More Money, More Problems? Group Guide

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.

• In this weekend’s message, Jeff mentioned the board game Monopoly. What was your favorite board game as a kid? And how about now?
• What would you do if you had and extra $500,000?
• As the Ugly/Beautiful series wraps up this week, Jeff shared about the ugly and beautiful sides of money and material things. He starts with the warning that the more we have, the more we will want, and the love of money and stuff is never satisfied because greed is an appetite. Can you think of an instance where you realized that a purchase didn’t bring the happiness you anticipated?
• Read Ecclesiastes 5:13-14. God doesn’t deprive us of having wealth, but he wants us to manage it well. What do these verses warn us about in managing our wealth?
• Read Ecclesiastes 5:15-17. Have you ever felt alone, in darkness, frustrated, afflicted or angry due to “toiling for the wind?”
• Read Ecclesiastes 5:18-19. Jeff reminds us that God loves it when we enjoy the good things he has given us. How can we set out to enjoy things God has given us?
• Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. The “life that is truly life” is illustrated in these verses. How could you apply God’s command to do good, be rich in good deeds, and be generous and willing to share?
• Jeff summarizes what Paul says about generosity as systematic giving. What are some advantages of living the 10/10/80 life (10% giving/10% saving/80% living)?
• Jeff pointed out that you will never consume yourself to a great life, and money can’t buy happiness. As you think through all that we have discussed, how could including God’s perspective of money and wealth make your life more meaningful?
• Share praises and prayer requests with one another and end in prayer.

VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. - 1 Timothy 6:17

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (IN-BETWEEN MEETINGS)

• Think about 10/10/80. If this isn’t a current practice, work on implementing this plan and managing your budget this way in the future.
• As you “toil” this week, apply question 7 and try to do good, be rich in good deeds, and be generous and willing to share.
• This week, set aside time to enjoy the good things God has given you.