Recap:
Nowhere do we feel the stress of a margin-less life more than in the area of money. Most of us live right up to (and even over) the limits of our budget. While it might be the American way, it is also a stressful way to live, especially when an unexpected cost comes our way and our homes or cars start falling apart.
The Bible points to a better way: to leave financial margin in our budgets. Wise people make a radical choice to live on less than what they make so they can save and give generously. While living this way is incredibly beneficial, it does require some hard choices. Let’s talk practically about how to create financial margin in our lives.
1- If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy with the money?
2- What subject is your least favorite to hear about at church? For most people, it’s money! Why do you think it makes so many people uncomfortable? (This subject makes a lot of people uncomfortable. It’s best to go ahead and shed light on this fact, rather than try to walk around on eggshells the entire time of discussion).
Transition:
Like the message from this past Sunday, we’re talking about money. A lot of people cringe at this subject. Let’s change that narrative with this rGroup discussion time! Biblical, Gospel-centered finances should be celebrated, not cringey!
3- Why do so many of us live at, or above, our financial limit? What pressures exist today that cause us to overextend our budgets?
4- In your opinion, what is a good way to view your personal/family’s finances as a follower of Christ? (We want to hear your answer, not what you think the right answer is!)
#1- GIVE FIRST
a- Proverbs 3:9-10; 21:20
b- 2 Corinthians 8:12; 9:7
5- What can we learn about giving from these passages?
6- What can we learn about the heart of God toward givers?
7- How have you seen God work in your life when you chose to be generous?
#2- SAVE SECOND
c- Proverbs 30:24-25
8- Most of the financial strain that we face today is due to a lack of saving. For people in the group that save, ask them how they started. How do you save? (Put it in an envelope, separate savings account, designate it some way?)
8- Most of the financial strain that we face today is due to a lack of saving. For people in the group that save, ask them how they started. How do you save? (Put it in an envelope, separate savings account, designate it some way?)
#3- ENJOY THIRD
d- 1 Timothy 6:17
e- Ecclesiastes 5:19
9- These verses instruct us to enjoy our time on earth! Does this come as a shock to you? (Some picture God as a “no-fun allowed” harsh dictator in the clouds. Use these verses to dispel this myth).
Next Steps:
We see a pattern emerging to follow with our finances. God first, us second. Even in the passages about enjoyment, our call is to hope in God, not our wealth. Everything we have starts with God.
10- What are some practical ways we can put God first in our finances this next week?
11- What is one truth that the passages we read today taught you or reminded you of? How can you put this truth into practice?
Additional Study:
12- Read Ecclesiastes 5:10. What does it mean that people who love money never have enough?
12- Read Ecclesiastes 5:10. What does it mean that people who love money never have enough?
13- Use this link to read about John Wesley’s sermon entitled “The Use of Money.” It’s really short and provides great things to think about in regards to money. Wesley lived off 10% of his income and gave the other 90%. So, he would be a great guy to learn from!
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