A January New Year's Resolution series. In this series Jeff challenged his congregation to lose weight spiritually as well as physically. On the spiritual side, he covered four "fatty" areas where Christians need to lose weight: guilt, debt, fear, and mediocrity. On the physical side, Jeff challenged his people to lose 10 lbs. during the month of January and promised to lose work at it with them. He was weighed in each of these Sunday mornings by one of his board members...on an accurate doctors scale...on the platform...while the congregation watched...just before he spoke! Jeff ended up losing 14 lbs. that January and has since shed 50 lbs. over a two and a half year period.

1. The Biggest Loser Week 2: Lose the Weight of Debt

2. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders. Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other. Romans 13:7-8

3. ________ the reality of debt GRASP

4. Proverbs 22:7 The poor are always ruled over by the rich, so don't borrow and put yourself under their power.

5. _________ your financial situation EXAMINE

6. Lamentations 3:40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.

7. Proverbs 2:11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

8. _________ now, not later TITHE

9. Matthew 23:23 "How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest part of your income, but you ignore the important things of the law--justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but you should not leave undone the more important things.

10. ______ ________ ________ your expenses FINE TOOTH COMB

11. 1 Timothy 6:7-8 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

12. _________ a biblical budget INTRODUCE

13. _________ God no matter what TRUST

14. Mark 11:22-23 Then Jesus said to the disciples, "Have faith in God. I assure you that you can say to this mountain, `May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,' and your command will be obeyed. All that's required is that you really believe and do not doubt in your heart.

15. Next Week: Lose the Weight of Fear