All of this would be taken from the Sunday AM Sermon

Leader Review:

**Summary:**

In this sermon, Pastor Jake challenges the conventional understanding of success and wealth, urging the congregation to reconsider what they treasure most in life. Drawing from Matthew 6:19-24, he emphasizes that earthly treasures are temporary and can lead to spiritual darkness, while heavenly treasures offer eternal value. The sermon critiques the prosperity gospel, highlighting the futility of accumulating wealth for its own sake. Through the story of Perpetua and other biblical references, Pastor Fowler illustrates the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material gain. He concludes by encouraging believers to focus on the glory of God and the transformative power of the gospel, which offers true fulfillment and joy.

**Key Takeaways:**

– **Reorienting Ambition:** Jesus calls us to shift our focus from accumulating earthly treasures to seeking heavenly ones. Earthly wealth is fleeting and cannot provide true peace or security. Instead, we should invest in spiritual riches that have eternal significance, reflecting our core values and priorities.

– **The Danger of Greed:** The sermon warns against the darkness that greed can bring into our lives. Like the story of Thorin in “The Hobbit,” unchecked desire for wealth can lead to destructive behavior and spiritual emptiness. True fulfillment comes from valuing relationships and selflessness over material possessions.

– **The Eye as Desire:** Our desires shape our character and actions. A “healthy eye” represents a singular focus on God, while an “evil eye” signifies greed and covetousness. By aligning our desires with God’s will, we can fill our lives with light and goodness, avoiding the pitfalls of materialism.

– **The Power of a New Affection:** Overcoming worldly desires requires a greater love for God. As Thomas Chalmers and C.S. Lewis suggest, our hearts can only be transformed by a deeper affection for the divine. By immersing ourselves in the beauty and mystery of the gospel, we can experience true joy and satisfaction.

– **The Grandeur of God:** The sermon concludes with a call to marvel at the glory of God, which surpasses any earthly experience. Like Perpetua, whose love for Christ outweighed her fear of death, we are encouraged to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, finding our ultimate treasure in Him.

Small Group Discussion

Read Matthew 6:19-24

### Small Group Discussion Questions: “Deep Pockets Without Profit”

OPENER: Who is one person you would describe as successful and why?

#### Introduction

1. **Defining Success**: How do you personally define success? How does your definition align or differ from societal views of success?

2. **The Good Life**: What does the “good life” mean to you? How do you think it relates to your understanding of success?

#### Treasure and Priorities

3. **Earthly vs. Heavenly Treasures**: In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus contrasts earthly treasures with heavenly treasures. What are some examples of earthly treasures that people often pursue? How do these compare to what you believe are heavenly treasures?

4. **Personal Reflection**: Reflect on your own life. Where do you find yourself storing your treasures? What motivates your acquisitions—security, peace, love, or something else?

#### The Nature of Desire

5. **Healthy vs. Bad Eye**: In Matthew 6:22-23, Jesus speaks about the eye being the lamp of the body. How do you interpret the idea of having a “healthy” versus a “bad” eye in the context of your desires?

6. **Desire and Character**: How do your desires shape your character and actions? Can you think of a time when your desires led you to make a decision that impacted your life positively or negatively?

#### The Cost of Accumulation

7. **Sacrifices for Treasure**: The sermon mentions that people often sacrifice relationships and even their families for the sake of accumulating earthly treasures. Have you seen or experienced this in your life or community? What were the consequences?

8. **The Example of Perpetua**: What can we learn from the story of Perpetua and her willingness to sacrifice earthly comforts for her faith? How does her story challenge or inspire you in your own life?

#### The Role of Money

9. **Serving Two Masters**: Matthew 6:24 states that you cannot serve both God and money. How do you interpret this in your own life? Are there areas where you feel torn between serving God and pursuing financial gain?

10. **Cultural Influences**: How do you think the prosperity gospel has influenced the way people view money and success in the church today? What are the potential dangers of this mindset?

#### Generosity and Self-Sacrifice

11. **The Gospel’s Perspective**: The sermon emphasizes that the gospel teaches us to give to gain. How does this perspective on generosity differ from societal views on wealth and success?

12. **Personal Generosity**: In what ways can you practice generosity in your life? How can focusing on heavenly treasures change your approach to giving?

#### Conclusion

13. **Vision and Desire**: Reflecting on the idea that “what we eye becomes our why,” what are some practical steps you can take to ensure your desires align with God’s vision for your life?

14. **Final Thoughts**: What is one key takeaway from this discussion that you can apply to your life this week? How can your small group support you in this journey?

Feel free to adapt these questions to your groups needs.