Pastor Matt asked, "What if we handled our finances instead of our money handling us? When it comes to finances, most people say they are just getting by … But what if the way we managed our finances in a way that propelled us in a God-honoring direction that took care of everything we needed?
MY STORY How does the last thing you spent money on say about one of the things that's important to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
As [Jesus] was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'" And he said to him, "Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth." And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Mark 10:17-22)
Where do you think the rich young ruler was going on his journey? What's significant about him kneeling before Jesus?
Why was this young man so concerned about his soul if he had kept all the commandments since his youth?
How did Jesus' instruction bring to the surface the young man's most significant spiritual problem? What was that heart issue?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what "takeaways" do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, "Every financial decision you make reveals something about your heart."
What can a person's digital bank ledger tell us about what is truly important to him or her?
Why is it tempting to put our security in our financial assets? What can be spiritually dangerous about this?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit's leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
What does your digital bank ledger say is important to you?
What small adjustments would you have to make in order to bring your finances into alignment with what God truly wants for you?
Extra credit: Look into some digital financial tools and other budget-related apps to help you get a better hold on your cash flow—and transform how the movement of money in your life reflects the condition of your soul.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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