Message Notes
Look Back
Reflecting on last week’s message, what steps did you take to prepare your heart for God’s mission?
Look Up
Read Matthew 6:19-21
- What kinds of “things” do people store up as “treasures"? What do you think motivates people to do this?
- Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you realized that you were primarily focused on storing up treasures? What did you do?
- What treasures do you currently own that you would hate to lose?
- When you examine your possessions, do you own things that are more important than your relationship with God? Why do you think they’re so important to you?
- When you look at your expenditures each month, what motivates your spending? What do your expenses say about your faith or priorities?
Read Luke 18:9-14
- How does verse 9 describe the audience that Jesus was speaking to? Why do you think he chose to speak to them and what do you think Jesus was trying to accomplish?
- In Jesus’ parable, what was the Pharisee primarily focused on? Do you think he was primarily looking inwardly at himself or outwardly at others? Why?
- How did the tax collector's prayer differ from the Pharisee’s? What do you think was the reason for the difference?
- When you think about this past year, who do you identify with more? The tax collector or the Pharisee? Why?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
Take time to prayerfully assess how much you are giving and what does that represent? Are you storing rather than giving? Are you attempting to buy something from God? Are you reluctant or prideful when you give?
