Community Groups

Week 4: Sept 29-Oct 5

Series: One Assembly - Growing Together, Abiding Together

Sermon Title: Stewardship (pt 2): Treasure

Text: Matt 6:19-24; Proverbs 3:9-10; 2 Cor 9:6-12

Outline:

1. Stewarding your money well is a HEART issue. 
2. Stewarding your money well is an HONOR issue. 
3. Stewarding your money well is a spiritual HORTICULTURE issue.

My Story:

1. Describe how you have learned to handle money.

2. Are you comfortable talking about money issues? Why does this topic make us uncomfortable sometimes? 

3. What inspired or challenged you in the sermon this week? What raised questions for you?

Digging Deeper:

1. Read Matthew 6:19-24. It is clear in this passage that underneath the topic of money is the deeper issue of the condition of our hearts. How is the condition of our hearts revealed in how we spend our money? 

2. Read Proverbs 3:9-10 & Malachi 3:8-10. How do we honor the Lord with our wealth? A large survey conducted titled,  “The State of the Plate” indicated in 2015 that only about 7.4% of professed churchgoers tithe their income (that is, give the firstfruit of 10%). In the U.S.A., it was estimated that this number drops to just above 3%. What do you think this reveals about the condition of our hearts/priorities? 

3. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-12. Reflect on verse 10. How does this verse mean? Why would God want to multiply someone’s “seed for sowing”? How is the biblical principle of sowing and reaping found here to be distinguished from the false prosperity gospel? 

Personal reflection: 

To honor the Lord with our first fruits is to acknowledge God first as our ultimate provider. Read Deuteronomy 8:18. Take some time to give thanks to God for His provision in your life.