One of the best and most life-changing books that I have ever encountered is the Treasure Principle, by Randy Alcorn. Some Bible studies use guilt as a motivation for giving money; this one doesn’t. The subtitle of The Treasure Principle is ‘Discover the secret of joyful giving!”. For me, this book delivered on that promise! A quote from the book that I love, which sums up the attitude of the author towards money and giving is “Giving infuses life with joy. It interjects an eternal dimension into even the most ordinary day.”
After reading this book, I was so passionate about the inspiring message of the the joy of giving, that I purchased and gave away multiple copies. One might expect a Christian book to emphasize a legalistic view of tithing and biblical stewardship as a way to earn God’s favor, but that is not at all the approach used by Randy Alcorn.
The Treasure Principle is definitely not filled with “fluff”, but neither is it too “heavy”. Although Alcorn packs a lot of profound concepts about money into the brief 128 pages of his book, he illustrates key truths about money and giving in contemporary, easy-to-understand language. His motivational style encourages the reader to discover both the immediate joy and the eternal rewards of Matthew 6:19-21 -“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – with a “six step plan”. His approach is always encouraging, inspiring and motivational, never guilt inducing 7 deadly sins .
Although the book alone is a great biblical resource on money, there are a variety of additional bible study materials available to bring even more insight into the biblical stewardship principles presented in the book. However, in looking for bible studies to accompany the book, I found it confusing to understand the difference between them. As a result of my reading and research on the different bible studies, I am happy to provide the following descriptions of bible study materials to help you decide which best fits your requirements.
The Treasure Principle Study Guide
Length of Bible Study: 12 lessons
Need The Treasure Principle book to complete the bible study? Yes
Is a Leader’s Guide included? No
The Treasure Principle Bible Study
Length of Bible Study: 20 lessons, (format is set up for 4 weeks with 5 lessons per week, but could be completed over a different time period that fits your schedule)
Need The Treasure Principle book to complete the bible study? No
Is a Leader’s Guide included? Yes
The Treasure Principle DVD
Length of Bible Study: Six sessions – 30 minutes each
Need The Treasure Principle book to complete the bible study? Recommended, but not required.
Is a Leader’s Guide included? NA
The Treasure Principle Workshop (for groups)
The Workshop Kit includes a DVD with speakers Randy Alcorn and Howard Dayton of Crown Financial Ministries, a leader’s guide and a student workbook (with CD). Additional leader’s guides and student workbooks (with CD’s) can also be purchased separately.
Length of Bible Study: Six sessions – 1 hour each (Can be taught as an all day seminar, weekend workshop, or a six week bible study or adult education elective)
Need The Treasure Principle book to complete the bible study? No
Is a Leader’s Guide included? Yes, with the Kit, and can be purchased separately.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV)
Lisa Hay is a Christian CPA who is passionate about providing practical independent financial advice and sharing the joy and freedom that comes from following biblical truths regarding money and giving.