22 Nov Discussion Guide: Live Big Week 3
Prayer
Take the first 10 minutes of your time together to listen to what God is doing in one another’s lives and pray for any specific needs people in your group may have.
This week we continue our series called Live Big. We will be spending the next few weeks looking at God’s generosity towards us in the Gospel, and how that Truth should impact the way we live, give and serve the world around us.
Discussion Questions
Kelly Benton, Pastor
”Jesus talked about money more than He did Heaven and Hell combined. He talked about money more than anything else except the Kingdom of God. 11 of 39 parables talk about money. 1 of every 7 verses in the Gospel of Luke talks about money.”
Why do you suppose Jesus spent so much time talking about money?
Based on what we see in our culture, what would you say seem to be the top 5 financial priorities for most people?
If someone were to look at your own personal budget, would they say your financial priorities are similar or different than most other people’s?
Matthew 6:31-33
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
What does our view of money reveal about our faith?
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
“Give me all of you!!! I don’t want so much of your time, so much of your talents and money, and so much of your work. I want YOU!!! ALL OF YOU!! I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man or woman, but to KILL IT! No half measures will do. I don’t want to only prune a branch here and a branch there; rather I want the whole tree out! Hand it over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them ALL over to me, give yourself to me and I will make of you a new self—in my image. Give me yourself and in exchange I will give you Myself. My will, shall become your will. My heart, shall become your heart.”
How does that quote make you feel? Why?
How does the Gospel point us to the trustworthiness of God in our lives?
1 Chronicles 29:11-13
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
How would our culture be different if people believed that scripture?
How would your own life look different, if at all, if you took this passage seriously?
Closing Thought
Augustine of Hippo
“Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you.”