Crossroads Community Church

Greed/Contentment

7 Deadly DiStractIoNs

Sermon Based Small Group Questions

Ice Breaker: If money was no object what would you buy tomorrow? When was the last time you felt buyer’s remorse?  [You could think more clearly about the purchase afterward and you realized the negative aspects of your purchase (like your spouse will kill you J).]

1. What are some of the American ideals that help promote greed? Think of specific commercials or industries that create in us a desire for MORE or hoarding what we have. What are you especially susceptible to?  “Confession is good for the soul.”
2. Read Luke 12:13-21 out loud to the group – use the NIV or NLT or The Message. What stands out to you as a group when you hear this passage? What plays into Jesus’ comments (vv. 13-14) to the man – think background of firstborn sons in that culture. Contrast the man’s viewpoint of life and God’s viewpoint of life. What did the man miss? See Psalm 37:16; Proverbs 15:16; Ecclesiastes 4:6-8; Matthew 6:25-26.
3. “Greed is an attractive lie” was a main point of the message. In what ways is that true? See James 4:13-16; Ecclesiastes 2:18-19; Luke 11:39-40. What are some of the “if only” lies you’ve believed? Do you still believe it? What changed your mind?
4. “Greed repositions our hearts” was another point made. Restate Matthew 6:21 in your own words. How do you understand “being rich toward God.” Talk through 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 and 1 Timothy 6:18-19.
5. What are you investing in with your money, time, gifts and other resources? On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being totally satisfied and content and 1 having next year’s Christmas list to Santa ready, where are you on this contentment/dissatisfaction scale?
6. What can you do to nurture contentment in your life?

Note to the Leader:  Before you dive into the questions below.  Take some time to ask your group what their impressions were from the message.  Did they have questions?  Did they write any highlights in their notes?