Discussion Questions

---

JAN. 18/19 BOB MERRITT

INTRODUCTION “Enough.” That’s not a word we hear often in our culture, but when we live beyond our financial means it affects every area of our lives. Part of simplifying life is learning to live within the margins of what we have and to find joy and contentment knowing that what we have is enough.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1

Can you describe a time in your life when you were overwhelmed financially? What was that like?

2

Contentment is the freeing condition of the soul when you’ve decided that what you have is enough. How does contentment fit in today’s culture? How do you think Paul was able to declare himself content?

3

Read James 1:17. Do you tend to notice how much you have? Or do you tend to notice how much more other people have? How does James 1:17 help you keep the right focus?

4

Read Matthew 6:31-33 and list some contrasts between those who trust God to provide for them and those who run around chasing stuff.

5

Pastor Bob referenced Bill Hybel’s quote, “Debt is wanting more than God’s current provision for your life and arranging another way of getting it.” How can taking on debt run counter to God’s plan for meeting your needs?

6

What would it take for you to become a “faith-filled idiot” who gives to God 10 percent of what you have? Bob said, “The happiest, most content people I know are hands down the most generous people I know.”

THINK ABOUT IT The final secret to contentment is to get your finances in order so that you can respond to Holy Spirit promptings. Was there a time when someone helped you with an unexpected gift? Was there a time when you gave an unexpected gift? How can you put 2 Corinthians 9:8 into work in your life?

COMMIT TO MEMORY And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion. 2 Corinthians 9:8