Sermon Based Small Group Lessons

The Ownership Principle

2008 January 13

 

 

Scripture: Luke 18:18-27

            A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

            "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone.

             You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony,

                          honor your father and mother.'"

            "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.

            When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and

                        you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

            When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.

            Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to

                        go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

            Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?"

            Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

 

 

Read this Introduction

 

During the Crusades of the 12th Century in which Christians were seeking to take back the Holy Land from the Muslims, mercenaries were used to fight.  As it was a Holy War, the Crusaders insisted that the mercenaries be baptized before fighting.  As the mercenaries were baptized, they would hold their swords above the water to symbolize that their swords were the one thing that would not fall under the Lordship of Christ.  Thus they had the freedom to use their swords in any way they pleased.  (Howard Dayton: Your Money Counts)

 

Maybe it’s like this when we get baptized.  Some of us intentionally hold our wallet or credit card above the water, while others of us did so unintentionally, not knowing Jesus wants to be Lord of that area of our lives also.  As we mature, we learn more and more of who we are and also of what Christ expects of us.  Therefore, we continue to be faced with choices of lordship in many areas.

 

The Ownership Principle means that we acknowledge that everything belongs to God and our role is just to manage God’s resources.

 

Discussion Questions

 

1.  If believers take hold of the Ownership Principle, we will be relieved of all anxiety about money.  Discuss ways that this is true.

 

2.  Why do you think that Jesus said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven?  (One possible answer:  The rich trust in themselves so much that it is difficult to trust God.)

 

3.  Why do you think that Jesus challenged the Rich, Young Ruler to sell all he had and give to the poor?  We have no evidence that Jesus gave this requirement to anyone else for salvation?  (That was his god.  What is ours?)

 

4.  How does it make you feel that God distributes wealth as He pleases, not with equal opportunity?  What is His purpose in this?  (Life isn’t fair!  God doesn’t try to be.)

 

                        Sermon Quote:  God does not distribute wealth to fulfill our plans, but His!

 

5.  What are some ways God desires to fulfill His plans through His people?  Tell of a time you or someone you know allowed God to bless others through generosity.

 

6.  How can we acknowledge God’s ownership of everything?  (Give practical steps such as tithing, being a blessing to others, stepping out in faith when we don’t see how God will provide.)

 

7.  Why do you think love of money as the primary contestant for lordship of our lives?

           

                        No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and

                        despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.     Matt. 6:24      

           

8.  Why do you think God uses trials to grow us?  When is a time God used a financial trial to grow you?

 

                   Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your

                   faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking

                   anything.       James 1:2-5

 

                   Lesson Quote: 

                               God orchestrates even seemingly devastating circumstances for ultimate good in the lives of the godly.

 

9.  It is not a sin to spend money on enjoyment, so where do we draw the line or how do we know when we are not being good stewards of God’s possessions?

 

                        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 Tim. 6:17 

 

       10.  We know that God’s provision is predictable, but his methods are not.   The Bible says, “But seek first his kingdom and his

                   righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.   Matt 6:33

 

                   Tell of a time when God provided for you in an unpredictable manner.

 

 

11.  Pretend someone in your group is a steward and someone else is the owner.  (Make assignments.)  The steward has full control of the ranch while the owner is away on business.  (Enjoy the wise cracks that will come.)  How is the steward to know what the owner wants done?  How important is it that he carry out the wishes of the owner?

 

 

Application Questions

 

       1.  How committed are you to find and obey the will of the owner?

 

       2.  Do we really trust God to provide?  If so, how does that affect our financial decisions.

 

       3.  What will you do this week to show our trust in God to provide and our commitment to be good stewards?