Sermon Recap:
Pastor Justin Kendrick delves into the themes of greed, stewardship and generosity in his sermon on Luke 12. By illustrating the foolishness of relying on wealth for security and satisfaction, he calls for a reevaluation of how we engage with our resources. Recognizing that everything belongs to God, one transitions from an ownership mindset to a stewardship perspective. He ultimately advocated for a life rich toward God, pursuing God’s bigger purpose, rather than simply building bigger barns.
HOW TO USE THIS DISCUSSION GUIDE
Ice Breaker Option: What is one moment in your life where you thought you had more time, but time passed quickly?
GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
HEAD: – Read Luke 12:13-21
• What was Jesus asked to do in this text? What deeper issue did Jesus instead choose to confront?
• What underlying attitudes/values did Jesus challenge through his parable?
• From this text, what does God want to offer us?
HEART:
• Greed is skilled at hiding. What attitudes about your resources can you identify that are causing you to live out of step with God?
• How does the reality of life's briefness challenge you to make better decisions with your time and money?
• How might viewing yourself as a steward instead of an owner change the way you handle your money, time, or resources?
HANDS:
• Make a list of owner thoughts versus steward thoughts. What are some ways we can reassess our priorities to focus on meaningful relationships and serving others?
• In what specific ways can you practice being rich toward God this week through generosity and service to others?
PRAYER: Spend time reflecting on God’s goodness and generosity.
• Thank God for his provision and care over you.
• Ask God to reveal areas of greed in your life. Commit to allowing the Holy Spirt to bring you into alignment with Him in this area of your life.
• Pray for clarity on how to be a good steward of the resources He has given. Ask Him for opportunities to live with generosity in the week ahead.
Going Deeper: Explore or deepen your understanding of the discipline of simplicity.
Materialism says, build a bigger barn. Asceticism says, burn down the barn; you should live in a cave. But simplicity says, Lord, all I have is yours. How do you want me to use what I've been given to express that you are my greatest treasure? Richard Foster speaks of three attitudes that help us grow in the discipline of simplicity.
Knowing that all we have is a gift from God: Read Matthew 6:25-34.
• How does this truth challenge you?
Enjoying what He has given with gratitude: Read Philippians 4:10-14
• Are there areas of your life where discontentment is taking root? How can you guard your heart in this area?
Living with a heart of generosity: Read 2 Corinthians 6-11
• “The Christian discipline of simplicity is an inward reality that results in an outward lifestyle.” How can your simplicity overflow in generosity this week?