Southern Asia Pacific Division

Stewardship/Trust Services Department

He who provides for this life but
takes no care for eternity is wise for
a moment but a fool forever.

John Tillotson
 You must either live within your
income or your creditors will eat you
alive!

“He who rides a tiger cannot dismount.”

From a financial perspective, that tiger

is debt. Debt and its resulting
bankruptcy have drastically changed
the American financial picture.
 Testimonies vol. 9, p. 13
“There are not many, even among educators and
statesmen, who comprehend the causes that
underlie the present state of society. Those who
hold the reins of government are not able to solve
the problem of moral corruption, poverty,
pauperism, and increasing crime. They are
struggling in vain to place business operations on
a more secure basis. If men would give more heed
to the teachings of God’s word, they would find a
solution of the problems that perplex them.”
Spiritual Insights (p. 4)
1. What the Bible says about
money Matt. 6:19, 20; 1 John 2:15-
17

2. The parables of Jesus

3. Worldly finance gurus

Ps. 1:1, 2

4. Insights from Ellen White

 “Money can buy medicine but not health.
Money can buy a house but not a home.
Money can buy companionship but not
friends. Money can buy entertainment but
not happiness. Money can buy food but
not an appetite. Money can buy a bed but
not sleep. Money can buy a crucifix but not
a Savior. Money can buy the good life but
not eternal life.”

 Anonymous.
What I spent is gone.
What I kept is lost.
But what I gave
will be mine forever.

Epitaph on a tombstone
He who provides for this life but
takes no care for eternity is wise for
a moment but a fool forever.

John Tillotson
 “Remember that when you leave
this earth, you can take with you
only what you have given: a full
heart enriched by honest service,
love, sacrifice and courage.”

 Francis of Assisi
 “The only certain happiness in life
is to live for others.”

 Leo

Tolstoy
 “Giving is the lifeblood of happy living.”

 Todd Parrish
 Testimonies vol. 4, p. 391

“Many are going directly contrary to the

light which God has given to His people,
because they do not read the books
which contain the light and knowledge in
cautions, reproofs, and warnings.”
Eternal Life in the Balance 2 (p. 5 )

1. Possessions in perspective
Luke 12:15; 1 John 2:15-17
2. God or money
Luke 16:13

3. The uncertainty of riches

1 Tim. 6:5-17

4. The examples of scripture

1 Cor. 10:6
 Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 469
Everyone is to be his own assessor and is
left to give as he purposes in his heart.
But there are those who are guilty of the
same sin as Ananias and Sapphira,
thinking that if they withhold a portion of
what God claims in the tithing system the
brethren will never know it. Thus thought
the guilty couple whose example is given
us as a warning.”
Biblical Examples (p. 7) cont.

5. Ananias and Sapphira

Acts 4,5; AA 75,76

6. Father of the faithful

Heb. 11:9, 10; Gen. 12-15
7. Greater riches
Heb. 11:24-26
8. The tax collector chooses God
Luke 19:1-10
 Acts of the Apostles, p. 566
The greatest praise that men can bring to God is
to become consecrated channels through whom
He can work. Time is rapidly passing into eternity.
Let us not keep back from God that which is His
own. Let us not refuse Him that which, though it
cannot be given with merit, cannot be denied
without ruin. He asks for a whole heart; give it to
Him; it is His, both by creation and by
redemption. He asks for your intellect; give it to
Him; it is His. He asks for your money; give it to
Him; it is His. "Ye are not your own, for ye are
bought with a price." 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.
Putting God First 3 (p. 8)
1. Trusting God with all your heart
Prov. 3:5-10
2. God is the owner of everything
Ps. 24:1; 50:12; 1 Chron. 29:13, 14
3. Our purpose in life--to glorify God
1 Cor. 10:31
4. The tithe is the minimum testimony
of our Christian commitment
Mal. 3:6-10
God’s Perspective (p. 9)
1. Debt is bad
Prov. 22:7
2. Prosperity is having what you
need when you need it
Phil. 4:19; Matt.
28:20; Isa. 26:3
3. The master / servant relationship
Matt. 25:14-30

4. Application
Mark 8:34-37
Satan’s Plan for Your Money 4
( p. 10)

1. Selfishness--materialism--plays
a major part in the great contro-
versy TM 474; Matt. 6:24
Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 473, 474
The Devil’s Workers Meeting

“Go, make the possessors of lands and

money drunk with the cares of this life.
Present the world before them in its most
attractive light, that they may lay up their
treasure here and fix their affections upon
earthly things. We must do our utmost to
prevent those who labor in God’s cause
from obtaining means to use against us.
Keep the money in our own ranks. The
more means they obtain, the more they
will injure --
 Testimonies to Ministers,
pp. 473, 474 cont.
The Devil’s Workers Meeting
our kingdom by taking from us our
subjects. Make them care more for
money than for the upbuilding of Christ’s
kingdom and the spread of the truths we
hate, and we need not fear their
influence; for we know that every selfish,
covetous person will fall under our
power, and will finally be separated from
God’s people.”
Satan’s Plan for Your Money 4
(p. 10)
1. Selfishness--materialism--plays
a major part in the great contro-
versy TM 474; Matt. 6:24
2. Tithing--a hedge against
selfishness Deut. 14:23
3. Abraham--father of the faithful
Gen. 14
4. From Jacob to Israel
Gen 28:20-22
 The Significance of Tithing (p. 11)
1. Tithing and the tree of
knowledge of good and evil
(CS 65)
 A Test of Loyalty
Counsels on Stewardship p. 65

The tithing system is the equivalent

to the last-day Christian of the
Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
for Adam and Eve
in the Garden of Eden.

Leviticus 27:30 – Numbers 18:21

 Education, p. 25

“There was nothing poisonous in the fruit

itself, and the sin was not merely in
yielding to appetite. (1) It was distrust of
God’s goodness, (2) disbelief of His Word,
(3) and rejection of His authority, that
made our first parents transgressors, and
that brought into the world a knowledge of
evil.”
Counsels on Stewardship 65
Education 25

When we are faithful with our tithe we

show God that we
»trust His goodness,
»believe His word,
»and accept His authority.
 The Significance of Tithing
(p.11)
1. Tithing and the tree of knowledge of
good and evil
(CS 65)
2. Tithing and our covenant relationship

with God
(Abraham, Gen. 14; Jacob, Gen. 28;

Mal 3:10; CS 75)

 Counsels on Stewardship, p. 75

“He who gave His only-begotten Son to die

for you, has made a covenant with you.
He gives you His blessings, and in return
He requires you to bring Him your tithes
and offerings.”
 The Significance of Tithing
(p.11)

3. Failure to tithe is robbery of God

(Mal. 3:6-12; CS 77; CS 86)
Counsels On Stewardship p. 77

“The evasion of the

positive commands of God
concerning tithes and offerings,
is registered in the books of heaven
as robbery toward Him.”
“He who embezzles his Lord’s
goods not only loses the talent
lent him of God, but loses eternal
life.”
3T 387
“They rob God of the tenth, which
He claims as His own, and in
robbing Him they rob themselves
of the heavenly treasure.”

3T 398
 Testimonies, vol.4, pp. 481, 482

“When the judgment shall sit and the

books shall be opened, every man will be
rewarded according to his works. Many
names are enrolled on the church book
that have robbery recorded against them
in the Ledger of Heaven. And unless
these repent and work for the Master with
disinterested benevolence, they will
certainly share in the doom of the
unfaithful steward.
Counsels On Stewardship p. 86

“To defraud God is

the greatest crime of
which man can be guilty;
and yet this sin is
deep and widespread.
The Significance of Tithing (p.11)
3. Failure to tithe is robbery of God
(Mal. 3:6-12; CS 77; CS 86)

4. Tithing is an act of worship

(Mal. 3:10; Psalm 116:12-14)
“Bring ye all the tithes into the
storehouse…” KJV

“Bring all the tithes into the

storehouse…” NKJV

Not “You all” bring the tithes…

but
You bring “all” the tithes...
Tithing and Revival (p. 12)
1. Blessings or cursings
Deut. 28 (Mal. 3:9 & 11)

2. Return, revival, and reformation

Mal. 3:6-12

3. An honest tithe
Mal. 3:10

4. The minister’s responsibility

106; 4T 256
 Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 405

“Those churches who are the most

systematic and liberal in sustaining the
cause of God are the most prosperous
spiritually.”
 Testimonies vol. 4, p. 387

“Practical benevolence will give spiritual life to

thousands of nominal professors of truth… It
will transform them from selfish, covetous
worshipers of mammon to earnest, faithful co-
workers with Christ in the salvation of
sinners.”
Tithing and Revival (p. 12 )
1. Blessings or cursings
(Deut. 28)

2. Return, revival, and information

(Mal 3:6-12)

3. An honest tithe
(Mal 3:10)
Three elements of an Honest Tithe:

1. Portion / Percent - one tenth

2. Place to return - The Storehouse
3. Purpose - support the ministry of
God’s church
 Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 469
Everyone is to be his own assessor and is
left to give as he purposes in his heart.
But there are those who are guilty of the
same sin as Ananias and Sapphira,
thinking that if they withhold a portion of
what God claims in the tithing system the
brethren will never know it. Thus thought
the guilty couple whose example is given
us as a warning.”
The Problem:

“The majority of professed Christians

part with their means with great
reluctance. Many of them do not give
one twentieth of their income to God,
and many give far less than that; while
there is a large class who rob God of
the little tithe, and others who will give
only the tithe.”
Testimonies for the Church,
vol. 4, p. 474
The Possibilities:

“If all the tithes of our people flowed

into the treasury of the Lord as they
should, such blessings would be
received that gifts and offerings for
sacred purposes would be multiplied
tenfold, and thus the channel between
God and man would be kept open.”
Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 474
The Plan of Action:

“The followers of Christ should not wait for

thrilling missionary appeals to arouse them
to action. If spiritually awake, they would
hear in the income of every week, whether
much or little, the voice of God and of
conscience with authority demanding the
tithes and offerings due the Lord.”

Testimonies for the Church,

vol. 4, p. 474
 Acts of the Apostles, p. 566
The greatest praise that men can bring to God is
to become consecrated channels through whom
He can work. Time is rapidly passing into eternity.
Let us not keep back from God that which is His
own. Let us not refuse Him that which, though it
cannot be given with merit, cannot be denied
without ruin. He asks for a whole heart; give it to
Him; it is His, both by creation and by
redemption. He asks for your intellect; give it to
Him; it is His. He asks for your money; give it to
Him; it is His. "Ye are not your own, for ye are
bought with a price." 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20.
 My Goal As A Committed
Christian is to take what God
has given me in time, talents,
body temple, and my treasure,
and trade with it until He
comes with the perspective of
bringing profit to His kingdom.
 Counsels on Stewardship, p. 104
“Our ministers would feel sadly aggrieved if
they were not promptly paid for their labor;
but will they consider that there must be
meat in the treasure house of God where-
with to sustain laborers? If they fail to do
their whole duty in educating the people to
be faithful…there will be a shortage of
means…to carry forward the Lord’s work.”
Counsels on Stewardship, p. 104

“Those who go forth as ministers have a

solemn responsibility devolving upon them
which is strangely neglected… There is
great need of instruction concerning the
obligations and duties to God, especially in
regard to paying an honest tithe.”
 Counsels on Stewardship p. 105
“It is part of the minister’s work to teach
those who accept the truth through his
efforts, to bring the tithe to the store-
house, as an acknowledgement of their
dependence upon God. The new converts
should be fully enlightened as to their
duty to return to the Lord His own. The
command to pay tithe is so plain that
there is no semblance of excuse for
disregarding it.”
 Counsels on Stewardship p. 106
“If (pastors) fail to set before the church
the importance of returning to God His
own, if they do not see to it that the
officers under them are faithful, and that
the tithe is brought in, they are in peril.
They are neglecting a matter which
involves a blessing or a curse to the
church. They should be relieved of their
responsibility.”
 Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 256

“When (ministers) neglect to teach the

people their obligation to God in tithes
and offerings, they neglect one important
part of the work which their Master has
left them to do, and ‘Unfaithful servant’ is
written against their names in the books
of heaven.”
“It should be our
highest aim in life to
get ready for heaven.”

5 MR 255
 The 5 C’s of Credit
Management
1. Character – Your attitude toward
debt
2. Capacity – Your ability to repay
debt
3. Capital – Assets or Net Worth
4. Collateral – Assets that can be
pledged
5. Conditions – The current
economy and
your job security
 Testimonies, vol. 6 p. 448

“There are only two places in the world

where we can deposit our treasures--in
God’s storehouse or in Satan’s, and all
that is not devoted to Christ’s service is
counted on Satan’s side and goes to
strengthen his cause.”
 Debt Elimination (p. 14)
Basic premise: establish the tithe
(See Prov. 3; Deut. 28; Mal. 3; Matt. 6; Matt 25

Step 1 - declare a moratorium on

additional debt

Step 2 - make a covenant with God

Step 3 - list your debts from largest to

smallest
 Freedom Through Self -Denial
Counsels on Stewardship, p. 257
“Be determined never to incur another
debt. Deny yourself a thousand things
rather than run in debt. This has been the
curse of your life, getting into debt. Avoid
it as you would the smallpox. Make a
solemn covenant with God that by His
blessing you will pay your debts and then
owe no man anything if you live on
porridge and bread.--
 Freedom Through Self -Denial
Counsels on Stewardship, p. 257 cont.

Do not falter, be discouraged, or turn

back. Deny your taste, deny the
indulgence of appetite, save your pence
and pay your debts. Work them off as
fast as possible. When you stand forth a
free man again, owing no man anything,
you will have achieved a great victory.”
(Letter 4, 1877)
Additional Assistance (p. 16)
1. Establish a budget
2. Set goals for your family
3. Destroy credit cards if--
4. Purchase depreciating items with
cash
5. Begin economy measures
6. Have a sale--inventory your
possessions and sell off what
you don’t absolutely need
“It should be our
highest aim in life to
get ready for heaven.”

5 MR 255
Budget Suggestions 6 (p.
17)
1. How much is enough?
1 Tim. 6:6-8

2. What is a budget--counting the

cost.
Luke 14:28
3. Proper uses of money.
COL 351
4. Where does the money go?
 Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 351

“Money has great value, because it can do

great good… But money is of no more
value than sand, only as it is put to use

- in providing for the necessities of

life,
- in blessing others
- and advancing the cause of Christ”
Christian Education (p. 20 )
1. Counting the cost--one year at a
time
 What will it profit a man
 Our children belong to God
 The ultimate goal

2. Student loans
Prov. 22:7
Christian Education
3. Finding a way:
 Student initiative
 Parental assistance

 Family sacrifice--
prudent living

 Grants and
scholarship
“It should be our
highest aim in life to
get ready for heaven.”

5 MR 255
Train Up a Child 7 (p. 21)

1. An awesome responsibility
Eph. 6:4; Deut. 6:6, 7
2. The property of God
Ps. 24:1; AH 183
3. Start early
Prov. 22:6; CG 136
 Child Guidance, p. 136

“Let every youth and every child be taught, not

merely to solve imaginary problems, but to
keep an accurate account of his own income
and outgoes. Let him learn the right use of
money by using it. Whether supplied by their
parents or by their own earnings, let boys and
girls learn to select and purchase their own
clothing, their books, and other necessities;
and by keeping an account of their expenses,
they will learn, as they could learn in no other
way, the value and the use of money.”
 Child Guidance, p. 136
“When very young, children should be
educated to read, to write, to understand
figures, to keep their own accounts.”
Train Up a Child 7 (p. 21)

4. What should they be taught

Matt. 6:19, 33; Luke 12
 Testimonies, vol 3, p. 399
“The very best legacy which parents can
leave their children is a knowledge of
useful labor and the example of a life
characterized by disinterested
benevolence. By such a life they show the
true value of money, that it is only to be
appreciated for the good that it will
accomplish in relieving their own wants
and the necessities of others, and in
advancing the cause of God.”
What Parents Owe Their Children
(p. 22)

1. A Christian home environment

1 Cor. 16:1, 2

2. A willingness to work and an

appreciation for it
Prov. 22:29

3. A good education
Prov. 22:6
On Their Own (p. 23)
1. Start simple--build a good
foundation

2. Plan ahead--simple budget

3. Independence--the primary goal

of parenting
 Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 103
Self-denial Box
“When you place the Lord first, and determine that His
house shall no longer be dishonored by debt, God will
bless you. Every week endeavor to lay aside something
for this object, something in addition to your tithe money.
Have a box for this purpose. Explain to your children that
it is the self-denial box, in which you place every dollar and
every penny that is not required for actual necessities. It is
for the Lord’s house, to lift the heaven dishonoring debt
from the place of worship. In making this offering, every
member of the family will receive a blessing.”
 Child Guidance, p. 132
“Children are to be educated to deny
themselves. At one time, when I was
speaking in Nashville, the Lord gave me
light on this matter. It flashed upon me
with great force that in every home there
should be a self-denial box, and that into
this box the children should be taught to
put their pennies they could otherwise
spend for candy and other unnecessary
things.”
Purpose of funds in self-denial box:

1. Help liquidate church debt.

2. Help the family stay out of debt.

3. Help the needy.

4. Help the suffering.
5. Help spread the gospel to others.
 A Home of Your Own 8 (p.
24)
1. A big decision
Luke 14:28, 29

2. Location, location,

location

3. The 30-year
mortgage
 Larry Burkett
Investing for the Future, p. 142
“It is my strong conviction that becoming
debt-free, including the home mortgage,
should be the first investment goal for any
young couple (or person). Once you have
achieved that goal, then, and only then,
should you invest in other areas.”
 Adventist Home, p. 395
“Had Brother and Sister B been economical
managers, denying themselves, they could
ere this have had a home of their own and
besides this have had means to draw upon
in case of adversity.”
 Adventist Home, p. 384
“We are not to feel disturbed if our
neighbors build and furnish their
houses in a manner that we are not
authorized to follow.”
“It should be our
highest aim in life to
get ready for heaven.”

5 MR 255
Working for the Gold Watch 9
( p.28)
1. Retirement in scripture
Num. 8:25; Luke 12:16-21

2. Ellen White and retirement

3. Common fears of older people

1T 423, 424
1. DYING TO SOON
(Before family is taken care of)

2. LIVING TOO LONG

(Out-live their assets)

3. CATASTROPHIC ILLNESS
(All resources go at one time)

4. MENTAL AND / OR PHYSICAL

DISABILITY
(Who will take care of me)
 Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 423, 424
Insurance companies make fortunes on these fears.
People voluntarily give insurance companies
BILLIONS of dollars annually to take away these
fears.
When commenting on these fears of older persons
Ellen White states:

“All these fears originate with Satan.”

Working for the Gold Watch 9
(p.28)

4. Planning ahead
Financial Problems Ahead (p.
29)
1. Debt load on the government
2. The welfare burden
3. The social security system
4. The graying of America
5. One third of a nation
6. Abortion and the declining
birthrate
Points to Consider (p.30)
1. First prerequisite

2. Health/health care

3. Taper off--don’t quit

Points to Consider (p. 30)
4. More than one source of income

5. Minimize expenses:
 Size and location of house
 Climate and cost of living
 Tax considerations--property and
real estate
Inheritance and Estate Planning 10
(p. 31)
1. Crowning act of stewardship
Matt 25
2. Dying without a will

3. Common practice
Eccl. 2:21; 4T 391

4. The Christian will--new and

different 4T 482, 483
 Testimonies, vol 1, p. 199
“I was shown the awful fact that Satan and
his angels have had more to do with the
management of the property of God’s
professed people than the Lord has.
Stewards of the last days are unwise.”
Inheritance and Estate Planning 10

(p. 31)

1. Crowning act of stewardship

Matt. 25

2. Dying without a will

If you die without a will, the state assumes
that you are an atheist. In no case would
any of your assets be returned to God
through a church or charity.

Really everyone has a will. Either one they

make or one the state makes for them.
Which kind do you have?

Your will is the crowning act of your

stewardship.
Inheritance and Estate Planning 10

(p. 31)
1. Crowning act of stewardship
Matt. 25
2. Dying without a will

3. Common practice
Eccl. 2:21; 4T391
 Ecclesiastes 2:21
“For there is a man whose labor is
with wisdom, knowledge, and skill;
yet he must leave his heritage
to a man who has not labored for it.
This also is vanity and a great evil.”
Inheritance and Estate Planning 10

(p. 31)
1. Crowning act of stewardship
Matt. 25

2. Dying without a will

3. Common practice
Eccl. 2:21; 4T 391
4. The Christian will - new and different
(4T 482, 483)
 Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 483
“Your wife and children, of course, should
not be left destitute; provision should be
made for them if they are needy. But do
not, simply because it is customary, bring
into your will a long line of relatives who
are not needy.--
 Testimonies vol. 4, p. 483 cont.

Let it ever be kept in mind that the

present selfish system of disposing of
property is not God’s plan, but man’s
device. Christians should be reformers
and break up this present system, giving
an entirely new aspect to the formation
of wills.”
 Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 480
“That which many propose to defer until they
are about to die, if they were Christians
indeed they would do while they have a
strong hold on life. They would devote
themselves and their property to God, and,
while acting as His stewards, they would
have the satisfaction of doing their duty. By
becoming their own executors, they could
meet the claims of God themselves, instead
of shifting the responsibility upon others.”
 Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 154
“Those who hold fast their property till the
last moment, surrender it to death rather
than to the cause. Losses are occurring
continually. Banks fail, and property is
consumed in very many ways…Satan
works to prevent the means from coming
into the treasury at all.”
 Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 295
“To the aged, who are losing their hold on
this life, I appeal to make a right disposition
your Lord’s goods before you fall asleep in
Jesus. Remember that you are God’s
stewards. Do not fail of attending to this
while you have your reason. As age comes
upon us, it is our duty to make a
disposition of our means to the
instrumentalities that God has
established.”
 Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 479
“The Lord would have His followers
dispense their means while they can do it
themselves. Some may inquire: ‘Must we
actually dispossess ourselves of every-
thing which we call our own?’ We may not
be required to do this now; but we must be
willing to do so for Christ’s sake. We must
acknowledge that our posses- sions are
absolutely His, by using of them freely
whenever means is needed to advance His
cause.”
 Testimonies, vol. 4 p. 478

“There are aged ones among us who are

nearing the close of their probation; but
for the want of wide-awake men to secure
the cause of God the means in their
possession, it passes into the hands of
those who are serving Satan.--
 Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 478 cont.

This means was only lent them of God to

be returned to Him; but in nine cases out
of ten these brethren, when passing from
the stage of action, appropriate God’s
property in a way that cannot glorify Him,
for not one dollar of it will ever flow into
the Lord’s treasury.”
 Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 479
“Here is a man with God’s money or property in
his hands. He is about to change his
stewardship. Will he place the means which
God has lent him to be used in His cause, in the
hands of wicked men, just because they are his
relatives? Should not Christian men feel
interested and anxious for that man’s future
good as well as for the interest of God’s cause,
that he shall make a right disposition of his
Lord’s money, the talents lent him for wise
improvement?”--
 Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 479
“Will his brethren stand by and see him
losing his hold on this life and at the same
time robbing the treasury of God? This
would be a fearful loss to himself and to the
cause; for, by placing his talent of means in
the hands of those who have no regard for
the truth of God, he would, to all intents and
purposes, be wrapping it in a napkin and
hiding it in the earth.”
What to Do (p.32)
1. Remember God’s ownership

2. The three proper uses of money

3. What percent to God?

4. The value of present giving

Responsibility to Children (p. 33)

1. Individual responsibility
Matt 6:19, 20; 25:14-30; 1 Tim
6:17- 19; Eccl. 2:21; Lk 18:18-30; 2
Cor. 5:10

2. When to maximize gifts to

children

3. When to minimize gifts to children

 Testimonies vol. 3, p. 121
“Parents should exercise the right that God
has given them. He entrusted to them the
talents He would have them use to His
glory. The children were not to become
responsible for the talents of the father.
While they have sound minds and good
judgment, parents should, with prayerful
consideration, and with the help of proper
counselors who have experience in the truth
and a knowledge of the divine will, make
disposition of. . .
 Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 121 cont.
their property. If they have children who
are afflicted or struggling in poverty, and
who will make a judicious use of means,
they should be considered. But if they
have unbelieving children who have
abundance of this world, they commit a sin
against the Master, who has made them His
stewards, by placing means in their hands
merely because they are their children.”
 Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 655
“Parents should have great fear in entrusting
children with the talents of means that God
has placed in their hands, unless they have
the surest evidence that their children have
greater interest in, love for, and devotion to,
the cause of God than they themselves
possess, and that these children will be more
earnest and zealous in forwarding the work
of God, and more benevolent in carrying
forward the various enterprises connected
with it which calls for means.--
 Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 655 cont.

But many place their means in the hands

of their children, thus throwing upon
them the responsibility of their own
stewardship, because Satan prompts
them to do it. In so doing they effectually
place that means in the enemy’s ranks.”
 Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 122, 123

“If parents while they live, would assist

their children to help themselves, it would
be better than to leave them a large amount
at death. Children who are left to rely
principally upon their own exertions make
better men and women, and are better fitted
for practical life than those children who
have depended upon their father’s estate.”
Parents and Children in Estate Planning
Children should always be remembered if:
1. They are dependant - needy
2. They are afflicted
3. They will be more liberal with God’s
cause than the parents were.
No if:
1. They are unbelieving
2. They have an abundance
3. They are serving the world.
Responsibility to Children (p. 33)

1. Individual responsibility
Matt 6:19, 20; 25:14-30;
1 Tim 6:17- 19; Eccl. 2:21; Lk
18:18-30; 2 Cor. 5:10
2. When to maximize gifts to children

3. When to minimize gifts to children

4. Avoiding a terrible mistake
 Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 122
“Many parents make a great mistake in
placing their property out of their hands
into the hands of their children while they
are themselves responsible for the use or
abuse of the talent lent them of God.
Neither parents nor children are made
happier by this transfer of property.”
Parents Best Legacy to their Children :

- Love for God

- Willingness to Work

- A Good Education
 Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 399
“The very best legacy which parents can
leave their children is a knowledge of useful
labor and the example of a life characterized
by disinterested benevolence. By such a
life they show the true value of money, that
it is only to be appreciated for the good that
it will accomplish in relieving their own
wants and the necessities of others, and in
advancing the cause of God.”
Worry-free Investments 11 (p. 34)

1. Understanding “don’t”
Matt. 6:19

2. Understanding “do”
Matt. 6:20

3. Looking for a safe place to keep

money

4. Savings versus hoarding

Problems With Hoarding (p.35)
1. Loss in a failing economy

1 Tim 6
2. Holding the assets too long
James 5:1; 1T 173-175
3. Can’t buy or sell
Rev 13:17; Mark 8:36, 37
4. Documented evidence
of selfishness
 Evangelism, p. 63
“The very means that is now so sparingly
invested in the cause of God, and that is
selfishly retained, will in a little while be
cast with all idols to the moles and to the
bats. Money will soon depreciate in value
very suddenly when the reality of eternal
scenes opens to the senses of man.”
 Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 152

“The time is coming when we cannot sell

at any price. The decree will soon go
forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any
man save him that hath the mark of the
beast.”
 Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 352
“Hoarded wealth is not merely useless,
it is a curse.
In this life it is a snare to the soul,
drawing the affections away from
the heavenly treasure.
In the great day of God
its witness to unused talents and neglected
opportunities will condemn its
possessor.”
Some Investment Suggestions
(p.36)
1. High risk / low risk
2. Where do you want to lose it?
3. Get rich quick schemes
a. Promise of high returns -
wealth
b. Something new that you don’t really
understand
c. Must risk money you can’t afford to lose
d. Make a quick decision
Some Investment Suggestions

(p.36)
4. Best places

- Government backed securities

- Church investments

- Projects to advance God’s cause

- Education of workers
End-time Investments (p. 37)
1. No safe places on earth
Matt. 6:19

2. Transferring treasures to heaven

Matt. 6:20
 Leaving here soon
 How to do it
 How much
 Counsels on Stewardship, p. 342

“In giving to the work of God, you are

laying up for yourselves treasures in
heaven. All that you lay up is secure from
disaster and loss, and is increasing to an
eternal, an enduring substance.”
Counsels on Stewardship, p. 151
“By investing their means in the cause of
God to aid in the salvation of souls, and
by relieving the needy, they become rich
in good works, and are ‘laying up in store
for themselves a good foundation against
the time to come, that they may lay hold
on eternal life.’ This will prove a safe
investment.”
 Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 226
“Those who really feel an interest in the
cause of God, and are willing to venture
something for its advancement, will find
it a sure and safe investment.”
 Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 49
“We are to place in the Lord’s treasury all
the means that we can spare. For this
means, needy, unworked fields are
calling… The money invested in this
work will bring rich returns.”
End-time Investments (p. 37)
1. No safe places on earth
Matt. 6:19
2. Transferring treasures to heaven
Matt. 6:20
Leaving here soon
How to do it
How much

3. Ultimate security
 Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 280
To one who had made poor earthly investments:
“The enterprise of securing eternal life did not
awaken your interest. Here you could have
expended means, and run no risks, met no
disappointments, and in the end would have
received immense profits. Here you could have
invested in the never-failing bank of heaven…This
enterprise is eternal and is as much nobler than
any earthly enterprise as the heavens are higher
than the earth.”
 Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 59
“As Christ’s followers give back to the
Lord His own, they are accumulating
treasure which will be theirs when they
hear the words: ‘Well done, thou good
and faithful servant…enter thou into the
joy of thy Lord.’”
“When Christ's followers give back
to the Lord His own, they are
accumulating treasure which will be
given to them when they shall hear
the words, ‘Well done, good and
faithful servant; . . . enter thou into
the joy of thy Lord.’”

The Desire of Ages, p. 523

The Judgment Bar of God 12 (p.38)

1. Settling accounts
(Matt. 25:14-19)

2. Building on the sand

or on the rock
(Matt. 7:24-27)

3. No way out
(Luke 21:25; 9T 13)
Understanding the Talents (p. 39)
1. Parable given for last-day
Christians
1T 197
 Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 197
“I was shown that the parable of the talents
has not been fully understood. This
important lesson was given to the disciples
for the benefit of Christians living in the
last days…The parable applies to the
temporal means which God has entrusted
to His people…God requires those who
have possessions here, to put it into the
cause to spread the truth.”
Understanding the Talents (p. 39)
1. Parable given for last-day
Christians
1T 197

2. Multiplication of talents
2T 660
3. Giving it all back
2T 660; Matt. 25
 Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 660
“Every soul saved is a talent gained. If
truly converted, the one brought to a
knowledge of the truth will, in his turn,
use the talents of influence and of means
which God has given him, in working for
the salvation of his fellow men.”
Understanding the Talents (p. 39)
1. Parable given for last-day Christians
1T 197
2. Multiplication of talents
2T 660
3. Giving it all back
2T 660; Matt. 25
4. Helping the poor
Matt. 25:31-46
 Testimonies vol. 5, pp. 150, 151
“In every church there should be established
a treasury for the poor. The let each
member present a thank offering to God
once a week or once a month, as is most
convenient. This offering will express our
gratitude for the gifts of health, of food,
and of comfortable clothing. And
according as God has blessed us with
these comforts will we lay by for the poor,
the suffering, and the distressed.--
Testimonies vol. 5, p. 150, 151 cont.
I would call the attention of our
brethren especially to this point.
Remember the poor. Forego some of
your luxuries, yea, even comforts, and
help those who can obtain only the
most meager food and clothing. In
doing for them you are doing for Jesus
in the person of His saints.”
 Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 660
“When the Master comes, the faithful
servant is prepared to return Him both
principal and interest. By his fruits he
can show the increase of talents that he
has gained to return to the Master. The
faithful servant will then have done his
work, and the Master, whose reward is
with Him to give every man according as
his work shall be, will return to that
faithful servant both principal and
interest.”
 Testimonies, vol.4, pp. 481, 482

“When the judgment shall sit and the

books shall be opened, every man will be
rewarded according to his works. Many
names are enrolled on the church book
that have robbery recorded against them
in the Ledger of Heaven. And unless
these repent and work for the Master with
disinterested benevolence, they will
certainly share in the doom of the
unfaithful steward.
 Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 659
“The Lord requires that those to whom
He has lent talents of means make a right
use of them, having the advancement of
His cause prominent. Every other
consideration should be inferior to this.”
Last Things (p. 40)
1. The basis of the judgment

Matt. 25

2. Finishing the work

3. No money in your pockets

4. The words “Well done”

Matt. 25; Luke 19
“It should be our
highest aim in life to
get ready for heaven.”

5 MR 255