_Sabbath School Summary_

_Sabbath School Summary_
*Debt-A Daily Decision*
_Lesson 11_
_Memory Text: Romans 13:7, 8_

*SATURDAY*: "Deny yourself a thousand things rather than run in debt." Though some people may lend us money from a pure heart, the majority lend to earn more. A Christian steward must manage his affairs wisely not to incur debt (EW, p. 267). "When one becomes involved in debt, he is in one of Satan's nets, which he sets for souls". Money needed to run the church must be sought wisely to avoid debt.

*SUNDAY*: "Borrowing money always entails a risk". We feel we're able to repay it but we don't know the future (Eccl. 8:7). It was after the axe fell into the water that the steward cried out; "'it was borrowed'" (2 Ki. 6:5). Spending borrowed money tempts us to borrow again till we are overtaken by debt (Ps. 37:21; Eccl. 5:5, Deut. 28:44, 45). God is our only way out of debt (1 Cor. 10:13).

*MONDAY*: Those who lives in the present seeks to instantly gratify their desires, and in so doing find themselves weeping (Gen. 25:34). Had Esau controlled his feelings, he would not have lost his birthright (Heb. 12:17). Unlike him, Jesus overcame the test of appetite after fasting to make us joint heirs (Matt. 4:3-10; Rom. 8:17; Titus 3:7, see 2 Sam. 11:2-4; Gen. 3:6, Phil. 3:19; 1 John 2:16; Rom. 8:8).

*TUESDAY*: Christian stewards must learn to "keep their expenditures within the limit of their income". The wise is not wasteful, but the foolish "greedily spend wealth" at his disposal, "even borrowed wealth" (Prov. 21:20). Paul counsels us to be content with Christ (1 Tim. 6:8; Phil. 1:21). We can have a planned budget to escape debts (Matt. 6:33; Prov. 14:15; Luke 14:27-30).

*WEDNESDAY*: The Bible admonishes us to abstain from debts or being guarantors of debts (Deut. 28:12; Prov. 17:18; 22:26). The one in debt may find dubious means to repay it and may stain his spiritual life. "Shun the incurring of debt as you would shun leprosy" or "small pox" (CS, p. 272, 257). Debt can make us a "servant to the lender" (Prov. 22:7). Say no to debt and owe no man.

*THURSDAY*: Saving is not hoarding (Prov. 6:6-8). Like the ants, stewards are to save to cater for their needs. Discipline, wisdom, and budgeting are key tools for a steward to manage his finances wisely. We double our monies in heaven when we give and on earth when we save (Eccl. 11:1, 2; Matt. 13:44; Luke 12:33). Saving wisely helps guards against poverty (Prov. 13:11; 21:5; 13:18; 15:22, see Deut. 8:18).

*FRIDAY*: All faculties given to man are to be used for God's glory. "Every good gift comes from above". God desires that all our nobler abilities and skills are harnessed for His work (Eccl. 10:10). Devout men of God put their skills to work to fulfill God's work (Exod. 35:31, 34). We have to educate our minds and harness our gifts to escape debts and foster God's work on earth (Matt. 25:15).

-Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 205.

*Keywords*

_EW- Early Writings_
_CS- Counsel on Stewardship_

*Captions*

_SUNDAY- Borrowing and Spending_
_MONDAY- Stewardship and Instant Gratification_
_TUESDAY- Living Within Your Means_
_WEDNESDAY- Saying No to Debt_
_THURSDAY- Saving and Investing_

*Discussion Questions*

📌 Although self-control is always important for the Christian, it is especially important when a lack of self-control can lead to financial hardship or even ruin. What can we as a church do to help those who could be in danger of this problem?

📌 Read Romans 13:7, 8. How can we apply these words to our daily lives and in all our interactions with others?

📌 Some argue that we shouldn’t worry about getting in debt, because Jesus is coming back soon. How would you respond to that assertion?