The Kingdom Ministry: Finances | April 24, 2022

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re
mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between
(1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing?
● What can you thank God for this week?
● When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least
aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
● Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed
for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17,
Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes

Primary Passage: Matthew 6:19-21

● Matthew 6:19-21 :
● “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and
where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where
your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
● Thought starters:
● How many zeros are next to the $273 in Elon Musk’s approximate net worth?
● (Answer: 9). How many are in yours? :>)
● Have you ever hidden something very special for safe keeping, and then forgotten where
you hid it?
● ***Think about what might have begun as an almost passing financial or material desire
that grew into a near obsession in your life, or in someone who is close to you.
● What was the impact on you, whether from the other person or from yourself? Feelings
of neglect in the relationship? Competition? Jealousy? An inability to ever measure up?
● How do you react to the saying of Jesus, “No man can serve two masters...No one can
serve God and money.”

● Do you define yourself by what you have or do not have?
● Do you worry you’ll never have enough?
● In Matthew 6:31, 33, Jesus continues with, “Do not worry...But seek first his
kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
●
● How has seeking after Jesus given you perspective on your personal finances?
●
● What can you focus on or change financially or materially that will enable you to be a
better Investment Manager for God?

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s
Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans
3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer?
● What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus
with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin,
make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends
us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever
we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look
like during this season?
● Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite
these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them
soon?
● Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to
connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take
next steps toward Jesus.