Message Notes
Look Back
How did you use your freedom in life to pursue God’s plan for your life?
Look Up
Read Proverbs 21:20 The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets. Eccl 5:10-11 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it.
- What shaped your personal attitudes towards saving and spending? How has your perspective changed over time and what caused this?
- What is more challenging for you personally - saving more or spending less? Why do you think this is so?
- Why do you think that people equate wealth with happiness? What do you think brings “true” happiness and what are you doing to achieve it? Eccl 6:9 Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have. Proverbs 22:7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
- How easy is it for you to focus on what you do have, rather than what you don’t have? What things help or hinder you in doing this?
- Do you believe that borrowers are servants to lenders? How has your perspective on this impacted your current financial situation? What would you like to change? Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Matthew 6:32-33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
- What do these verses have to do with how we save and spend?
- What are you doing to help ensure that other people benefit from God’s goodness to you?
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
What story is my budget currently telling me? What small step will I take with my budget to tell a story of wisdom and generosity?
Notes
This topic can be very sensitive. Allow group members to share personal experiences they are comfortable with, but avoid giving specific financial advice and putting pressure on members to change. Individuals who are looking for help with financial planning and money management should reach out to Salty for additional information and resources.
