Message Series: How To Wreck Your Life
Part 2: Make it About Money
Short Summary: Jesus confronts a wealthy young ruler who had everything the world says matters—money, status, success—yet still felt empty. Through this encounter, we discover that wealth and success become idols when we use them to control our lives instead of trusting God. This message challenges us to identify what we've placed on the throne of our hearts and take drastic action to remove it, so Jesus can occupy His rightful place.
Icebreaker Question
If you could have any material possession or achievement handed to you tomorrow with no effort required, what would it be? Why do you think that particular thing appeals to you?
Review of Previous Week's "I Will" Statement
Last week, we committed to identifying one thing we've been asking to give us life and surrendering it to God in prayer. Let's take a moment to reflect:
- What did you identify as something you've been asking to give you life instead of God? What was it like to bring that before God in prayer and surrender it to Him?
- For those who found it challenging to identify something or follow through with surrendering it, what made it difficult? How can this group support you as you continue that process?
Discussion Questions
Question 1: Reflecting on the Message
The message explored Luke 18:18-23, where Jesus tells the rich young ruler, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." What stood out to you most from this weekend's message? How did it challenge or encourage you?
This question invites participants to process what God may have been speaking to them personally during the message. It creates space for initial reactions and sets the tone for deeper exploration.
As people share, listen for themes that emerge. Notice where the Spirit seems to be working in your group members' hearts.
Question 2: The Inventory Questions
The message included five inventory questions to help identify our idols: What do you complain about most? What do you sacrifice your time for? What do you worry about? What do you dream of? What controls your decisions? Which of these questions hit closest to home for you, and what did it reveal?
These diagnostic questions help us move from theory to personal reality. The rich young ruler thought he had it all together until Jesus exposed what truly controlled his heart.
Be honest about what these questions revealed. Vulnerability here creates safety for others to share authentically. Consider: Is there a pattern in your answers that points to a specific idol?
Question 3: The Illusion of Control
The message emphasized that wealth and success promise us control over our lives and outcomes. Describe a time when you believed having more money, a better job, or greater success would solve your problems or bring you peace. What actually happened?
The rich young ruler asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" His question revealed his desire to be in control of his own salvation. We often do the same with our circumstances.
Reflect on what this experience taught you about where true security comes from. How might God be inviting you to release control in a current situation?
Question 4: The Sadness of Saying No
Luke 18:23 says, "When he heard this, he became very sad because he was very wealthy." This is one of the saddest moments in Scripture—Jesus offering abundant life, and someone walking away. Have you ever felt God asking you to let go of something, and you hesitated or said no? What was that experience like?
This question invites vulnerability about our struggles to surrender. The rich young ruler could have been the 13th disciple, but his idol had too strong a grip.
If you're currently in a moment of hesitation with God, what would it look like to say yes this week? What support do you need from this group to take that step?
Question 5: Drastic Action and Lent
Jesus told the rich young ruler to take drastic action—sell everything. The message reminded us that we're in the season of Lent, a time to fast from things that keep Jesus from being central. What is one drastic action you sense God calling you to take to remove an idol and make space for Him?
Jesus' words weren't about poverty but about removing whatever sits on the throne of our hearts. For the rich young ruler, it was wealth. For us, it might be something different.
Be specific. Instead of "spend less time on my phone," try "I will not check social media before reading Scripture each morning." Drastic action requires concrete steps. How can this group hold you accountable?
This Week's "I Will" Statement
I will take drastic action to remove my idols.
This week, identify one specific idol that has been sitting on the throne of your heart. Take it to God in prayer, and then take one concrete, drastic action to remove it. This might mean:
- Deleting an app that consumes your time and attention
- Having an honest conversation about your work-life balance
- Setting a specific financial boundary or giving sacrificially
- Saying no to something "good" to make room for what's best
Share your specific action with at least one person in this group for accountability.
Prayer Prompts
Prompt 1: Let's begin by sharing any prayer requests—anything you're facing this week where you need God's help and this group's support.
Prompt 2: The message reminded us that "for man this is impossible, but for God all things are possible." Where do you need God to do what feels impossible right now—especially in removing an idol or surrendering control? Let's pray specifically for God's power to do what we cannot do on our own.
Prompt 3: Let's pray for courage to take drastic action this week. Pray for each person by name, asking God to reveal what needs to come off the throne of their heart and to give them strength to follow through. Pray that Jesus would take His rightful place as Lord of our lives.
Rewatch the Message
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