Practical Athiest 03: I Believe In God But Trust In Money Followup

What is the one thing you would describe as your most valuable possession? Why is it so valuable to you?

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 12:34 (NIV)

• What are some of the “treasures” or possessions in your life currently distracting you from focusing on God? What specific things can you do to remove these distractions?

No servant 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

Luke 16:13 (NIV)

• Practical atheists tend to trust money to provide happiness and/or security. Has there been a time in your life where you trusted money to provide these things? If so, how has it affected your relationship with God?
• Has there been a time in your life when you decided to put your trust in God rather than in money. If so, what did that experience teach you about God?

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 6:17-19 (NIV)

• When you grow in your relationship with Christ, it often results in becoming inexplicably content with what we have. Are you more content today than you were last year? How has your relationship with Christ in the last year affected your level of contentment?

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty

welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as

they were able, and even beyond their ability.

2 Corinthians 8:2-3 (NIV)

• Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. Describe a time you gave sacrificially and the affect it had on you. Is there any way you could give even more sacrificially? If so, what would it be?

Final thought: With your group and during your personal prayer time this week pray for God to help you focus more on Him rather than money.
Pray that He will help you obtain true contentment through Him.

For Further Study

Open
What does it mean to you to be truly happy?
Why do most people want more money than they already have?
Explore
Read Ecclesiastes 5:1-20.
This passage explores the futility of wealth and how it does not lead to true happiness.
How should a person go into the house of God? (5:1)
How did Solomon encourage us to conduct ourselves in the house of God? (5:2-3)
What did Solomon say about vows made to God? (5:4-6)
Why should we stand in awe of God? (5:7)
What should not surprise us? (5:8-9)
What grievous evil did Solomon notice? (5:13-17)
What is good and proper for a person to do? (5:18)
What sort of experience did Solomon describe as a gift from God? (5:19)
What does this verse say happens to the person who has wealth and possessions? (5:20)
Reflect
Why is it important to approach God with the right attitude?
Why is it hard to keep the promises we make to God?
What does it mean to you to stand in awe of God?
Why is money unable to bring happiness or contentment in our lives?
If we cannot take anything with us when we die, why do you think we work so hard to acquire things in our lives?
How should we go about finding satisfaction in our daily work?
What does it mean to accept one’s lot in life?
What is the connection between accepting one’s lot in life and finding happiness?
Why is it so hard for us to accept our lot in life?
Apply
What is one thing you can change today in your life that will help shift your focus away from money and possessions and back towards God?
What can you do this week to accept and better appreciate the things God has given to you?

g-ram