Week 3 Extravagantly Generous Discussion Guide

Sermon recording

If anyone missed Sunday's sermon, encourage them to watch the recording. 

Check-in

Share with the group something you are grateful for and something that is causing you stress

Opening prayer (pray aloud together):

Godliness with contentment is great gain. We bring nothing into this world, and we take nothing out of it. We, who call Jesus LORD, devote ourselves to resisting greed, which plunges the human heart into ruin and pierces it with many griefs.

We are determined to practice generosity with free hearts, fixing our hope on GOD and not the uncertainty of wealth. We desire to be rich in good deeds and willing to share all that we have, laying up for ourselves treasure that will not decay but will shine in the age to come. Amen.

Opening questions:

1. In opening her sermon, Pastor Julie talked about how a good GPS is an invaluable tool but an ineffective GPS can take us off course. What is your GPS when it comes to stewarding your finances and your possessions? ... How do advertisers and social media try to disciple you in the area of finances?

2. In Julie’s sermon, she also asked the question: Do you know what the Bible has to say about money? ... How would you describe the Bible’s overall message related to money and possessions?

Reading of Scripture:

Julie told us on Sunday that the Bible has over 2,000 verses related to money, wealth and possessions. Let’s explore some passages about money together.

Have someone read Ecclesiastes 5:10-12

• What does this passage tell us about the pursuit of wealth?

• Do you feel satisfied or content with your financial situation? What would it look for you to be content with your finances?

Have someone read Matthew 6:19-34

• What is your gut response to Jesus’ insistence that we cannot serve both God and money? ... Is your motivation in your work to make money or to please God?
  
  
• In verses 25-35, what resonated with you? Where did you experience resistance?
  
  
• Where do you experience worry or anxiety in your finances? Can you imagine experiencing freedom from that anxiety? … What would it look like for you to seek first the Kingdom of God and trust Him to provide all that you need when you need it?
  
  

Have someone read 1 Timothy 6:6-10; 17-19

• What resonates with you in this passage? Where do you experience resistance?
  
  
• What do you think "the love of money" looks like? Where do you see the "love of money" at work in the world and in your own life?
  
  
• What is Paul’s message to those who are rich?
  
  
• As someone who is rich in comparison to much of the world, what would it look like for you to heed these words?
  
  
• Don’t think you’re rich? Try using this website to see how your income compares to the rest of the world.

Practice

On Sunday, Julie suggested that if someone asked to look at your calendar, you likely would gladly show them. But if someone asked to see your bank statement, you would likely be hesitant. Sometime this week, take a look at your most recent bank statement. Examine it line by line. What does your statement communicate about what you truly love and value?