Economic Forecast
7/24/2022
One of Jesus’ most troubling parables involves a rich man and Lazarus and the great reversal that happens after they die. What does this story tell us about heaven and hell? What does it have to say about life before death and the impact our investments now (or lack thereof) will have on us then? Join us for part three of Kingdom Economics as we explore the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
Passage
Luke 16:19-31
Principle
Three Principles Guiding Our Economic Outcome
Your choices will determine whether you will _________ or _________ your life.
Your economic _________ and __________ will determine your __________.
Jesus invites us to __________ our choices and ________ the abundant life available in Him.
Practice
Our __________ is to deliver the ___________ to those who are far from God
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What is the difference between positive and negative tension?
Do positive tensions exist in the Bible? If so, can you think of examples?
Is there danger in trying to eliminate positive theological tensions?
One of the Christian faith's great theological tensions is the tension between faith and works. The story in today’s sermon and the one we read in today’s small group lesson from Matthew 25 seem to focus on our works. What role does faith have in both stories?
HEAR
Read Matthew 25:31-33
- What do you think Jesus meant when He said the Son of Man would come back in “all His glory”? Was this a reference to His resurrection, the coming of the Holy Spirit, or His second coming?
- What connection do you see between this passage and Jesus’ command to His disciples in Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:18-20?
- Is nationality what separates people in this passage? If not, what creates the separation?
Read Matthew 25:34-40
- What makes those on Jesus’ right blessed by the Father and entitled to inherit the kingdom?
- Read John 15:9-17. How does this passage help you understand Matthew 25?
- What is the connection between obedience to Jesus and loving others?
Read Matthew 25:41-46
- Why are those on Jesus’ left cursed? Is this fair? Why or why not? Do you believe people are born as sheep or goats? If not, why does Jesus use this analogy?
- What do you notice about the responses of those on Jesus left and right (see vs. 37-39 and 44)?
- Read John 15:1-6, Ephesians 2:8-10, and James 2:14-19. How do these passages help you understand Matthew 25?
- How important is it to retain a healthy tension between our understanding of faith and works?
HUDDLE
How do you know when you have veered away from a faith that works to a works-based faith? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Reading
This month’s daily Bible readings come from the book of Proverbs. These short statements are attributed to various authors but are all divinely inspired to teach us the value of wisdom. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to grant you discernment and wisdom.
- Day 1: Proverbs 22
- Day 2: Proverbs 23
- Day 3: Proverbs 24
- Day 4: Proverbs 25
- Day 5: Proverbs 26
- Day 6: Proverbs 27
- Day 7: Proverbs 28
Think Deeper
- Do you believe the choices we make in this life affect us in the next? Why or why not?
- Who gets the credit or blame for where you find yourself today (financially, relationally, physically, etc.)?
- Whom do you know that is currently hurting, and how can you help them?
Suggested Reading
Reunion, by Bruxy Cavey
The Jesus I Never Knew, by Philip Yancey
What’s So Amazing About Grace, by Philip Yancey
Check out these books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB