Us for Them- Week 9

Opening

 Take a few moments to talk about each person’s understanding of money and possessions and what following Jesus has to do with them.

Overview

Many people in the church believe that prosperity equals God’s favor or that poverty equals God’s favor. They either love money or they loathe it. But Jesus teaches we are supposed to leverage the money we have for the mission of God and the good of others.

Jesus wants us to address our money through the lens of ownership and responsibility. We can be encouraged to build a plan, to gain wealth slowly instead of being taken in by get rich quick schemes, to give generously, and to save purposefully. Then our money can be a gift to those around us and be part of building God’s kingdom.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you believed that you were supposed to love or loathe money?
2. Can you put into words what leveraging money means to you?

Practice

  Luke 12: 22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. ²³ For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. ²⁴ Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! ²⁵ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? ²⁶ And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? ²⁷ “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. ²⁸ And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? ²⁹ “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. ³⁰ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. ³¹ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. ³² “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. ³³ “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. ³⁴ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Ask two volunteers to slowly reach this portion of Scripture out loud, one after the others. Give everyone a few moments to prayerfully read through the passage on their own. After the reading, have a group discussion.

• What are some of the instructions that Jesus gives in this passage? (Maybe even have people write them down.)
• Which ones do you think you do well?
• Where would you say your treasure is right now?
• How does this passage reshape how you look at money?

Follow the Spirit’s leading in where this conversation flows and lean in to what your group members are sharing.

 Closing

End praying over one another and acknowledging the growth points that people shared. Pray for hearts of surrender and generosity in your people.