Money, Power, and Sex
Part 2:
1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or the things that are in the world … the lust of the FLESH (sex) and the lust of the EYES (money) and the pride of life (power) … are of the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but he who does the WILL of God abides FOREVER.
Connect group:
WELCOME Ice breaker:
Choose one of the following topics and talk about it:
a) If you could perfectly master one new skill (such as a language, playing an instrument, or a trade) overnight, what would it be and why?
b) What is the worst or funniest thing you have ever bought that turned out to be a total waste of money?
Prayer: Open with prayer.
WORD Read:
Our Core Text for Today:
Matt 25:16,18 … the one … went and WORKED with it and GAINED five other talents. But … the (other) one … went and BURIED (it) in the ground and HID his master’s money.
Deut 8:18 … you must not forget the Lord your God, for it is He who GIVES you the POWER (ability) to acquire wealth.
2 Kgs 4:1 A woman … “My husband is dead … Now the CREDITOR has come to make (us) SLAVES.”
2 Kgs 4:2 Elisha said to her: “I will HELP you. Tell me: WHAT do you have in your house?” She answered: “I have NOTHING in the house except….”
2 Kgs 4:7 He said: “Go and SELL the oil and PAY your debt”
Talk in your Connect Group about the following:
In Part 1, we learned that God is the Owner and we are the managers (stewards). This week, we look at the practical side of that management. We are often tempted by the “lust of the eyes” (money) and end up in financial bondage, just like the widow in 2 Kings 4 whose creditor was at her door. God gives us the ability (power) to acquire wealth (Deut. 8:18), but He expects us to WORK with our talents rather than hiding them away (Matt. 25). The prophet Elisha did not simply give the widow money; he asked, “What do you have in your house?” He helped her utilize what God had already placed in her hands to pay off her debt and gain her freedom. To be good managers and avoid the world’s financial traps, we must apply these five practical principles:
1. Act in faith:James 2:26 – For just as the body without the spirit is DEAD, so also faith without WORKS is dead. (We cannot merely pray for provision; we must actively work with what we have.)
2. Account for every rand:Luke 14:28 – For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and CALCULATE the cost, to see if he has the MEANS to complete it? (A budget is crucial.)
3. Declare war on debt:Prov. 22:7 – Just as the rich rule over the poor, so the man who BORROWS money is the SLAVE of the man from whom he borrows.
4. Share your skills:Prov 22:29 – Do you see a man who is SKILLED in his work — he can stand before KINGS; he need not stand before commoners (Eccl 10:10).
5. Build the walls of self-control:Prov 25:28 – A city without a wall to protect it — that is how DEFENSELESS a person is if he lacks SELF-CONTROL.
Reread today’s texts and talk about them:
a) The prophet asks: “What do you have in your house?” Looking at your own life, what skills, talents, or “oil” has God already placed in your hands that you could use more effectively or hone further?
b) Which of the 5 points above (e.g., drawing up a budget, declaring war on debt, or practicing self-control) is currently the most difficult for you to put into practice, and how can the group support you in this?
WORSHIP Make time to worship God today. Use the playlist on our Word and Life website under Connect Groups. Or bring your own worship songs.
WORKS Now enjoy Communion together as a Connect Group:
Love for God, Love for People Now, as a Connection Group, spend just 5 minutes in silence, and each member should answer the questions below individually. Create a peaceful atmosphere and allow the Lord to speak to each one individually.