Wealth: Help or Hindrance?

1. The Impossible Standard

Read the sermon\'s main passage together.

'And Jesus said to his disciples, Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.' When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?' But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' (Matthew 19:23-26, ESV)

Why do you think Jesus chose such an extreme image—a camel through the eye of a needle—to describe how wealth affects a person\'s relationship with God?

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

2. Wealth as a Hindrance

The sermon argued that riches create a spiritual obstacle that makes entering the kingdom impossible for us on our own.

'When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.' (Matthew 19:22, ESV)

What are some ways that money, comfort, or possessions can make Jesus and His kingdom seem less appealing or necessary?

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

3. Only God Can Make It Possible

Jesus says salvation is impossible for man—but not for God.

'No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.' (John 6:44, ESV)

'But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.' (Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV)

Why is it important that salvation depends on God\'s power rather than on our ability to give things up or be good enough?

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

4. What the Gospel Offers vs. What We Want

The sermon warned that the gospel does not offer us more of what we already want—health, wealth, prosperity, success, or happiness—but rather offers what we must have.

'The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.' (1 Corinthians 2:14, ESV)

Why might forgiveness of sins and adoption into God\'s family feel less attractive than getting more money or success? What has to change in our hearts to want what Jesus offers?

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

5. Love God, Not Wealth

Because God guarantees eternal life for His people, we are called to love Him rather than wealth.

'And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.' (John 6:39, ESV)

What is one practical way you could show that you love God more than money or stuff this week?

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

6. Debate Springboard

The sermon said that unregenerate sinners want health, wealth, prosperity, success, and happiness, and that the gospel does not come to offer these things. It also said there is nothing wrong with wanting those things unless they become a hindrance.

Discuss: Is it wrong for a Christian to want a comfortable life, a good job, or fun experiences? Where is the line between enjoying good gifts and letting those gifts become a spiritual obstacle?

___________________________________________

___________________________________________