In this last segment, group members would do well to drill down on the very simply idea that all is God's. This has implications across the board, not least of which is our finances. As you lead discussion, be listening for fear and guilt associated with God's reign over our money on one side, and stubborn obstinacy on the other. Both need some space to be discussed, as they both reflect a misunderstanding of the character of God.
Thaw
- What's the first thing you remember buying with your own money?
- What's the first gift you remember giving?
- Can you remember setting up your first bank account, or your first check book? Describe some of the principles you learned back then, good or bad.
- What was the main take away from the message Sunday, and what are you planning to do with it?
- What was something that you had heard before, but somehow it struck you differently?
- What are the implications for Christians and the issue of tithing when you understand the multiple tithes of agricultural Israel, and the fact that the Temple's function ceased to be in AD70?
Read
- Deuteronomy 10:12-14
- Psalm 50:9-12
- Thoughts?
- What fears are associated with God having full ownership of all things?
- Has anyone in the group had an older sibling, or a friend, or perhaps a parent, that used their position of ownership as a way of making your life miserable? Describe?
- Since this human form of ownership is based on an insecurity, how does God's ownership of all things equal our freedom and joy?
Leader note: You may want to share 1 Timothy 6:17 as a way of highlighting that, indeed, God wants us to enjoy the resources he gives.
- How does God's ownership equal, if not demand, that we take responsibility for our resources?
- How does professed faith in a "God of all" demand that we're fiscally responsible?
Leader note: The idea here is one of "witness" or "testimony". We want people to know that we serve the God of gods and the Lord of lords, and they way we handle (or mishandle) money speaks volumes about what we actually believe about Him. At the same time, some people take so much "responsibility" that they appear obsessed with finances, which also has the effect of diminishing the beauty of peace-infused faith. Wisdom over finances shouldn't be the uptight number cruncher anymore than it should be the financially ignorant mis-manager. Again, awareness over the Who and the what goes a long way.
Read
- Acts 4:32-35
- Thoughts?
- This passage highlights the giving, unified hearts of the first believers more than anything. But what does this passage say indirectly about the overall strategy and vision that these people had for all their resources?
Leader note: See if you can help your group think about the total financial picture that's being implied here in this passage. These believers were all over the map in terms of wealth. Some owned multiple lands and houses. Some were fisherman that probably didn't make much of anything. Yet the playing field was evened between them, and they must have been deeply, and communally, aware of what they all had, together. As well as, they must have had a profound awareness about the people around them and the needs they were going to be able to meet in their faith and trust in the Giver and Owner of all things! You may reference passages like James 1:27 which makes a direct connection between our professed faith and our awareness and financial support of people who are in dire straits, though completely dissimilar to us in their life. Awareness is key: of what we have, of where it goes, from Whom it comes, and for all those, including ourselves, that it's for.
- Does this passage seem possible or impossible for our modern context? Explain.
- How can your group function in this way?
Apply
- In light of finding strategic, God-honoring percentages to enact along the lines of "Give, Save & Live" (first, give a percentage, second, begin saving a percentage, and then live and enjoy the rest), how can this group come along side its members to take some steps with developing a strategy?
Leader note: Crosspointe offers Financial Peace University, and if you haven't gone through it as a group- this may be a great step for you to take together. Be looking for the next dates for that. Additionally, you may want to make sure that you make your members aware of some helpful resources on the Crosspointe website at www.crosspointe.org/welcome/budget_forms
- How would our lives and faith be different next year, if this year was when we finally did the hard work of getting a strategy in place?
- What are we up against, and how can we, as friends, take down these barriers for each other?
- Is there anyone in the group that needs to ask the group for specific help, such as further discussion, accountability, tough monthly questions about finances, etc..?
Additional texts for further study
- Ecclesiastes 2:26
- James 1:17
- Matthew 6:24-34
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