CELL NOTES 12/10/09

ICE BREAKER

What did you spend your pocket money on when you were growing up?

THEME

Rich and sad

Reading Luke 18 : 18 – 30

SERMON OUTLINE

1) M&S survey of women’s spending patterns

2) Jesus frequently spoke about money – as in this incident.

3) Starts with a question posed in v 18. A man who clearly feels something is missing. Jesus responds, on the same theme, in v 22

4) A huge challenge. How would you have reacted? He said, “No”, but look at the result.

5) The Bible does not condemn wealth as such. Various wealthy people clearly followed Jesus, and used their wealth accordingly ( e.g. Luke 8 : 1 – 3). What counts is how we use and view it.

6) “It’s a great servant, but a rotten master”.

7) “Your god is that to which you give the best of your time, thought, energy, devotion.”

8) Wealth brings problems – George Harrison comment. Contrast Wesley when his house burnt down.

9) Break its grip by

            Fix your eyes on Jesus

            Be generous, and give

            Have a vision for serving Christ in your unique circumstances

            Own and use money – don’t let it own and use you.

QUESTIONS OF APPLICATION

1) Read the passage. What hits you most? How did God speak to you on Sunday?

2) Read vv 15-17. Are you more like the ruler or the children in how you approach God?

3) How do you experience the kingdom as a gift?

4) When have you known the Lord provide for you in an unlikely or unexpected way?