Scripture: Luke 16:1-15

SERMON SUMMARY

Jesus talked a good bit about our money and our stuff. As we continue our Multiply series, we will look at a parable Jesus shared in Luke 16. Not only did he share it, he explained it. And it is worth all of us listening in because, according to Jesus, we all have an incredible opportunity before us when it comes to money and stuff. Does God have access to his money and stuff through us, or does our money and stuff have us?

SERMON SCREENSHOTS & KEY POINTS

• As far as Jesus is concerned, money is always a spiritual issue before it’s a financial issue. 

“Where your treasure is, there will your heart also be.” -Jesus (Luke 12:14)

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Presupposition #1 — My money is my money. 

Presupposition #2 — Generosity and Stewardship don’t really apply to me because I don’t have much. 

Presupposition #3 — When I give AT church, I’m giving TO the church. 

Presupposition #4 — When you give at church, there’s a lot more to give up than to gain. 

• The Treasure Principle: You can’t take it with you, but you can send it ahead.
• All of your stuff has the potential to be a Kingdom Resource.
• All of your stuff is a constant evaluator.

*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.

SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS                

1. Read Luke 16:1-15
2. Why did Jesus spend so much time talking about money?
3. How have you seen the Lord grow you in your understanding of generosity and stewardship?
4. Which of the presuppositions have you heard the most from others or struggled with yourself?
5. What of your “stuff” do you most easily share, and what is harder to live “hands open”?
6. How do you practically steward your things as Kingdom Resources?
7. How often do you ask the Spirit of God to show you if you are holding on too tightly to money and “stuff”?

PRAYER—Close your time by taking our 40-Day Prayer Guide (prepared by Laurelle Moody, the head of our prayer ministry) and look back over the last week of prayers. (Remember, the prayer guide is in our app.) Go around and have three or four people read three or four of last week’s prayers. Notice the prayers do not end “in Jesus’ name, amen.” That is intentional. After each prayer is read, continue to pray along the trajectory of each prayer by adding your own prayers to close “in Jesus’ name.”