The Deceptions of Wealth

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At one point in our lives, we’ve been asked this fun question: “What would you do if you won the lottery?” It’s fun to dream about what we would do. This week, Jeff talked about the shadow side of stewarding our wealth. The main theme of this week is not that wealth is bad, but that wealth has a very tricky shadow side. Jeff highlights two “Not Do’s” with our wealth and gives us three positive principles that God wants for us in this area of life.

• Let’s go back to the fun question and think about a few things you would do if you won the lottery.

• Jeff shared some interesting statistics: • The median household income is $94,306, which places people at the top .09% on the global rich list. • $50,000 household income = .31% of the world’s wealthy • $35,000 household income = .81% of the world’s wealthy Do these statistics change your perspective or your outlook on wealth? Why or why not?

• Jeff shared a funny story about a watch he won in a golf tournament. He said he has only worn the watch twice, but each time he wore it, he admitted that his ego inflated. Do you have a similar story where something that was materially innocent turned into an ego boost?

Discuss Together

Read 1 Timothy 6:17.

• Jeff reminds us that we are the 1-percenters and that we are “rich in this present age.” Does this unsettle you? Why or why not?

• Paul instructs Timothy to warn them in two ways: 1. Warn them against arrogance. 2. Warn them from putting their hope in wealth. It can be easy to identify these two things in others, but it’s much harder to see it within ourselves. Why do you think that is?

• Paul writes that “God richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” Can this concept be difficult for us to trust in? Why or why not?

Read 1 Timothy 6:18.

• Paul lists out three counters to the “do not’s.” They are: 1. Put their hope in God. 2. Be rich in good works. 3. Be generous and ready to share. Which of these areas are you most excited to explore and pursue in your faith journey? Which one has the potential to incite more caution and hesitation?