Group Guide
This Week's City 7:
3. Why did Jesus have to die on the cross? Since “all have sinned” and the “wages of sin is death,” Jesus had to die on the cross to pay the fine for my sin so I could be right with God.
(Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22)
(Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:21-23, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 1:13-14, 21-22)
Ice-Breaker:
Who is the most stubborn person you know? Spouses... be careful lol.
Discussion Questions:
Have someone Luke 15:1-15 aloud.
- Jesus gives us a parable to teach us about being good stewards. The manager has wasted the employer's money. So to "make things right" he cheats him out of MORE money. And what does the boss do?? He praises him! He's making the point that worldly people are good at being worldly. The worldly boss praises a worldly manager for his worldly wisdom that gave him a worldly result. He is saying that children of the LIGHT should be as concerned about SPIRITUAL things as children of the WORLD are concerned about their WORLDLY things. How much thought do you give to eternity? Does eternity ever factor into decisions you make?
- People are supposed to be our highest priority because people are the only things that are eternal. You've heard the verse, "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." In other words, if all you value is eternity, all your desire will be for eternity. How much have you thought about the people in your life in light of their eternity? How might this perspective shift change how you choose to interact with them?
- Jesus then tells us that we should learn to be faithful with little so that God can trust us with more. We have all been given time, talents, resources and influence by God. He has entrusted us with those things and expects us to be good stewards of them. If we are, he says he will entrust us with more. But the question is, how trust worthy are you? Are you faithful with everything that has been given to you? In which of the areas mentioned do you see the most waste and lack of intentionality?
- Many people don't feel like they are smart enough or talented enough to be used by God. Few think God has "called" them to do anything significant for the Kingdom. But the truth is that every single follower of Jesus is called to no longer live for themselves. Instead, they are to live for Christ. There are no qualifiers given as to whether or not someone has enough to offer to be used. You don't have to "feel called" in order to do big things for the Kingdom. Are you one that feels inadequate or insecure when it comes to being used by God? Does this make you slow to be obedient? How could God use you to accomplish great things for his Kingdom? What is keeping you from saying "yes" to him?
- The bottom line is that the way we see our earthly treasure says everything about our hearts. Jesus plainly says that you can't serve both God and money. He doesn't say you "shouldn't," he says you "can't." We all must ask ourselves what is most important to us in this life. Where is our focus? What do our bank accounts, calendars and conversations tell us about what is most important to us? Are you living for TEMPORAL riches or TRUE riches? Are you living to leave an EARTHLY LEGACY or are you truly living in light of ETERNITY?
Prayer Topics:
- That we would view life and people in light of eternity.
- That we would be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us.
- That we would long to be used by God for his Kingdom and purposes.
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