Shammah Outreach Movement | 90-minute teaching and interactive session

Primary Scripture: Matthew 6:19–34

Supporting Scriptures: Romans 12:1–2; Ephesians 4:22–32; James 1:5; Philippians 2:3–5; 2 Corinthians 8:12–13; 9:10; Philippians 4:10–19; Galatians 4:19.

Central truth: Financial pressure may change what we are able to do, but it must not determine how we live. As we remain in Christ, allow His Word to renew our thinking, and yield to the Holy Spirit, we learn to make decisions that reflect His truth, wisdom, love, and character.

Desired outcome: Each participant will recognise what has been influencing their financial decisions, understand the biblical principles for choosing responsibly, and identify one faithful response to practise in everyday life

Introduction — When Something Happens To The Money You Were Counting On

Beloved, let me begin with a situation that many of us can understand.

Imagine that you borrowed $1,000 from someone.

You promised to repay that money at the end of the month.

When you made the promise, you genuinely expected to have the money.

And as the end of the month approaches, you have managed to put aside the $1,000.

But before the payment is due, an unexpected expense arises.

Someone in your household needs urgent medical attention, and the expense comes to $700.

You cannot meet that expense from any other money you have available.

Now you have a problem.

You have $1,000, but there are two genuine responsibilities before you.

If you use $700 for the medical expense, you will have only $300 left to repay the person.

What should you do?

Should you pay the entire debt and leave the medical need unattended?

Should you use the money for the medical expense and say nothing to the person expecting payment?

Should you promise to repay the full amount the following week even though you have no assurance the money will be available?

Or should you pause, bring the situation before God, and seek wisdom concerning the responsibilities involved?

Now listen carefully.

The financial problem is real. But the problem also presents a test of what is governing your heart.

You may be afraid of disappointing the person.

You may feel guilty.

You may be embarrassed to explain what happened.

You may be so concerned about the medical expense that you stop thinking about the person depending on your repayment.

And although you genuinely want to do what is right, you may not be sure what that is.

Church, this is where our spiritual formation becomes very practical.

It is not only about what we say when we pray.

It is also about how we think, what we value, and how we treat people when life does not go according to plan.

During our recent 5:00 a.m. prayer, we prayed for God’s intervention in times of financial hardship.

We prayed for provision, renewed minds, wisdom, opportunities, and for God to establish the work of our hands.

Those needs remain important.

But today, we are asking another question.

While we are trusting God to provide for us, are we allowing Him to form Christ in us through the way we respond?

I want us to remember that financial hardship does not automatically mean a person is irresponsible or lacks faith.

Some people are working faithfully and still struggling to meet their needs.

Our Father sees their situation.

At the same time, we must be willing to acknowledge where our thinking or conduct needs to change.

We are not here to condemn anyone.

We are here to learn from God’s Word how to live under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

And Jesus gives us the right place to begin.

Section 1 — What Is Governing My Heart?

Matthew 6:19–34

In Matthew 6, Jesus is teaching His disciples how to live before their heavenly Father.

He begins speaking about treasures.

In verses 19–20, He contrasts earthly treasures, which can be lost or destroyed, with heavenly treasures, which last.

Then He says in verse 21:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (ESV)

What is Jesus saying?

He is teaching us that what we treasure—what we consider especially important—has a strong influence over our hearts.

Think about that.

When something matters deeply to us, we give it attention.

We think about it.

We make decisions to protect it.

Sometimes we even make sacrifices for it.

Now, money matters in everyday life.

We need it to provide food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and other necessities.

Jesus is not saying that these needs are unimportant.

But He is asking us to examine what has gained first place in our hearts.

When something good becomes too important

Perhaps you value being seen as a dependable person.

That is a good desire.

But what happens when maintaining that reputation becomes more important than telling the truth?

Remember the person who promised to repay $1,000.

The circumstances changed.

Now they are afraid to tell the lender they cannot repay the full amount.

Why?

Perhaps they do not want anyone to know they are struggling.

Perhaps they are afraid the person will think badly of them.

Their concern about their reputation is now influencing whether they speak truthfully.

Do you see the problem?

It is not wrong to want a good reputation.

But protecting our reputation must not become more important than obeying God.

Something can be important to us without being allowed to govern us.

Jesus speaks about how we see things

In Matthew 6:22–23, Jesus uses the picture of the eye as the lamp of the body.

He warns about an unhealthy or distorted way of seeing.

This illustration sits between His teaching on treasure and His warning about serving money.

It invites us to examine how our inward outlook affects our whole life.

For our teaching today, consider this question:

Am I looking at my financial situation only through what I fear, or am I also allowing God’s truth to shape how I understand it?

A person may look at an unpaid bill and immediately conclude:

“Nothing will ever change.”

Another may see the same bill, acknowledge the difficulty, pray, seek wisdom, and begin considering responsible options.

The bill is the same.

But the way each person approaches it is different.

Who is your master?

Then Jesus says in Matthew 6:24:

“You cannot serve God and money.” (ESV)

Notice that Jesus does not say money is evil or unnecessary.

He says that money must not become our master.

A master is someone who exercises authority.

And Jesus is warning that wealth can become a competing authority in our lives.

This can happen when people have plenty of money.

It can also happen when they are struggling financially.

Someone with plenty may become controlled by the desire for more.

Someone with little may become so afraid of losing what remains that fear dominates their decisions.

So here is a question for all of us:

Am I managing money, or has my concern about money begun managing me?

Let us not answer too quickly.

Think about the way you respond when an unexpected expense arises.

Do you immediately become angry?

Do you begin imagining the worst?

Do you say “O God, pressure, what am I going to do now?”

Do you stop listening to other people?

Do you make decisions simply to relieve the pressure?

These responses may indicate areas where the Lord wants to renew our thinking.

Our heavenly Father knows what we need

Now, notice what Jesus does next.

In Matthew 6:25–34, He begins speaking about worry.

He mentions food, drink, and clothing.

He speaks about the birds of the air and the flowers of the field.

Then, in verse 32, He reminds His disciples:

“Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” (ESV)

Beloved, that is an encouraging truth.

Your Father knows what you need.

He knows when your income is insufficient.

He knows when unexpected expenses arise.

He knows when someone is depending on you for payment.

He knows the responsibilities you are carrying.

And then Jesus says in verse 33:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (ESV)

What does it mean to seek God’s Kingdom first when money is tight?

It means that God’s ways must continue to guide the way we live, even when our circumstances are difficult.

We do not stop being honest because money is short.

We do not stop caring about others because we feel pressured.

We do not make dishonesty acceptable simply because we have a genuine need.

And we do not stop trusting our Father because we cannot presently see how everything will work out.

This does not mean that financial challenges always disappear immediately.

It means that our heavenly Father’s care remains real, and His righteousness must continue to govern us.

Let us bring it into our example

The person who promised to repay $1,000 is facing a genuine financial problem.

But what should have the final authority over their conduct?

Not their embarrassment.

Not fear of what the lender may say.

Not the desire to escape an uncomfortable conversation.

God’s truth must remain their guide.

The amount of money available has changed.

But what God says about honesty, responsibility, and love has not changed.

Let me ask you:

When money becomes tight, what begins to speak loudest in your mind?

Is it fear?

Is it concern about what people will think?

Is it the pressure to satisfy everyone?

Or are you learning to turn to your heavenly Father and seek His ways?

Allow two or three brief responses.

Truth to remember: Money may be limited, but it must not become our master. We belong to Christ, and our Father knows what we need.

Now, someone may say, “I understand what Jesus is teaching, and I do believe in doing what is right. But when I am under pressure, I sometimes find myself reacting differently.”

Why does that happen?

This is where Paul’s teaching on the renewing of our minds becomes so important.

Section 2 — Does My Thinking Agree With What I Say I Believe?

Romans 12:1–2

Suggested time: 15 minutes, including Exercise 1

Paul begins Romans 12 by appealing to believers, because of God’s mercies, to offer themselves to Him.

Then, in verse 2, he tells them:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” (ESV)

What does this mean?

Paul is telling believers that because we belong to God, we should no longer simply follow the ways of thinking and living that surround us.

God wants His truth to change the way we think so that we can recognise and respond to His will.

And that is particularly important when we are under financial pressure.

What do we mean by mindset?

Let me explain it simply.

Your mindset is the way you have become accustomed to thinking about things.

For example, someone who has struggled financially for a long time may begin believing:

“Nothing ever works out for me.”

Another person may believe:

“I must always make everybody happy.”

Someone else may think:

“If I cannot fulfil a promise, it is better to avoid the person until I can.”

These beliefs may have developed through difficult experiences.

But just because we have become accustomed to thinking something does not mean it agrees with God’s truth.

And what we repeatedly believe can influence how we behave.

What about our values?

Now, let us introduce another word: values.

Values are the things we consider important.

For example, we may value honesty, integrity, responsibility, generosity, compassion, or financial security.

But here is something we need to understand.

Not everything we value is necessarily godly, and even good values can be given the wrong priority.

For example, financial security is important.

But protecting our financial security must not become more important than acting honestly.

And there is a difference between saying we value something and actually allowing it to guide our decisions.

What are biblical principles?

Biblical principles are truths from God’s Word that show us how we should live.

For example, Scripture teaches us to speak truthfully, keep our word, care for those depending on us, work honestly, exercise wisdom, and treat others with compassion.

Our values should agree with these principles.

And our decisions should increasingly reflect them.

So let us put these three ideas together:

Now let us return to our financial situation.

You genuinely value honesty.

But you are afraid to tell the person you owe that you can no longer repay the full amount.

What is happening?

You believe honesty is important.

Yet embarrassment is influencing your response more than your commitment to being honest.

This is the very thing we need to recognise.

What we say we believe and what actually governs our decisions are not always the same.

And that is where God’s truth must become more deeply established in us.

The Holy Spirit’s work in renewing our minds

We are not simply trying to train ourselves to think more positively.

We are believers who belong to Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit works within us, helping us recognise when our thinking or behaviour does not agree with God’s Word.

He may bring to our attention that fear has been influencing us.

He may convict us about a responsibility we have been avoiding.

He may remind us of a Scripture or direct our attention to something we need to examine.

And we must be willing to yield.

The goal is not merely to say:

“I know honesty is important.”

It is to reach the point where, even when honesty is uncomfortable, we increasingly respond truthfully because God’s Word is shaping how we live.

Interactive exercise 1 — What do I say I value?

Ask everyone to think privately about these two statements.

1. I say I value…
2. But when money becomes tight, I sometimes allow… to influence my response.

Participants using notebooks may simply complete these two sentences in writing. No one is required to share their answers.

Question:

What would change if I allowed God’s truth, rather than that fear or pressure, to guide my next decision?

Take a quiet moment to consider.

Beloved, recognising what is influencing us is important.

But recognition alone is not our goal.

The Holy Spirit desires to bring our thinking and behaviour increasingly into agreement with God’s Word.

So far, Jesus has helped us examine what is governing our hearts.

Paul has shown us that our thinking needs to be renewed.

But how does this renewed life become visible when we have to deal with another person?

Let us go to Ephesians 4.

Section 3 — How Do We Make A Faithful Decision When Money Is Tight?

Ephesians 4:22–32; James 1:5; Philippians 2:3–5

In Ephesians 4, Paul speaks about putting off the old way of life, being renewed in our minds, and putting on the new self.

And then he does something important.

He begins explaining how this new life should affect our everyday behaviour.

In verse 25, he tells believers to put away falsehood and speak truthfully.

In verse 28, he speaks about honest work and sharing with those in need.

In verse 29, he teaches us to use our words in ways that build others up.

And in verse 32, he calls us to be kind and compassionate.

Notice the connection.

Our relationship with Christ should affect how we speak, work, make decisions, and treat other people.

So spiritual formation is not only something that happens during prayer or Bible study.

It must become visible in ordinary life.

What happens when we cannot keep our original promise?

Remember the person who promised to repay $1,000.

Now only $300 remains after meeting the urgent medical expense.

What should they do?

Let us begin with Ephesians 4:25.

Paul teaches believers to speak truthfully.

So even though the person cannot repay the full amount, they can still communicate honestly.

They can contact the lender before the payment is due, explain what has happened, and discuss what is realistically possible.

Perhaps they can make a partial payment.

Perhaps they need to request more time.

Perhaps they cannot yet give a definite new payment date.

But they should not make another promise merely because they are embarrassed.

There is a difference between inability and irresponsibility

I want us to understand this clearly.

Sometimes we genuinely cannot fulfil a commitment because circumstances have changed.

That is different from having the resources but repeatedly choosing unnecessary spending while neglecting our responsibilities.

We must discern the difference.

But in either situation, we remain responsible for dealing truthfully with the people affected.

Our ability to fulfil a commitment may change, but our commitment to honesty and accountability should remain.

And do not forget the person on the other side.

They may also be depending on that money.

Perhaps they have their own bills to pay.

Perhaps they made plans because they trusted your promise.

This is why we should communicate rather than assume they will understand.

What if I feel embarrassed?

That is where the Holy Spirit’s work becomes so practical.

You may feel afraid of the conversation.

You may not know how the person will respond.

But your feelings must not have the final say.

We are called to live according to God’s truth.

And the Holy Spirit helps us recognise when fear or pride is preventing us from doing what is right.

Now let us go further.

Suppose you want to act responsibly, but there are still several needs competing for your limited resources.

How do you decide what comes first?

James 1:5 tells us to ask God for wisdom.

Proverbs 21:5 teaches the importance of careful planning.

And Philippians 2:3–4 reminds us to consider the interests of others rather than thinking only about ourselves.

These passages help us understand that faithful decisions require prayer, wisdom, responsibility, and consideration for others.

We should not simply choose whatever makes us feel better at the moment.

Four questions that help us make a wise decision

1. What does God’s Word say?

Does the action I am considering involve dishonesty, unfairness, neglect of responsibility, or mistreatment of someone?

If it contradicts God’s Word, we need to reconsider it.

We cannot claim the Holy Spirit is leading us to do something that violates the moral teaching of Scripture.

2. What is necessary, and what have I promised?

We must distinguish between genuine needs and things we simply want.

Food, necessary medical care, housing, and the wellbeing of those entrusted to us are serious responsibilities.

But we must also consider the commitments we have already made.

What is due?

What are the terms?

What could happen if the payment is delayed?

Are there legal or contractual obligations that need particular attention?

3. Who will be affected, and what options are available?

Think about everyone involved.

What happens to your household if the urgent need is not met?

What happens to the person waiting for repayment?

Can an arrangement be discussed?

Can an expense be reduced?

Is there a trustworthy person who can advise or assist?

Philippians 2 reminds us that other people’s interests matter.

4. Have I sought the Holy Spirit’s guidance?

This is not merely about saying a quick prayer before doing what we already intended.

Are we genuinely willing for God to correct our thinking?

Are we examining our motives?

Are we prepared to do what is right, even if the response is uncomfortable?

The leading of the Holy Spirit must remain central to our decision-making, and His leading will agree with God’s Word.

A practical pattern we can remember: P.A.U.S.E

P-Pause — Do not allow fear or pressure to decide immediately.

A-Ask God — Seek His wisdom and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

U-Understand — Look at the facts, responsibilities, people involved, and God’s Word.

S-Surrender — Yield your fears, desires, and preferences to the Lord.

E-Exercise obedience — Take the next faithful, responsible step and follow through.

Church, remember this:

We pause not simply to calm ourselves, but to become attentive to the Lord and allow His Word and Spirit to guide our response.

Sometimes the faithful response will require giving something up.

Sometimes it will require saying no.

Sometimes it will require seeking help.

And sometimes it will require a conversation we have been avoiding.

But we must not allow our feelings to become our final authority.

Interactive exercise 2 — What would you do?

Let us return to our main example.

The situation

You promised to repay $1,000 on Friday.

You have the money, but an unexpected essential medical expense of $700 arises.

You have no other available resources to meet that expense.

What would you do first?

Use the $700 and wait until the person asks about the money.

Promise the entire $1,000 for the following week without knowing whether it will be available.

Pray, examine the urgency and obligations, contact the person promptly, and discuss what is realistically possible.

Ignore the medical need because an earlier promise must always come first.

Short group discussion

Question:

1. What is the first thing you would be tempted to do in this situation?

1. What would God’s Word require of you, even though you cannot meet both financial responsibilities in full?

Identify truthfulness, responsibility, care for essential needs, and consideration for others.

Question:

1. What might stop you from contacting the person you owe?

Perhaps fear, embarrassment, pride, or uncertainty.

This is an opportunity to recognise what has been governing the heart and so yield that response to the Holy Spirit.

A practical example of communication

A person could say:

“I want to speak with you about the money I promised to repay on Friday. An unexpected medical expense has affected what I can pay. I know you may be depending on this money, and I am sorry for the difficulty. I want to explain my situation honestly and discuss what can realistically be done about the balance.”

The lender is not automatically required to accept a different arrangement.

But the borrower is taking responsibility rather than avoiding the situation.

A final question

If your finances changed again next month, would you continue communicating honestly, or would you return to avoidance?

This is where formation becomes a consistent way of life rather than one good decision.

So far, we have been speaking about financial obligations and the importance of acting responsibly.

But financial pressure can also affect our generosity.

What happens when our hearts genuinely desire to give, yet we do not have the money?

Let us see what Scripture teaches.

Section 4 — How Do We Remain Trusting And Generous When Resources Are Limited?

2 Corinthians 8:12–13; 9:10; Philippians 4:10–19

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul is speaking about believers contributing to help other Christians who were in need.

He describes the generosity of the Macedonian churches, even though they themselves were experiencing hardship.

But then Paul gives an important principle in verse 12:

“For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.” (ESV)

Isn’t that encouraging?

God recognises a willing heart.

Perhaps there is a need in the ministry, and you desire to give.

Or perhaps someone is struggling, and you would love to help financially.

But you genuinely do not have money available.

What should you do?

Should you promise money you cannot afford?

Should you feel ashamed because others can give more?

Paul helps us understand that willingness matters, but so does actual capacity.

We do not need to pretend we have resources we do not possess.

Can we ask God for seed to sow?

Yes.

In 2 Corinthians 9:10, Paul speaks about God supplying seed to the sower and bread for food.

We can ask our Father to provide resources that will enable us to help others.

But we should do so with wisdom.

We must not turn giving into a way of trying to force God to provide a financial return.

And we should not neglect essential responsibilities simply to prove that we have faith.

We can pray:

“Father, You know my heart. I desire to help, but I do not presently have the means. If it is Your will, provide resources that I can faithfully use to be a blessing. Meanwhile, show me how I can serve with what is already available.”

Sometimes we can help through our time, skills, practical assistance, or encouragement.

Christlike generosity begins with a willing heart and is expressed through faithful responses according to our actual capacity.

What happens when we are still struggling?

Now let us consider Philippians 4:10–19.

Paul describes experiencing both abundance and need.

He says he learned to be content in different circumstances.

Then, in verse 13, he declares:

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (ESV)

In this passage, Paul is speaking about Christ strengthening him through changing circumstances.

He is not promising that every financial plan will succeed.

He is showing us that we can remain dependent upon Christ whether we have little or much.

And notice that Paul says he learned contentment.

That is part of the formation process.

Contentment does not mean giving up

We can remain content in Christ while still working toward financial improvement.

We can pray for provision, seek employment, develop our skills, make necessary adjustments, and ask for help.

But while we do these things, we do not allow money to become the measure of our worth or the master of our hearts.

And when God provides, we continue depending upon Him.

We do not become proud or careless because our financial circumstances have improved.

One question for all

If my finances improved tomorrow, would I still need the same godly values of honesty, wisdom, responsibility, generosity, and dependence upon Christ?

Of course.

That tells us something important.

Our goal is not merely to live faithfully until we have more money.

Our goal is to live faithfully with Christ at the centre of our lives, whether our resources are limited or abundant.

Now we have come to the real purpose of this teaching.

We have not been studying finances simply to become better financial managers.

We have been examining how the life of Jesus should become increasingly visible through the decisions we make.

And that brings us to Galatians 4:19.

Final Formation Response — Is Christ Becoming Visible In My Decisions?

Galatians 4:19

Paul speaks of his desire for Christ to be formed in believers.

This is the heart of our ongoing formation journey.

We belong to Jesus Christ, and as we remain in Him and yield to the Holy Spirit, His life and character should become increasingly visible through us.

Think about the example we began with.

Someone made a genuine financial commitment.

Then an unexpected expense changed what was possible.

The person could not control everything that happened.

But as we followed the teaching of Scripture, we discovered that the response still mattered.

Would fear govern them?

Would embarrassment cause them to avoid the person?

Would they make another promise simply to relieve the pressure?

Or would they pause, seek the Lord, consider His Word, and respond with honesty and wisdom?

Now we can see what formation looks like.

Christ becomes visible when we allow His truth to guide our conduct in situations where our old way of responding might have taken over.

That may mean having a difficult conversation.

It may mean refusing to make another unrealistic promise.

It may mean learning to say no lovingly.

It may mean seeking help, making necessary adjustments, or following through on something we have postponed.

And sometimes it means continuing to trust Christ even though the financial difficulty has not yet been resolved.

This is not about earning God’s acceptance through good financial behaviour.

It is about the new life we have received in Christ becoming increasingly visible in everyday life.

Interactive exercise 3 — My personal commitment for this week

5 minutes, included in this section’s time

Beloved, before we close, I want each of us to think about one financial situation that needs our attention.

It may involve a payment or commitment.

It may be a household decision.

It may concern your desire to help someone.

Or perhaps you are recognising a thought or habit that has been influencing your financial choices.

You do not have to tell anyone about your situation.

But I want you to consider these four questions.

My personal commitment for this week

1. What financial situation needs my attention?
2. What has been influencing my response?
3. What does God’s Word teach me about how to respond?
4. As I seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, what is one faithful step I need to take?

Copy my written commitment.You may use a notebook or your digital device. 

Complete this statement privately:

“As I seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I commit to __________ because I desire my response to reflect the truth of God’s Word and the character of Christ.”

Allow for a brief moment of silence.

Remember, the aim is not simply to write something down.

It is to allow the Holy Spirit to help us respond differently when we face the real situation.

Final Charge — Who Will Have The Final Say?

Beloved, today we began with a simple financial situation.

Someone made a commitment, but something unexpected happened and the money was no longer enough.

And we discovered that financial pressure can reveal what is happening in our hearts.

Jesus challenged us to examine what we treasure and whom we serve.

Paul reminded us that our minds must be renewed.

We learned that our new life in Christ should become visible in our honesty, responsibility, and treatment of others.

And we saw the importance of seeking God’s wisdom rather than allowing our feelings to decide what is right.

Now, as we leave here today, I want us to remember something.

Financial pressure may change what we are able to do, but it does not have to change the godly values by which we live.

We may not always have enough money to meet every responsibility.

We may have to make difficult adjustments.

We may have to explain that circumstances have changed.

And we may still need to trust God for provision.

But through it all, we can remain dependent upon Christ.

We can continue seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

And we can allow God’s truth to govern our decisions.

So the next time financial pressure comes, do not simply react.

Pause. Seek the Lord. Consider His Word. Yield to the Holy Spirit. And take the next faithful step.

Because the question is not only whether our circumstances will improve.

It is also whether the life and character of Jesus are becoming increasingly visible in the way we handle them.

Final takeaway

When money is tight, let God’s Word—not the pressure of the moment—govern your thinking. Let the Holy Spirit—not fear or guilt—lead your response. And let the character of Christ become visible in the decisions you make and the way you treat others.

That is formation through financial challenges.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and Your loving care over our lives.

You know the financial needs, pressures, and responsibilities we carry. We ask for Your provision, wisdom, and guidance. Open doors of opportunity and establish the work of our hands.

Lord, search our hearts and reveal where fear, guilt, pride, or anxiety has been influencing our decisions. We repent for allowing  these traits into our heart. We ask that you renew our minds through Your truth.

Holy Spirit, continue to teach us to pause, seek Your guidance, and respond with honesty, wisdom, integrity, and compassion. Help us to honour you even as we honour our commitments, steward our resources faithfully, and remain willing to bless others according to what we have.

Above all, keep us dependent upon Christ, whether in need or abundance. May His life and character become increasingly visible in our thoughts, decisions, and treatment of others.

In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.