01-15-23 This is Living - Giving

ICEBREAKER
What is your favorite charitable organization and why?
 
We're discussing a teaching series from church called "This is Living!: The Thrill of Life in Christ." During this series we'll be exploring the "abundant life" in Christ and how to find it. This week, our discussion will be around Luke 16 where Jesus shares a parable about being a good steward. We are instructed to use our position and possession to make friends for eternity.
REVIEW & DISCUSS

1. Read Luke 16:1-9.
   
   1. Notice in v 1 a rich man’s manager is accused of “wasting his possessions.” Who do you think the rich man and the manager are supposed to represent in this parable?
      
   2. What is the manager’s goal in v 3-4?
      
   3. How does he accomplish this goal in v 5-7? Do you think this was moral? If not moral, why do you think the manager commended the manager in v 8?
      
   4. Do you think God values the accumulation of wealth or the use of possessions to “make friends” for the kingdom of God more?
      
   5. In what ways it this parable difficult for us coming from a capitalistic culture to reconcile?
      
2. "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” - Jesus, Luke 16:9
   
   1. Reflect on this verse together. What does it mean?
      
   2. How does this verse help you decide how you will live your life and utilize your possessions?
      
3. "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” –Jim Elliot
   
   1. Reflect on this quote together. What does it mean?
      
   2. How does the quote challenge you?
      
   3. Have you ever received a clear message from God either affirming your work/giving or maybe calling you to work/give in a new way?
      
   4. In what specific ways might God be calling you to use your position and possessions to give generously and to make friends?

PRAYER
First, take some time to identify ways you can pray about what you just discussed. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in praise and prayer.