about one of these topics, someone tells you, “I have no understanding, no knowledge of what is happening in my situation. How can I trust God?” How could you respond?

• God knows, God understands
• He wants to meet your needs, provide for you and your family
• He has the solution to all that you face
• He has the power and authority to make things right
• He loves you … He is trustworthy … worthy of your trust in Him

Point: We never know how our work will turn out. We don’t know if our profit will come from one activity or another or both. Since the future is in God’s hands, the wise person keeps working, hoping his efforts will yield fruit, as they usually do. Whether in business, social life, or spiritual matters, we are challenged to give our best and entrust the results to God.


Solomon wrote: “A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise” (Prov. 12:15). When these principles are put into practice we can make wise investments in spite of an uncertain future.

The presence of these passages in Ecclesiates 11:1-6 may surprise us both because of the subject matter and its practicality. We tend to think of the Bible as a source book for theological suppositions, telling us about sin and salvation, and about Jesus, with a focus on His coming, death, burial, resurrection, and coming again. Certainly, all that is true; it must not be overlooked. But the Bible also is a practical book that includes instructions for living life in a way that pleases God and that enables us to know its fullness. The explanation of the laws in Leviticus, the practical advice in Proverbs, the ethical messages of Jesus, and the sections of Paul’s letters describing what it means to live as followers of Christ are examples of this practical dimension of Scripture.

The study this week falls into that category of practical, real life instruction. When it comes to our money, how are we to act in responsible ways that are satisfying and God-honoring? We have identified three steps we can take.

1. Act Sensibly. That is the message behind the admonition to diversify your investments. Even if you don’t have a lot of money and have not made actual investments in stock, don’t be foolish with what you have. Use common sense.

2. Act Diligently. We don’t have all the answers to everything and we can’t foresee the future to the degree we would like. Nevertheless, rather than sit idly by, take action; keep working with what you have. Do your due diligence.

3. Act Faithfully. We cannot understand all the things happening around us nor all that God is doing to bring His plan to fulfillment. Nevertheless, we can continue to follow His instructions for daily living and trust Him to bring His eternal purposes to pass. Thus, keep the faith. 
 

Prayer of Commitment: Father, there is so much I don’t know and some of what I know I don’t understand. Help me not to be so consumed with knowing that I fail to be trusting. I will do my best with what I have, but foremost, I leave all things in Your hands. Amen.


Great to see you Sunday!


In His Love,


David & Susan