LESSON THREE: AVARICE

LESSON THREE: AVARICE
MARK 10:17-31
INTRODUCTION
Money is a powerful and useful tool. It is a necessity of life, yet it is not something we want to control our lives. Avarice is really just another name for idolatry. There are four things we need to learn to do with money. Make it, spend it, save it and give it. Doing those things in a Christian manner is not easy. Yet it is imperative that we learn to put our money under God's control. Giving, stewardship, fasting and simplicity are some of the tools God gives us to combat greed and prevent it from taking over our lives.
PART ONE: WHAT DID WE READ?
1) What question did the man ask of Jesus and in what posture did he ask the question?
2) How did Jesus respond to his question?
3) What one thing did the rich man lack?
4) Is it possible for rich people to be saved?
5) Peter makes what claim about the disciples?
PART TWO: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
1) Was the rich man sincere in his question to Jesus?
2) Jesus tells the rich man that there is one thing he lacks, and then he tells him to do two things. How are the two things really one thing?
3) Is it hard to enter the Kingdom of heaven?
4) Peter says that the disciples have left everything to follow Jesus. Is that true?
5) Jesus promises the disciples that they will receive a hundredfold back on the sacrifices they have made. Is that true and is it still true for us today?
PART THREE: HOW DOES IT APPLY TO US?
1) Is there anything you must do to inherit eternal life?
2) People often say, "Unless God owns your money, your money will own you." Do you think that is true?
3) What Christian practices and virtues are available to us to combat the power of greed in our lives?
4) Do you think it is harder for rich people to enter the Kingdom than it is for poor people?
5) Do you think there is any truth to the "success" gospel? What truth is there?
PRAYER
Father, don't let greed have any place in my heart. I know that it is a form of idolatry, and I don't want anything to have the desires of my heart but you. Strengthen in me the virtues of generosity. Help me to find contentment in what I have. Let me know that my true security lies in you. In Jesus' name. Amen.