INTRODUCTION
God wants what is best for us. God alone really knows what is best for us. We think we know, but we are so often wrong. Everything belongs to God. Everything. Stuff matters way more to us than it does to God. He care about our hearts and He cares about our choices to trust in Him. He lets us choose the degree to which we trust Him. What we do with our money is a huge indicator of our level of trust in Him. This is very sensitive and can get very uncomfortable quickly. If/when you struggle with this message it would be very wise to take a step back to last week’s message about your heart. This is a step many of us need to take often, but we choose to charge forward. Aligning our heart is a constant necessity especially when it comes to our money. That might be why Jesus talked about our motives and heart so much in terms of our relationship with money. This is NOT easy stuff, but so good for us. He is a good Father. He knows what is best for His kids!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
If God does not need our money why do you think He talks about it so much?
When you consider that everything you own was given to you by God how does that change the way you spend or use it?
How we spend our money is a very sensitive topic. It is not something we usually discuss openly. What is an area of your finances that is particularly hard of your to discuss?
Why do you think that is and what do you think the Lord wants to teach you in this area?
God has expectations of what we will do with all He has given us. Consider that for a moment. What do you think He expects from you based on how He has blessed you?
At the end of our lives we all want to hear God say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” The definition of “faithful” should always be evolving for us. How do you think the Lord is inviting you to deepen your expression of faithfulness to Him as a steward of what He has entrusted to you?
Being a poor steward seems to be rather innocuous, but Jesus calls a poor steward “wicked and lazy.” Yikes! Why do you think He used those words to describe a poor steward?
Entitlement is a huge issue with young people today. We also deal with it but we are usually more discreet about it. How do you think entitlement is an issue for you from God’s perspective? (Reminder- nothing is ours and everything is His.)
Since part of God’s plan is to bless those He loves through us how do you think your perspective of your belongings should be affected by the needs around you?
God does not tell us to give Him our offerings, but He invites us to “bring” them to where they belong (“storehouse” in Malachi 3:10). We choose to either bring it to Him or we “steal” it by keeping what is not ours. This is a very direct way to communicate God’s desires for us. Take a moment to take that thought in. How does that strike you?
God not only invites us to bring to Him what is His, but He also invites us to bring it to Him “first.” Why do you think that even matters?
What role do you think needs to be adjusted in your perspective on money, giving, and stewardship?
MOVING FORWARD
Whew! We just talked about money- your money- and you are still here! That shows strength, humility, and a willingness to learn through discomfort. Fantastic! If we can loosen our grip on what many would say is ours and know it belongs to the Lord, we have come a L O N G way towards becoming who the Lord wants us to become. Thanks for being willing to keep growing in all areas of our life. That is inspiring. May the Lord graciously and gently keep growing us in all areas of our lives. Thanks for being awesome!