DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
"It's Not Yours"
Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.
Start Off
- Let’s begin our time by acknowledging the presence of God in our Group. Open in prayer, asking for a greater awareness that God is in the room in a special way as we meet.
- Quick announcement: Baptism weekend is coming up October 16-18. Have you considered baptism, or is there anyone you know that is considering baptism? You can get more info at www.chaseoaks.org/baptism
- For a quick summary of the message, you can take turns reading the summary and key thoughts from the “Sermon Notes” section on the main page of the Chase Oaks App.
- What stood out to you most from this message, and why?
Reflect on God’s Word
- Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. What instructions does Paul give to those who are wealthy?
- Why do you think wealth can make it difficult to trust God? What are some ways wealth can create a sense of self-dependence?
- What does a “closed hand” look like in everyday life? What does an “open hand” look like?
- The message identifies three ways we can use what God entrusts to us: enjoy, give, and invest. Which of these comes most naturally to you? Which is most challenging?
Go Deeper
- Enjoy: Are there things God has given you that you need to enjoy with greater gratitude rather than guilt?
- Give: What is one area where God might be inviting you to become more generous? Is it money, possessions, time, or resources?
- Invest: How could you use your resources this month to make a difference that extends beyond your immediate needs?
- What are you currently holding with a closed fist (perhaps your money, future, lifestyle, possessions, or fear of not having enough)? What would opening your hand to God look like in that area?
Wrap Up
- What was a win for today’s meeting? Where did we see the Holy Spirit show up?
- Share prayer requests and spend some time in prayer, acknowledging what we have is not ours; it is God’s, who entrusts it to us to enjoy, give, and invest.
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. (1 Timothy 6:18, NIV)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Day 1 — Recognize the Owner
Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Take a few minutes to acknowledge that everything you have ultimately belongs to God. Make a list of five specific things you have been entrusted with (ex. money, possessions, abilities, relationships, or opportunities) and thank God for each one.
Pray, “God, help me remember that it’s not mine, it’s yours. Show me how to faithfully manage what you have entrusted to me.”
Day 2 — Open Your Hand
Read 1 Timothy 6:17. Identify one area where you are tempted to put your hope in money or possessions. Ask God to replace anxiety, comparison, or self-dependence with trust in him. Physically open your hands as you pray and surrender that concern to God.
Day 3 — Enjoy with Gratitude
Read 1 Timothy 6:17. Intentionally enjoy something God has provided without guilt or entitlement: a meal, hobby, family time, home, vacation, another gift, etc.. Before enjoying it, simply say, “Thank you, God, for providing this.”
Day 4 — Give
Read 1 Timothy 6:18. Look for an opportunity to practice generosity today. It could be spontaneous generosity toward someone in need or a planned gift toward something that matters to God. Give without expecting recognition or repayment.
Day 5 — Invest in What Lasts
Read 1 Timothy 6:19. Ask, “How can the resources God has entrusted to me make my community and my world better?” Choose one concrete action (financial, relational, or practical) that invests in something with lasting Kingdom impact.