Consider inviting your group members to share how hard it is for them to talk about money. Many people have complicated feelings about money because of their upbringing or times when they have not had enough money. Can you together bring those circumstances before God so that they can have conversations about their wealth and their worship?
In the time of Malachi, the people of Judah had just returned from exile and finished rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple. However, the priests, who were supposed to be the spiritual leaders of the people, were dishonoring God by not properly fulfilling their responsibilities. They were supposed to lead the people in proper worship of God through the use of their resources and they were instead complicit in offering God less than He had commanded.
God still holds spiritual leaders responsible for guiding people into a healthy relationship with personal wealth and proper worship. Today, that looks like putting first things first. Give, save, and then live on what’s left. We want to contribute our personal wealth to God’s purposes. We have to ask if we want our plans or God’s power to provide our future and then act accordingly.
1. Do you see a connection between your wealth and your worship?
2. How are you partnering in God’s work with your wealth?
Mark 12:41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Invite the Spirit to speak through God’s Word. Read the passage aloud then prompt everyone to ask God what needs to be highlighted. Give three to four minutes of silence. Read the passage again and invite everyone to ask God what He is revealing about Himself. Give another three to four minutes to share and then invite people to share what came to their hearts and mind. What is God asking of you as a group?
Pray for a spirit of generosity and for a willingness to partner with God’s work with all of your resources.