Curators of Currency
Newbreak’s Sermon Study Guide is an in-house resource that serves sermon-based Life Groups and/or individuals who want to reflect further on how the message contributes to their spiritual formation. In this week’s study, we talk about how Jesus challenges us to use our resources–specifically our money.
Icebreakers for Life Groups
- What are you most excited to do this summer?
- Why do you think Jesus talked about money as often as he did? Can you sum up what Jesus had to say about finances?
Read Matthew 25:14–30
How does Jesus want us to use His money?
Point 1 – God entrusts me with His resources.
The key word here is “His.” God entrusts resources to us, but it doesn’t belong to us. As simple as that might sound it is much harder to live in accordance with since we quickly become possessive of our resources. However, God does not only give us resources to steward but also to invest. The way we steward our money has the potential to do more good for the kingdom of God than simply pay our own bills.
Here is some helpful information on the parable:
In Jesus’s parable of the talents (“talents” was actually a monetary term), the Master gives three servants three different amounts of money (“talents”) to use in his absence. The first two servants turn both of their initial amounts into a profit. Look at what the master says to the first servant.
“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” – Matthew 25:21 (NLT)
The second servant receives identical praise (verse 23), even though they started with different amounts and produced different amounts. Because, in the eyes of God, it’s not about how much you have, but how faithful you are with what you have. In both cases, the servants received more responsibility in light of their faithful and honorable stewardship. This is not to say that doing the right thing with your finances means God will move heaven and earth to give you more money.
What it does mean is that faithfulness breeds responsibility, in the various ways that can take shape.
And with responsibility comes the invitation to “share your master’s happiness” (Matthew 25:21, NIV).
Questions for Group Discussion or Personal Reflection
- How does knowing that our resources belong to God challenge you to think differently?
- What details of the parable (Matthew 25:14–30) stick out to you and why?
- Have you ever sensed God giving you more responsibility in light of being faithful with your finances? What happened?
Read 1 Timothy 6:17–19
How does Jesus want us to use His money?
Point 2 – God wants to do more with what He has given me than I ever imagined.
What if our money was meant for more than to pay bills and fund our next vacation?
Remember when you were a kid and you would share with your friends, or a complete stranger, and you did not hesitate. There was no thought of, “Maybe I shouldn’t, because then I won’t have enough.” You probably offered to share food, or toys, or even money and clothes. My kids would offer to give their toys to kids who did not have any. Our policy was you can give whatever you want that belongs to you as long as you know we are not replacing it. I thought this policy may have made them pause in the giving department, but it seemed to make them feel freer to give. They thought, “Now when I give, I know it’s because I really want to.”
This is how God wants us to freely give. He wants to show us that no matter the amount He provides for us, we can still give. We can give to others, not because of how much we have, but because of Who provides for us. When Jesus was feeding the five thousand (John 6:1-15, NIV) and the boy gave up his lunch of five loaves of bread and two small fish, Jesus didn’t need his food to feed all of those people. But Jesus gave him an opportunity to be a part of something great, to be a part of a miracle.
When we are obedient to God’s command to tithe, and to give and to be generous, He promises to bless us. This does not always look like monetary blessings, although many times it is. Sometimes, it's the blessings of friendship. Sometimes, it’s the blessing of greater spiritual growth. Sometimes, it’s the blessing of compassion for our fellow man. Whatever the blessing, we cannot out-give God. He wants to take the bit that we have, and that we are freely willing to give, and multiply it to build His Kingdom.
The question we need to answer is, “Do I want to have a hand in helping to build the Kingdom of God?”
Questions for Group Discussion or Personal Reflection
- What do you think hinders us from being freer with our finances?
- In what areas do you need to cut back on spending in order to live within your means? If you are already doing this, where do you feel God is calling you to be more generous?
- Is God worth paying first? How can you show you believe this week? What steps will you take to begin walking this out in faith?
Final Challenge Questions
- How are you going to think or live differently in light of what you have read, heard, and discussed this week?
- How does this week’s message shape or nurture your relationship with God?
- BONUS: For those of you with kids or around kids: What is one truth from this message that you can share with your kids in a way that they would relate to or understand?
About Our Current Series
Money is a sensitive subject no matter if you are in a season of want or a season of plenty. It can be a cause of tension in relationships, while also feeling like the answer to some of our most difficult problems. It can easily become the thing we are so focused on that causes anxiety and worry. So, what does God have to say about our relationship with money as we journey through life?