Money is a Tool .
How do I know this tool has become an idol to me?
1. It causes me constant worry and anxiety.
  Ecclesiastes 5:12 - Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.
2. It gives me hope and security.
  1 Timothy 6:17 - As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God
3. It pulls me away from the faith.
  1 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
  
  Matthew 6:24 - No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Money is a Spiritual Gauge .
Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Read also: Matthew 19:16-22, Luke 19:1-10, Luke 3:10-14, Luke 12:13-20

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Matthew 19:16-22, Luke 19:1-10 (Optional: Matthew 6:21, Luke 3:10-14, Luke 12:13-20)

What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
Why do you think money so easily becomes an idol? What do you do when you realize it has become one in your life?
Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell everything and give to the poor before he follows Jesus. Is this the command for everyone who wants to follow Jesus? Why or why not?
The man in the parable in Luke 12:13-21 seemed like a good businessman, and it didn’t seem like he did anything inherently wicked or evil. Why - exactly - did God call him a “fool”? How does this lesson apply to you and I?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Money is Where I Need to Repent