Opening

Sing "Take My Life, O Lord, Renew" stanzas 1-3 (LW 404, TLH 400, LBW 406).

Is Money Evil?

How much money is enough? Generally the answer to that is "a little bit more." Dwelling on having money and getting more money can become the devil's playground in our minds.

1. We often hear: "Money is the root of all evil," but that is a misquote. Look at Paul's words of encouragement to Timothy in 1Timothy 6:3-10.

In verses 3-5 Paul talks about those who teach false doctrines and the kind of people they are. What are some of the attributes or personalities of these false teachers?

2. Paul says it is wrong to seek financial gain from "godliness." But in verse 6 he speaks of the gain that can come from "true godliness." What is the difference?

3. Read again verses 7-10. What does Paul say we need to be content?

What traps do people fall into when they set their earthly goals on getting rich?

4. In the following verses, what warnings does Jesus give us in regard to our riches?

• Matthew 6:24-25
• Matthew 19:24-26

If I Were Rich

For some people it is not the money but the recognition it brings that causes them to center their lives around accumulating material wealth. The security and stature in life that wealth seems to bring may cause us to love money so much that we put all our energies into having it.

1. Annanias and Sapphira wanted the respect that comes from donating a large amount of money to the church. Read Acts 5:1-11. What was their fate?

2. Read the following verses and describe how the love of money led people into sin.

• Luke 12:13-21
• John 12:3-6

3. Can a man or woman without money or riches fall into the sin of loving money or is this only a rich person's temptation and sin? How is this illustrated in gambling? in coveting?

Give it Away?

When I announced I was cleaning out the attic and having a garage sale my husband asked, "Why?" He thought I should just give away what was good and throw away the rest. I, on the other hand, was already spending the money I hoped to make selling my junk.

Whether we have little or much, we can always find a way to help others. What opportunities are available in your church or community to share your blessings with others?

How can we teach our children and grandchildren to give to the church and community?

There are also ways to plan now to give after your death. Working with your church, you can set aside a certain amount of money, stocks, life insurance or perhaps land that will be endowed to your church upon your death. Why do you think someone would choose to do this?

Living the Christ-Centered Life

Read Philippians 3:7-11 and 4:4-9: What do these verses say to you about

... living a Christ-centered life?

... keeping money and material things in perspective?

... what is/should be most important in your life?

Closing

Heavenly Father, Grant us wisdom to use the earthly blessings You have given us to glorify You, to help those in need and to spread Your Gospel message of love and salvation. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

Sing "Take My Life, O Lord, Renew" stanzas 4-6 (LW 404, TLH 400, LBW 406)