Atomic Life Week 2 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea: Our habits with money reveal our affection and focus.
Introduction: Most of us are where we are with money because of our habits. Two habits that can help with the “habit of heaping” are budgeting and practicing contentment.
Discussion Starter: Money and finances are not something most American Christians are comfortable discussing. However, we see in Acts 4:32 that this was not the case for our early brothers and sisters. Furthermore, Jesus regularly talked about money and possessions. So, encourage one another in this discussion, and in the future, not to shame or be ashamed on this topic. What are you passionate about when money is not a concern?
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Hebrews 5:14, John 10:10, Matthew 25:14-17 and 20-29, Luke 9:3
Discussion Questions:
- What’s the best financial advice you have ever been given? Do you have a budget? If you’re married, do you regularly discuss money/budgeting? If you have kids, do you talk to them about money/budgeting?
- When it comes to money, what habits do you want to change? What is one tangible action you can take this week to move closer to that goal? Keep in mind, a wise rule for goal-setting is to make “SMART” goals (Simple, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely).
- Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Many of us have heard a twisted version of this Scripture that would say “money is the root of all evil.” However, the Word here says that it is the love of money that is the root of all kinds of evil. Most of us want money because of what it provides: freedom, comfort, control, and a host of other things. However, all of those things are actually found in God. What things in your life could be done away with if your greatest wealth was “godliness with contentment?”
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read 1 Timothy 6:6 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
Discuss how your group can use its common interest to leverage money and resources in support of God’s Kingdom.
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: As a group, reach out to your campus staff to see how the group can make a combined, financial impact at your campus.
Engaging in Community and the World: What is one area in your life where you should pursue contentment so that you can be a part of funding the work of God’s Kingdom in the community and around the world?
Expand God’s Kingdom
For those looking to disciple others, we tend to think that work should be heavily driven by deep theological discussions. These are good. However, a more effective tactic is using the Pauline method of “follow me as I follow Jesus.” The same principle holds true with how you view and use money. Identify someone who has just started the generosity journey and take them under your wing to show them how you tithe, give, and what God’s done in your life regarding your finances.
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
