For the next three weeks we're going to discuss finances and the economy that we find ourselves in. Doubtless that one or more members of your LifeGroup has been affected by financial woes and joblessness in recent months. The questions about God's principles and practical help with day-to-day financial realities are being asked a lot more that than normal. This series, simply entitled money, is designed to get us who follow Christ on track, as well as provide some practical insights long after things turn around.On the evening of Sunday March 15th, we will, in addition to this series, be offering a few classes entitled What.Now. There will be a session on Career Counseling (simple things how to create a good resume, how to handle interviews, to how to step into a career that has more to do with how God wired you,etc...), creative ways to save money (coupons, Craig's List, and more) and setting up a budget for your household. You and your group (or a few of them) may want to attend What.Now. together, but at least encourage any of your members that need it to not miss it. You may also want to attend the prayer event the evening of March 3rd and 12:1:30 on March 4th in the main room. This will be a simple time of prayer over those caught in fear's cross hairs, as well as suffering from very real difficulties.
This week's message will serve a s a reminder for some and an "aha" for others. If we can understand fear and what it does to our minds and our, then we will do a lot better understanding what Trust means, and how to live out the life maturity of Christ even when everything else seems to be working against that. For your discussion this week, it would be helpful to make sure each person has their own Bible, a sheet of paper and a pen/pencil.
Thaw
- What's something that you grew up scared of?
- How did that fear affect you when you were younger?
- How does that fear affect you now?
- What stuck with you most from the message on Sunday?
Read
- Roman 12:1-2
- Thoughts?
- Why is allowing the transformation of our minds to happen so often difficult when we feel like our interests are threatened?
Leader note: you may want to, very early on, discuss that wealth and owning things/having money is not in itself an evil. But when we pursue wealth and allow it to be part of what we are, it sets us up for disaster. Some people cannot here a discussion about money in a spiritual setting because of the guilt the church has loaded on this topic, historically. If you at any time sense members of your group getting an edge to them, it may be helpful to 1. Ask them about it specifically, and 2. be ready to dispel the idea that God is against resources.
Read
- Proverbs 17:1
- Proverbs 19:22
- Proverbs 21: 21
- Proverbs 22:1
- Proverbs 15:17
Thoughts?
- This theme doesn't shock most of us? How does it change to consider that the writer of these was both the most wise as well as the most wealthy?
- What hinders a person from living in the realities these proverbs point to?
Discuss
- What role is fear currently playing in your finances?
- What effects of fear, anxiety, tension are there on your relationships and faith?
- What do you sense God, and/or the scriptures, is asking you to do about it?
- Why doesn't the Bible ever submit "having more resources" and "having more financial security" as a solution to life's issues?
Marinate
- Each member of the group should read 1 Timothy 6:6-21 to themselves. As you read, do not hear the condemning voice of a street preacher, but the calm, fatherly voice of St. Paul to a very young Timothy. As you read, write down the words or phrases that resonate with you and commit them to memory.
- Thoughts?
Leader note: Ask different members to share one or two things that wrote down. If your group connects with this exercise, be sure and use it again for helping them develop an ability to wrestle with large sections of text at a time. Notice in verse 10 that it's the "love of money". not just money. Again, it's the eagerness to have it and a life revolving around its acquisition.
Apply
- How does this group come along side its members in this time?
- How does this group come along side others in this time?
Leader note: you may already have identified specific needs with specific members in your group where finances, jobless are concerned. Be sure and give them the time they need to express their fears, and see if the group can help with encouragement and support, as well as a reminder of who they are in Christ, despite how fear has created a forgetfulness about that. It's recommended that you close your time in prayer.
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