Monopoly: Playing with Money

Connection Group Questions Monopoly: Playing with Money November 16, 2008

Opening
We are not uncomfortable with the subject of money, but rather, the subject of OUR money- our income, our expenses, our debts, our spending habits.

If you have any, share some really amazing “spending” stories- something you bought that brought you joy, meaning and deep fulfillment. Or, share any spending stories that have brought you grief and regret.
Or, if you have any, share some really amazing “giving” stories- something or someone you blessed with your giving that brought you joy, meaning and fulfillment.

Digging Deeper
Within the group’s comfort level, discuss the subject of budgets. What were you taught about money growing up? How was it valued? How was it managed?
Talk about you own money matters. Do you have a budget? Do you know how much money comes in? Do you know
how much money goes out? Do you know where the money is going?

Jesus talks more about money than any other subject next to his mission. What do you currently think/believe that the bible teaches regarding money? Reference bible passages. What is the picture of money that emerges? Was Jesus pro or against money, or something else entirely?

Let’s look at Matthew 6:19-24
In the first section Jesus introduces an eternal perspective of “stuff.” What should we value, and what should we not? What perspective pre-occupies most of your time, thinking and decision-making?

In the second section Jesus talks about longings. What are looking at/longing for? How does this affect you? Can you think of any situations where your desire for more stuff detracted from a healthy view of life? Does the 10th Commandment shed any light on this?

In the third section, Jesus says his most famous money statement. Is it really this sever? Have you felt this tension in your life? What does a life of serving money, as compared to God, look like? How does your life compare?

Even Deeper Now!
A very simple plan to start winning the game of money was presented in worship:

• Give a minimum of 10%,
• save a minimum of 10%,
• live on and enjoy 80%.
• As time passes, increase the first two.

Is this totally unrealistic for your financial situation right now?
Would you even desire to manage your money this way?
If not, how do you desire to manage your money?
If this is appealing, what is it going to take to move in this direction, get there, and grow? What will have to stop? What will have to change? What habits must you break, and what habits must you start?

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Matthew Chapter 6:19-24

19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.