This month’s topic is financial stewardship (money). Most people don’t connect the dots between how they spend their money and their devotion to God. Every year, someone in our groups is radically challenged on this topic. God says that you can’t serve both God and Money. God’s Word has much to say on this topic and will stretch and challenge your group.
Matthew 6:21 (CSB): For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Monthly Assignment
Book – Read “Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn and complete the book summary. This is a short book – take your time and let it sink in. Don’t read it all in one sitting.
Journal Summary – Identify the top 3-4 journal entries from the month and summarize them on the Journal Summary page. Make note of any themes or categories that stand out from your journals.
Discuss the following with your spouse and identify next steps:
- Giving goals – what will you do to achieve these goals?
- Short-term goals (12 months) financially.
- What is your biggest obstacle to financial peace?
- Review the “Financial Checklist” and “Financial Documentation” together.
Use the “31 Radical Questions” in the back of “The Treasure Principle” as a daily devotion and journal. Which questions are the most convicting? If you are listening to the audiobook, the questions are also online: 31 Radical Questions to Ask God About Your Giving (opens in a new tab).
Complete the assignment summary in your Intentional Discipleship book.
This assignment is in Intentional Discipleship, under Month 6: Financial Stewardship.
Leader Notes
- Send out the link to the 31 Radical Questions so the group can use them as a daily devotion. 31 Radical Questions (see below)
- Book Discussion First - I usually discuss homework first (more of a preference than a formula), but it is important to do the book first this month. You want to be able to discuss the lessons/convictions from the book during the homework.
- 31 Radical Questions - Take time to hear from the group on their daily devotions. I like to know the 2-3 questions that challenged them the most. It is a great way to get to know them a little better.
- Tithing - Have an open conversation solely devoted to tithing. Find out where each person is and what they believe. Do they tithe on gross or net, are they and their spouse in agreement, how were they taught on this issue growing up, etc.? This topic is NOT off-limits in this setting. If we are going to hold our group accountable to pray, read the Bible, serve, memorize, and more. Then we should hold them accountable, NOT to steal from God. Those are not my words but His.
- Budget / Financial Checklist - Make sure each person shares the conversation with their spouse. Find out where each person is on the checklist. This is not about how much money you make or have saved. This is another layer of accountability. If everyone in the group has a will except one, hopefully, that will encourage them to take action.
- The top two things couples fight about the most are money and sex. This is an excellent assignment to get them to communicate on a crucial topic.
Bible Reading Plan: Talking Points
- When Jesus washes the disciples' feet (John 13), it is a picture of a servant leader. How can we model that in our lives?
- John 15 describes Jesus as the vine and us as the branch. What does it mean to remain in Him, and what does it mean to bear fruit?
- The trial and crucifixion were unlawful procedures. Why did Jesus have to die?
- In Matthew 28:19-20 we are commanded to make disciples. How does that apply to you personally?
- What does it mean to be His witness? What are some ways that you have been (or would like to be) a witness for Jesus?
- What does Galatians 2:20 mean for you as a believer?
Book Recommendations
- The Treasure Principle (Amazon, opens in a new tab) by Randy Alcorn. This book is an easy read but a long-time classic. Highly recommend this book.
- Kingdom Stewardship (Amazon, opens in a new tab) by Tony Evans. Dr. Tony Evans will show that you are the manager, not the owner, of all God has entrusted to you. You’ll discover that the secret to the good life is aligning yourself with God's purposes.
- The Legacy Journey (Amazon, opens in a new tab) by Dave Ramsey. Dave Ramsey takes a deep dive into God’s word, revealing the truth about money, wealth, and how to build your personal and family legacy.
Online resource
- 31 Radical, Liberating Questions to Ask God About Your Giving (opens in a new tab)
by Randy Alcorn, Eternal Perspective Ministries
