Our relationship with money is a reflection of our spiritual condition, and Jesus calls us to invest in people, our relationship with God, and His eternal kingdom rather than temporary wealth. When we give with a heart of faith, we align ourselves with God’s purposes, deepen our trust in Him, and experience the true riches of His kingdom.
REVIEW: How We Handle Money Reveals Our Spiritual Condition
- READ: Matthew 25:14-15: "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey." Matthew 25:26-30: "His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’"
- DISCUSS: What does the way you handle money reveal about your relationship with God?
REVIEW: Giving is an Investment in People
- READ: Matthew 6:1-4: "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
- DISCUSS: How has giving impacted your life or someone you know?
REVIEW: Giving is an Investment in Our Relationship with God
- READ: Matthew 6:19-21: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
- DISCUSS: How does your giving reflect where your heart is?
REVIEW: Giving is an Investment in God’s Kingdom
- READ: Matthew 6:19-21: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
- DISCUSS: What does storing up treasures in heaven look like in your life?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:
Father, thank You for revealing truth through Your Word and through Jesus. Forgive us when we resist transformation. Teach us to trust You completely, to live in obedience, and to embrace Your call to be salt and light. Open our hearts to fully receive Your truth and to walk in it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
INVITATION TO RESPOND
- Assess Your Finances: Take time to review how you are currently handling money. Are you stewarding it in a way that honors God?
- Set a Giving Goal: Choose a percentage or amount to give regularly, whether to your church, a mission, or someone in need.
- Pray for Guidance: Ask God to show you where your heart is tied too closely to money and where you can surrender more.
- Take Action: This week, give in a way that stretches your faith—whether it's a financial gift, an act of generosity, or serving someone in need.
- Share Your Experience: Talk to a trusted friend or your group about how God is shaping your perspective on money and generosity.