Does Money Control You?

Pastor Ryan McDermott closed out our series, How To Master Your Money, with a challenge to loosen our grip on the things of this world so we’re free to receive all God has for us. Use this guide to keep talking about Sunday’s sermon. 

SERMON HIGHLIGHTS

• “Prosperity knits a man to the world. He feels that he is finding his place in it, while really it is finding its place in him.” — C.S. Lewis

• Tithing is not an act of generosity—it is an act of obedience. 

• Tithing is the first step to mastering your money, so it doesn’t master you, but it's not the only step.

• The tithe is the starting line, not the finish line.

KEY SCRIPTURES

• Matthew 6:24
• Luke 18:18-30
• Leviticus 27:30
• Proverbs 3:9
• Malachi 3:10
• Deuteronomy 14:23

START TALKING 

• What’s one item you own that you would never want to part with? 
  

KEEP TALKING

• What’s been your biggest takeaway from the How To Master Your Money series? 

• The Rich Young Ruler had popularity, possessions, and power but he came to Jesus because he sensed he still lacked something (Luke 18:18-30). What do you feel you’ve been lacking in this season, and where have you been searching for it?  

• What’s something you’ve given up to follow Jesus? Was it worth it in the end? Talk about it.

• Before hearing this sermon, what was your view on tithing?

• Tithing is not an act of generosity—it’s an act of obedience. If you don’t tithe consistently, what keeps you from taking that step of obedience?

• Is there something you’re holding that might actually be holding you back from following Jesus? What would it look like for you to sacrifice that thing and take a step toward Jesus this week?

KEEP IT GOING

• The Lord tells us to test Him in the tithe in Malachi 3:10. If you’re not currently tithing, consider taking that step this week and begin rearranging your finances to put God first. Remember, the tithe is a trust test. Do you trust God enough to put Him first? 

• If your finances are “out of order,” we want to help you! We’ve created a brand new 5-week class called My God, My Money to help you walk in obedience and financial freedom. Sign up today—it’s a small step that could change your entire life!
  

PRAYER

Father, we don’t want to offer You lip service. We want You to be the Lord of our lives. Show us the next step to take in our finances so You can have our hearts, and we can have peace. Loosen our grip on this world so we can take hold of everything You’ve prepared for us. Amen.