What’s Our Response?
We need to apply a Biblical perspective to our views on money and debt. We must distinguish between our true needs and our wants (what the culture says we need).
NOTES:
Video: In Google search, type in “Saturday Night Live Don’t Buy Stuff” video. (Make sure it is the one with Steve Martin.) You may have to watch a 30 second commercial first, but show this two-minute video and ask the following questions:
1. What do you think could keep the characters in the SNL skit in debt?
2. What was your experience growing up; how did your family handle money? How has that affected you today?
Read Proverbs 22:7
3. What does it mean that the borrower becomes the lender’s slave?
4. How are you at risk of being enslaved, and what are the potential consequences? (You might want to read this answer out loud to your group.)
Read James 4:13-17
5. Describe in your own words the attitude problem that James brings out in verses 13-14. How does this relate to the issue of debt?
6. How would you describe the perspective James wants the hearers to have in verse 14-15?
7. In verse 16, what character flaw does James point out to his readers, and why do you think it could be so dangerous to their (and our) walks with God?
Read Luke 12:15
8. Keeping James 4:13-17 in mind, read Luke 12:15. What are some different forms of covetousness (greed) that you can think of?
9. “For not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” What do you think Jesus means by this?
Read Colossians 3:22-25
10. In our culture an employer/employee relationship can be seen as parallel to the master/slave relationship in biblical times.
11. In what manner are we to do our work? What impact might a poor work ethic have on the accumulation of debt?
12. Considering the different principles of life, business, finances, and our attitudes described in the above passages, what application(s) do you need to make to your own life at this time?
13. What is the next step for you when it comes to credit cards? We need to apply a Biblical perspective to our views on money and debt. We must distinguish between our true needs and our wants (what the culture says we need). Financial Faithfulness What’s Our Response?
Remember: Keep collecting your financial data in your notebook.
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