Kernan Community Groups
Sermon Discussion Guide
September 21, 2025
Past + Future = Present // Stewardship
Matthew 28:18-20
[18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Why might we not typically consider how we manage our money to be a part of our spiritual growth in Christ?
Why should it be a big focus in our spiritual lives and discipleship?
Three Guiding Principles for Biblical Stewardship
1. God owns everything we have.
1 Chronicles 29:11-12, 14, 16
[11] Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. [12] Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.
[14] “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.
[16] O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own.
What is the main truth David is affirming in these verses?
Why are we tempted to forget this truth?
2. God has entrusted us to steward his money.
Romans 14:12
[12] So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Have you ever thought about how you will have to give an account to God for how you spent his money? How does that make you feel?
“God entrusts me with this money not to build my kingdom on earth, but to build His kingdom in heaven.”
- Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle
Matthew 6:19-21
[19] “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
1 Timothy 6:6-10
[6] But godliness with contentment is great gain, [7] for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. [8] But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. [9] But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. [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.
How do these verses emphasize the fact that money is tied so closely to our hearts and desires?
World’s Priorities
1. Lifestyle
2. Taxes
3. Debt Repayment
4. Saving and Investing
5. Giving
Result: Overspending
Biblical Priorities
1. Giving
2. Saving and Investing
3. Debt Repayment
4. Taxes
5. Lifestyle
Result: Contentment
Why is it so tempting to put “Lifestyle” ahead of all the rest?
How does the second column reflect a Christ-centered approach to managing your money?
3. Grace is our motivation for stewardship.
2 Corinthians 8:9
[9] For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
What does this verse tell us about the character of Christ?
Hebrews 13:5
[5] Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Resources
Books:
The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn
The Money Challenge, Art Rainer
Website/app:
Christian Money Solutions
FaithFi
