In the Fishbowl
Week 3: Obsession with Stuff:
March 21, 2010
Pastor Jon Hand
Luke 12:13-34
Listen to Sermon: Obsession with Stuff
Resources
Total Money Makeover - by Dave Ramsey. This morning we interviewed someone at Engage who has benefited greatly from this resource. Ramsey lays out a biblically centered and practical way to save money, reduces expenses, and relieve the weight of debt. His plan helps us live freely, generously, and healthily with our personal finances. If you feel stuck under the weight of debt. If you live tight-fisted with your money. If you feel like you have no extra money to give to things that matter most. This book will help you begin to learn how to handle your money in a way that honors God and benefits you.
Seed thoughts to ponder:
Our financial strain is hardly ever a money issue, it’s a contentment issue.
Our education, jobs, money, and possessions are just a means to an end. They are just tools for God to use in his larger mission.
Our least valuable possession is money and possessions.
How do you grow in faith, trust, and joy in God? You risk what’s most “valuable” to you by releasing it and trust that in turn God will creatively provide what you need.
Ask yourself: Am I trusting my possessions too much? Do I run to the store to try and purchase peace in my soul? Do I buy things for image sake–seeking acceptance? Do I buy things to make me feel safe–looking for security? Do I buy things because I’m bored–self-focused?
What if:
Imagine if for starters you began living on 80% of your income. Save 10% give 5% to church and give 5% to benefit and bless other people and organizations who are doing work for God that will last beyond you.
What if in response to God’s generosity in your life you challenged yourself to step out in faith by giving 1-2% more of your income for God to use.
What if you decided to give not just conveniently but to begin giving sacrificially to something or someone that’s aligned with God’s mission in the world.
What if you began opening your bank accounts to God by praying for the strength, courage to live more generously with your possessions, time, and money.
Community Group Discussion Guide
In the Fishbowl: Stuff
Getting Started
- What are your most treasured possessions? (Actual things you own.) What makes them so valuable to you?
- How do you feel when you buy something new? How long does that feeling last?
- What do you think our culture teaches us about money and possessions? What are some negative consequences of following our society’s path when it comes to our finances?
- How has your faith shaped the way you look at money? Have you changed?
From the Book
Read Luke 12:13-34
- In the story Jesus told, where did the rich man place his security? How did Jesus contrast that with the birds and flowers? Where does Jesus tell us to put our hope and trust?
- In this passage, what are the things Jesus tells us not to do? What does he say that we should do? What are the consequences of each?
- Reread verse 34. What do you think Jesus meant by this? Do you see this in other people? In yourself? Where does Jesus say is the best place to, “store our treasure?”
So What?
- In verse 31 Jesus says, “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” What does it look like, practically, to “seek His kingdom?”
- The way we spend our money says a lot about what we truly value. Take some time this week to audit yourself. Where are you spending your money? Does this reflect the values you want to have?
- In Luke 12:33 Jesus says, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” Go through your home and find something (or several things) that you don’t need or aren’t using anymore. Sell them on Craigslist (or have a yard sale). Then take the money you make and give it to charity.
- In response to God’s generosity in your life, challenge yourself to give a greater percentage of your income back to Him.
