TEACHING NOTES

Jesus talked about money all of the time, but he never asked for any

In every parable, there’s someone who represents *God*, and in every parable, there’s someone who represents the people in Jesus’ audience

The master praised the dishonest manager because he acted wisely…

He is commended because he took full advantage of his limited *time* and his limited *opportunity* to work toward the future and we are to do the same.

“How do I get maximum use out of my limited time and limited opportunity that comes my way?”

When you give to this church…when you support a local or worldwide ministry…their stories of life change and impact become a part of your *story*

The resources you possess now have the potential to make a forever *difference*

We should view everything (100%) we have as a potential means to a future end

How can I leverage more of what I have as a means to an end that’s not me?

Money and possessions are a means to an end and a tool…and there will be a test to determine whose kingdom we are most devoted too.

Who are you managing your money and possessions for?

What can you do now with your money and possessions that can make an eternal difference?

TALK IT OVER

INTRODUCTION
How we view money and possessions not only impacts how we live now, but also has eternal consequences. Does our money add meaning to our lives or is it the meaning of our lives?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What do you feel you regularly spend too much money on?
2. When it comes to managing money, what are three words that best describe you?
3. Parables are fictional stories Jesus told in order to teach his followers something important. On that note, read Luke 16:1–13.
• Look up the definition of the word “shrewd.” Why would the master describe the manager’s actions as shrewd?
• In one sentence, try to clarify what Jesus was challenging his listeners to do.
• In verse 11, Jesus contrasts worldly wealth with the true riches. What do you think are the “true riches” Jesus refers to? Are you currently being entrusted with any true riches?
• If it’s true that no one can serve both God and money, what are the differences between the person who serves money and the person who serves God?
4. At funerals, people tell stories of how others impacted their lives rather than talking about how much stuff they have. Which of these questions can help you shift from “stuff” to “stories”?
• What do you want people to line up to thank you for at the end of your life?
• What breaks your heart right now that you could use your money to do something about?
5. If money is intended to be a means to something rather than the meaning of life, what would be a win statement for your money? If it’s not just consumption, upgrades, and waste, what is it?

MOVING FORWARD
If you choose to live for yourself, you’ll only have yourself to show for it. This week, spend some time wrestling with one thing that breaks your heart—something that perhaps you can be a means to helping. What step can you take to move in that direction? How can this group help?

CHANGING YOUR MIND

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” —Luke 16:13 (NIV)