Rooted: Rooted in Wisdom - Managing Your Money God’s Way
Group Leader Guide
Sermon Recap 🎬
Has money taken control of your life? Pastor John Mark tackles this universal struggle with refreshing candor, revealing that 57% of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck—regardless of income. Drawing from Solomon's wisdom and Jesus's teachings, he unpacks God's blueprint for financial freedom through the powerful "10-10-80 principle": giving the first 10% to God, saving 10% for yourself, and living on the remaining 80%. Discover how managing money God's way leads to joy and contentment while supporting kingdom work, such as Cottonwood Creek's upcoming Fall Festival. Don't miss this practical message that could transform your relationship with money and deepen your walk with God!
Ice Breaker 🧊
If you could only use a backpack or a pull-behind travel suitcase for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Discussion Questions 💬
According to the sermon, why does the Bible talk about money more than almost any other topic? What does this tell us about the importance of how we handle our finances?
Pastor John Mark mentioned that there are between 2300 - 2350 verses in the Bible about money, wealth, and possessions. Jesus spoke more about money than heaven and hell combined.
How much time do you spend thinking about money compared to other aspects of your spiritual life?
How does the 10-10-80 principle work, and why might this be a helpful framework for managing money God's way?
The sermon explained that the first 10% goes to God (tithe), the second 10% goes to savings, and the remaining 80% is for living expenses.
What would need to change in your current financial habits to implement the 10-10-80 principle?
In Luke 12:15-21, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool. What was the rich man's fundamental mistake, and why did God call him a fool?
The sermon emphasized that Jesus didn't condemn the man's wealth, but rather his failure to be rich toward God and his complete focus on earthly possessions.
What steps can you take to ensure you're being 'rich toward God' while also managing your earthly resources?
How does the ant's behavior in Proverbs 6:6-8 provide a model for financial wisdom?
The sermon described how ants work diligently and store up food in summer without needing a commander, preparing for winter ahead of time.
What “winters” should you be preparing for in your life, and how can you start preparing now?
According to the sermon, what's the relationship between tithing and joy? Why might generous givers report being more content?
The sermon referenced George Barna's research showing that Christians who tithe 10%+ are twice as likely to describe their lives as joyful and content compared to those who give less than 2%.
How has your level of generosity affected your personal contentment and joy?
Prayer 🙏
Ask for any personal or family prayer requests.
Pray for wisdom in managing finances according to God's principles.
Ask God to cultivate a heart of generosity and gratitude.
Seek guidance to apply the sermon lessons on work and wealth in daily life.
