Mens Dinner Time, Talent, Treasure

Time

Ephesians 5:11–17 ESV

11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Eph 5:11-

Hidden sin can fester like a rotting wound, in what ways does confession help? How can having secret sin hinder our stewardship in regards to time?

What does it look like to walk as wise?

Sometimes were unintentionally discipled by the world, is there anything in your life that to the world wouldn't seem like a bad use of time, but might be something that is hindering a good use of your time?

What are some things that you could replace that time waster with that would draw you closer to God?

What does verse 16 mean when it says “the days are evil”?

Make one commitment to better steward your time and share it with the group.

Talent

1 Peter 4:8–11 ESV

8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

What does love have to do with service?

What is your gifting? If your’e unsure, how has God used you to encourage others in the past?

On a scale of 1-10 how well are you using your gifting to serve and build up the body of Christ?

Why should we ask God to help us with strength as we serve? (Verse 11)

What is the greatest outcome of our service? (Hint: Last part of Verse 11)

Make one commitment to better steward your talent and share it with the group.

Treasure

Luke 12:30–34 ESV

30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

God knows exactly what we need, how does understanding that truth impact the way you think about your resources?

What does it look like to seek the Kingdom far and above our search for riches?

How can we be a people that gives to the needy yet doesn’t enable bad habits?

There is a new minimalist movement sweeping the nation. What do you think is the heart behind the movement? How would a christian minimalism differ from worldly minimalism?

Are all worldly possessions evil? How can we be sure that our love of things never eclipses our love of God?

What does it look like to have your treasure/heart in heaven?

Make one commitment to better use your finances for the kingdom of God, share it with your table.