Big Idea

If money could talk to us, it would say, “I’m a much better servant than master.”

Scripture

Matthew 6:24, 33, Mark 8:34-37

Icebreaker & Opening Thought

1. If you had two minutes to evacuate your home, excluding people and pets, what would you take?
2. Our relationship with money and possessions is worth our examination because our relationship with material possessions always has spiritual implications. What are some ways you’ve seen this truth in your own experience?

Bible Discussion

3. Read Matthew 6:24. Jesus is saying that we cannot follow two different leaders. Why do you think Jesus says this about the relationship between money and God?
4. Read Matthew 6:33. If we understand God’s Kingdom as his will and way, how would you put this passage in your own words? What is the difference between “Me First Living” and “Kingdom First Living?”

Life Application

Money is an important tool we use every day, though it can become a problem when we relate to it in unhealthy ways. See the following statistics from Thriving Wallet and then discuss the questions. 90% of Americans say that money impacts their stress level. 65% feel like their financial difficulties are piling up so much they can’t overcome them. 40% wish they could have a fresh start. 25% make a purchase they later regret when they’re under significant stress.

5. Do these statistics surprise you? Why or why not? Which can you relate to the most?
6. One way to relate to money healthily is to give a portion of it away. You can give to the church, or if that sounds like a trick, the challenge is to give sacrificially somewhere and see how that changes how you relate to money. What do you think about giving as a way of creating a healthy relationship with money?
7. What tensions do you feel when you do give away money? What would have to change in your life if you gave more of your money away?
8. What next steps are you going to take to be more healthy with your money?