Going a Step Farther

A Devotional Series on Stewardship

Lesson 2

God’s World,

Our Things

Sunday, November 19

“Divest To Invest”

In Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-26), we see how possessions, when seen as ends in themselves, replace God.  To be proper caretakers of God’s gifts, God must come first. 

·        What insights into this story did you gain from Sunday evening’s service?

·        What changes would you like to make in your life as a result of your reflections on this story?

Day 1 – Genesis 12:1-9

First step…

• How much information had God given Abram at the beginning of his journey?  What is Abram’s response to the Lord?
• To whom will the Lord give this land?  How does Abram respond to this gift? 
• In what ways does Abram demonstrate his confidence in the Lord? 
• What does Abram give up?  What does he gain?
• Why might the promise of the Lord seem meaningless at this point?
• How does the Lord’s claim on your long-range goals make a difference in your life?

Stepping out…

1.      Create a board game of Abram’s journey.  Use a Bible atlas and other resources to plot his travels.

2.      Recall an immigrant experience in your family, and describe the vision and faith required to make the long trip to a new land.

Prayer: 

Concentrate your prayers on asking for guidance and faith to give up the safe and the known for long-range Kingdom goals.

Song: 

Choose one of the songs below as your devotional theme song for the week.  Include it as your closing.

·        “Children From Your Vast Creation” (#58, Sing! Hymnal)

·        “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love” (#601, Psalter Hymnal)

·        “May the Mind of Christ, My Savior” (#291, Sing! Hymnal)

Day 2 – Acts 4:32-5:11

First step…

• What creates the oneness in “heart and mind” described in these verses?  What do people do when they are “one in heart and mind”?
• How would you compare Joseph to Ananias and Sapphira?  What motivated them to act as they did?
• What two “spirits” are competing for the Christian community according to these verses?  How do these “spirits” show themselves?
• What difference does this call to Christian community make in your life?

Stepping out…

1.      Recount contemporary and personal examples of Christian communities that are “one in Spirit.” What differences would such a community make in your life and in culture?

2.      If you have not begun a “Thank You Box” tradition for this series, you might begin it with this lesson.  Use a basket or box to encourage every family member to give.  Bring the resulting offering to the evening service and have your child put it in the offering plate.

Prayer: 

Corrupting Christian community through the use of possessions needs confession and forgiveness.  Pray for the Spirit’s power to help you build community rather than destroy it.

Day 3 – II Corinthians 8:1-15

First step…

• What grace has God given to the Macedonian churches?
• Why does Paul use the Macedonian churches as an example for the Corinthian churches?  How is Jesus an example for the churches?
• What does Paul want of the Corinthian church now that they have excelled?
• What is Paul’s ultimate goal with regard to stewardship?  How can this be achieved, according to Paul?
• How do Paul’s words make a difference in the way you use your resources?

Stepping out…

1.      Pack and deliver a bag of personal possessions that would benefit a thrift store’s ministry to the needy.

2.      Go on line for the CRWRC Christmas giving catalog at www.crwrc.org/giftcatalog/index.html. Choose one of the projects listed there as your opportunity to give to needy Christians in other parts of the world. 

Prayer: 

Pray for the Spirit of the Lord to help you overcome the false priorities in your life and put the needs of others above personal comforts.

Day 4 – Romans 12:1-13

First step…

• What does Paul urge the Romans to do?  What does he counsel them to avoid?
• What does Paul mean by being “transformed”?  What are we to transform?  Why should transformation take place?  What will we do if we are transformed?
• Over what resources are we to be good stewards? 
• What kinds of attitudes will Christians have, according to Paul?  How will Christians treat others? 
• What changes do you need to make in your life in order to follow Paul’s advice?

Stepping out…

1.      Read one of the Winnie-the-Pooh stories with your family.  Discuss the community of animals developed in that story.  How does each have gifts and talents that help others?

2.      The book of Acts describes many early Christians who exemplified contributions to the community through their use of gifts.  Using verses 6-8 as an outline, tell the stories of those that you and your family can recall from that early church history.

3.      Make a list of the ways in which you need to be a good steward of your own gifts.  Be as specific as possible and have a family member confirm that you have done what you promised to do.

Prayer: 

Pray specifically for the Lord's help in transforming your attitude and actions in using your gifts for Kingdom purpose.