Is the Giver is more important to me than the gifts?
Outline: Jesus' story shows us 3 major lessons about money:
1) The things of this world - like money - do not last.
2) The things of this world - like money - cannot go with us.
3) The things of this world - like money - distract us from what really matters.
Personal Reflection Questions:
1. What are somethings that you don't mind your kids, relatives, or close friends OVER-hearing you talk to someone else about (or perhaps watching the way you live from up close)? Are there topics or aspects of life for which this would be effective?
2. Picture taking your family or a group of friends on a field trip to the dump. What might you see there that you once put your hopes and joy into but is now totally worthless?
3. Re-read Matthew 6:19-20. Where are you currently laying up treasure in your life that moths can eat, rust can destroy, or thieves can steal?
4. Take a little time to dream. In a perfect world, how could you be investing more fully in the Kingdom of God? What are some real-life tangible ways you would like to do this more?
5. How does the truth of the Gospel free us to be rich toward God and accomplish the things you dreamed of doing in Question 4?
6. Pray that God would help everyone at your table(and at Renew) to be able to see the error in the rich fool's way of thinking. Pray that we would all set our sights on Christ and consequently "be rich toward God" as a result.