Big Idea

Disciples of Jesus disentangle themselves from the idolatry of wealth and possessions by seeking God’s Kingdom first.

Scripture

Matthew 6:19-24

Opening Questions

1. How have you been able to B.L.E.S.S. others this recently?
2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you be?

Bible Discussion

3. Read Matthew 6:19-24. What do you notice in this passage?
4. In verse 19, Jesus talks about treasures. The word for treasures in the original language of the New Testament isn’t just referring to possessions; the word suggests the accumulation of things as a way to experience joy. He’s talking about being driven by a desire to acquire – because somehow you think that thing you desire will bring you joy. Jesus calls us to chase after God as our focus of joy. What would you say you are chasing? To what degree do you chase after things as a focus of joy?
5. Author Skye Jethani writes, “[Jesus] is talking about a treasure that is accessible to us right now, and this treasure is the presence of God in our lives…Jesus’ point is that having the treasure of God is far more valuable in this life than any treasure the world may offer.” What do you think about this statement by Skye?

Life Application

6. In verse 24, Jesus says, “you can’t serve both God and money,” he’s saying there will be a tug-of-war between pursuing God and chasing after possessions as a source of joy. We may feel a tug of war in many areas of our life. How have you experienced that tug of war?
7. We can disentangle ourselves from divided loyalties by seeing the tension outlined above, by simplifying our focus to seek first God’s Kingdom, and by learning to be more sacrificial. Jesus says, “Seek first God’s Kingdom” in 6:33. How does sacrifice calibrate our divided loyalty?
8. What steps can you take to align your life and view of possessions around Jesus’ Kingdom?