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Please remember these notes are to refer back to if you NEED to. They are a supplement to the discussion. The goal is not to get to the answers provided below but to engage in open and honest discussions. Please give adequate time for group members to respond to the questions before referring to these notes.
Read Luke 18:18-29
- Why does Jesus ask this man to sell everything he had even though he had kept all the commandments?
Jesus is pointing out that all of our faith and trust must be in God and even though we can follow the “rules” we must put our faith into action by allowing God to provide for us.
- Why do you think it was so hard for the rich ruler to sell all his possessions?
There could be many reasons for the ruler’s difficulty in selling his possessions, but the fact is that when you are comfortable it is really hard to step out of your comfort zone and when you can provide for yourself (financially) it is hard to give that up and trust that God will provide. This is why the Bible tells us it is harder for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven than for a camel to go through an eye of a needle.
- What do you think this says about the rich ruler’s faith?
Go around and ask everyone to share.
- Can you relate to this man when it comes to the issue of tithing? How so?
Go around and ask everyone to share.
- Who are the people who would have immediately been blessed if the rich ruler had sold all his possessions?
Jesus tells the rich man to sell his possession and give to the poor, therefore we see that the poor would have been blessed.
- How do you see your tithes and offerings blessing others at Shepherd?
Shepherd gives almost $1 million dollars a year to Missions which help people by bringing them food, water, supplies, clothing as well most importantly eternal life in Jesus. Shepherd also partners with many churches and missions to provide food and shelter to the poor and helpless.
- In what ways would the rich ruler have been blessed by his giving and according to what Jesus says in verse 29?
Jesus tell the rich ruler that if he sold all his possessions and gave to the poor he would have treasure in heaven. He goes on to say that whoever did this would get a huge return and the most important treasure of all….eternal life.
- How does this encourage you to give more consistently? Please share.
Go around and ask everyone to share.