BACK TO THE FUTURE II
Growing in Faith: Part 6 of 6
A Biblical Worldview—What Jesus thought about Money

Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith

Worship (optional)

The Big Idea:
Money, money, money! What has first place in your heart?  Is it God or money?  Does money control you – or do you control money? Don’t love what God gives you more than you love God.

Summary:
Jesus warns that money has the power to deceive and control us.  He tells us that the deceitfulness of money can even choke out the Word of God that has been planted in our hearts!  Greed will pressure us to buy things we don’t need, and many people are drowning in a sea of debt and stress.  Debt and financial pressure can keep believers in bondage and fear, distracting them from the true riches of life in Christ.  God’s will for us is that we experience contentment and trust Him for our daily bread.  When we give the first fruits of our income to God, our faith releases God’s grace into our lives to break the power of money and create in us a peaceful and content heart.

Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)

Proverbs 3:9-10
What are ways you can honor God with the first fruits of your income?  What can stop you from doing this?

1 Timothy 6:6-12
What does Paul tell us to pursue over wealth?  How does the power of money threaten our faith, and what can we do to fight against this threat?

Luke 16:13
Identify a change you can make in your financial life to honor God and put Him first.

Mark 4:1-20
What affect did money have on the hearts of those in this parable (verse 19)?  How does the worship of or desire for wealth sneak into our minds, and how can we protect ourselves?

Matthew 6:24-34
What does Jesus tell us are the two things we should seek above all else?  What can you do everyday to keep yourself focused on these things? 

Taking Action: Spend some time this week reviewing where you invest your finances and how much you think about money. Be willing to respond to God’s direction, conviction, or moving in this area of your life.  Make one change in your spending habits this week that will honor God. 

Ministry Time

BACK TO THE FUTURE II
Growing in Faith: Part 5 of 6
A Biblical Worldview—What Jesus thought about change
Opening Prayer, Confession of Faith & Worship (optional)

The Big Idea:
Things are going to change because things ARE changing. If you are a follower of Christ, then change is essential and inevitable. 

Summary:
Jesus Christ was the greatest catalyst for change in the history of the world.  His life changed the course of time and eternity, and He continues to change lives all over the world today.  As Christ-followers, we know the significance of His life as it relates to our transition from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of light.  His death, burial, and resurrection, made our own personal transformation possible.  Jesus brought change intentionally, fearlessly, and relentlessly.  As we follow Him, we discover that He is up to the same thing in each one of our lives today.  He wants to continue a relentless change in us and use us to change the world and eternity.

Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)

Romans 12:1-2
We have peace when we know that the uncomfortable transition in our lives is the will of God.  How can we change and avoid conformity to the world so we can better know God’s will?

Proverbs 3:5-8
What are the 6 things this passage encourages us to do?  How do these things work together to help us in times of change and decisions?

Luke 5:31-32
What does Jesus describe as the purpose of His ministry? The Greek word used for repentance is “metanoia” which means to think differently or to change your mind. What kind of actions might indicate a lack of repentance? 

Ephesians 4:17-32
What helps us to spiritually “put off our former ways” and to be clothed with our new nature?  How can you be more focused on ensuring that your life exemplifies this type of change?

Colossians 3:1-17
Paul again instructs us to pursue spiritual change in our lives.  How does our spiritual enemy try to deceive us into thinking we don’t have to change?

Taking Action: Are you open to change or are you holding on to the former ways of living and thinking? Spend some extra time this week identifying areas of change by using the passages in this curriculum to help you analyze your life for areas that might not match-up with God’s will. Pray for wisdom and revelation. Surrender, respond to God, and allow Him to do what he does best – change you, transform you, and renew you. 

Ministry Time

BACK TO THE FUTURE II
Growing in Faith: Part 4 of 6
A Biblical Worldview—How Jesus thought about Suffering & Forgiveness

Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith

Worship (optional)

The Big Idea:
Forgiveness means that I am not a victim. Forgiveness means that God is on my side and I am more than a conqueror. Forgiveness means letting go of my right to retaliate and turning to God. Forgiveness is essential.

Summary:

Forgiveness is an extreme act of trust and faith in God. It challenges us to trust God for a better future - one that is based on the hope that our hurts will not have the final word in our lives. God asks us to give up our destructive thoughts stemming from offenses and to place our hope and trust in him for the future. Forgiveness builds confidence that we can survive the pain and grow from it. When we refuse to forgive, we are defying God, and our pride will limit his divine grace in our lives. Refusing to forgive by holding on to anger, resentment, and a sense of betrayal will make our lives miserable and ineffective. A vindictive attitude creates bitterness and destroys our ability to love and grow spiritually. A victim attitude destroys our faith and hope. Forgiveness honors the Lord and is a gift we give to ourselves. Forgiveness brings freedom! Forgiveness brings life!

There is no offense that cannot be forgiven! Not one!

Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)

Matthew 6:9-15
What does Jesus tell us is the result of refusing to forgive others? Explain how forgiveness is an action, not a feeling.

Matthew 18:21-35
Why did the master tell the servant he should have forgiven the man who owed him money? How can you apply this to your own life?

1 Peter 5:5-6
How does Peter say God deals with the proud? How is unforgiveness the ultimate example of pride?

Romans 8:28
Explain how this promise should create a biblical worldview for your life and help you forgive others?

Genesis 50:15-21
Did Joseph’s brothers seek forgiveness in an honorable way? How does Joseph demonstrate his forgiveness for his brothers?

Taking Action: Do you have unforgivness in your heart? If so, humble yourself, forgive, ask for forgiveness, give the situation to God, and experience freedom. If appropriate, share your experience(s) with the group next week.

Ministry Time

BACK TO THE FUTURE II
Growing in Faith: Part 3 of 6
A Biblical Worldview—How Jesus Thought about SELF

Opening Prayer & Confession of Faith

Worship (optional)

The Big Idea:
Jesus led a self controlled life. We are called to do the same thing which is described in scripture as dying to self. One of the most significant ways we die to self is by believing and obeying the truth of God’s Word.

Summary:
Jesus provides us with the ultimate example of living a life of self control, a life submitted to the will of God. He provides the example and then tells us to follow him in doing the same. What does Jesus mean when he says we must give up our life, deny ourselves, and pick up our cross? Why does Jesus tell us that the road the Christian must walk is difficult and narrow? Jesus is calling us to confront our selfish, sinful nature and pursue the righteousness of God. This requires us to submit ourselves to God’s grace and Spirit, because our sin nature exerts a persistent and sometimes very strong force on our will to do things our way. The good news is that God gives us his Spirit, and his Spirit produces in us the self control we need to walk this difficult, narrow road together.

Discussion Questions: (read the scripture & discuss)

Matthew 16:24-25
What does it mean to deny yourself and take up your cross? What would that look like today in your life?

Titus 2:11-12
What does God’s saving grace teach you about how to live your life? What are the ways you can release more of God’s grace into your life?

Galatians 5:16-26
Why does Paul warn us against living a life controlled by the flesh? How does the Christian put this way of life to death?

1Peter 5:8
Why does Peter remind us to be self controlled and alert? How can you keep yourself ready and prepared to resist sin and selfishness in your life?

2 Peter 1:2-11
Peter reminds us that we have to diligently make the effort to grow in our self control. What are some practical ways in which you can partner with God to increase this fruit in your life?

Taking Action: Give examples of ways you could die to self. Challenge each other to choose one thing and implement it this week. Pray as a group and ask for God’s grace to teach you how to do this and empower you to succeed.

Ministry Time