#FinancialGoals

Money is involved in everything, such as day-to-day living, going to the doctor, starting a company, and taking a vacation. Everything. So naturally we spend a lot of time thinking about money—what we can do with it and what can happen when we don’t have enough. Many of us spend a good amount of time worrying about money despite that fact the Bible says we’re to do otherwise. We’re meant to both enjoy our money and steward it wisely, with God as the foundation. Work through the following questions, and get together with your running partner, life group, friends, or family around the dinner table and talk through your answers.

Discussion Questions

1. In Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University class, he says that most people lean toward being “a saver or a spender.” Where do you land? Why do you think this is so?
2. When you think of money today, where does your mind go such as peace, excitement, anxiety, worry, etc.? Why do you have this response?
3. Where is God in your relationship with money? What would your finances look like if you let God be God of your wallet?
4. In the message, we heard about five categories of money: earn, save, spend, invest and give. Of these categories, which one causes you the most struggle or challenge?
5. Read Matthew 6:19-20. We can store our resources, our money in such a way that they are vulnerable to loss, or we can store them in such a way that they have eternal impact. How do or can you store your resources so they will have a lasting impact?
6. Read Deuteronomy 8:17-18. God gives us specific abilities to produce wealth. In light of this, how do you think you can honor God with your money?

Key Scriptures

• Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. — Matthew 6:19-20
• But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth. — Deuteronomy 8:17-18

Digging Deeper—Spiritual Outcome

Be The Body :: Financial Generosity

There sometimes is misunderstanding about Scripture and money. In short, when it comes to money, the common perception is that Scripture only teaches us to give it away. This perception is a misperception for multiple reasons. For starters, Scripture addresses money holistically. There is instruction on making money, saving money, spending money, and yes, giving money. A careful reading of Scripture, though, shows that there is not only misperception about Scriptures’ holistic teaching on money, but also about Scriptures’ teaching on giving. Consider carefully Jesus’ words: Explore resources for broadening your understanding of God’s teaching on money.

FINANCIAL GENEROSITY outcome

#FinancialGoals Challenge

We’ve got a Financial Challenge—a practical next step—to help you set financial goals, make a plan and stay on track this year.

Financial Peace University

Whether you’re struggling to get out of debt, just learning to live by a budget, saving for a significant purchase or planning for retirement…it takes planning, discipline and accountability. We have found that Financial Peace University with Dave Ramsey offers a great plan to move toward financial freedom.

• Gateway North: February 8 – March 28, Mondays, 7-8:30pm (Childcare is available)
• Gateway South: February 21 – April 10, Sundays, 5-6:30pm (Childcare is available)

This nine-week course follows Dave Ramsey’s curriculum designed to help individuals navigate challenging financial situations towards successful financial planning and peace. Cost is $100.

REGISTER TODAY

For more information about #2016ChallengeAccepted, check out the website here.