WHAT IS THE GOOD LIFE ACCORDING TO GOD?

As followers of Christ, the good life isn’t what society and culture defines as the good life. It’s what God, through His word, tells us the good life is.

• God wants us to have a life that is good, rich, satisfying, pleasing, and full.
• Not a “prosperity gospel,” but God wants us to live a good life according to what He knows the good life to be.

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

HOW DO WE LIFE THE GOOD LIFE?

• As Christians, we often live our lives in a very counter-cultural way. Rarely does the culture’s ideas align with God’s.
• Jesus didn’t just blend in with society, either. His idea of the good life is radically different that our culture’s!

Acts 20:35 (NLT) And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

• • Jesus is saying “Be a giver.” His idea of living the good life is to be a giver… not just a gainer.

BUT DOESN’T THE BIBLE SAY THAT MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL? NO!

1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT) For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

“Has God given me this _______________ (money, house, vehicles, tools, etc.) to increase my standard of living or to increase my standard of giving?”

• Solomon was the wisest man to ever live (outside of Jesus), and he pursued every pleasure under the sun. He looked for “the good life” in how much wisdom he attained, how many women he married, how big his kingdom was, how many gardens/vineyards he planted, and how much money he had… this is what Solomon concluded:

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NLT) Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!

WHY DOES BEING A GENEROUS GIVER LEAD US TO LIVING THE GOOD LIFE?

1) We become more like God. God is a generous God, and to be like Him is to be generous.

• See John 3:16, James 1:5, and James 1:17

2) We create connection with others.

• See Acts 2:42-47
• Generosity is contagious because it actually feels good to be generous to someone and it makes someone feel good when you are generous to them. It shows them that you love them, and it reflects the heart of God.

3) We learn to trust God.

• It is easy to see that God provided in the past, but it is hard to believe He will continue to provide in the future.
• See 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 6:19-34, and Psalm 34:8-10

EVERY WEEK WE PASS THE BUCKETS AND COLLECT TITHES/OFFERINGS… WHY?

• It’s been a practice since the first century church, but we don’t do it just because it has always been done.
• We do it because it truly is an act of worship to God when we choose to trust Him with our finances.

• • This shows God where our heart is… Do you truly trust God with everything?
• See also 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Malachi 3:10, Proverbs 3:9, and Matthew 6:3-4

CLOSE

Proverbs 4:10-13 & 20-23 (NLT) 10My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 11I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. 12When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. 13Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. … 20My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. 21Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, 22for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 23Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

What is something you have in excess, and could you give that to someone this week, or use it to bless someone?

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT AND DISCUSS:

Passages to consider: John 10:10; Luke 12:15-21, 22-34; Ecclesiastes 5:10-18

1.  Share what from the sermon that caught your attention.
2.  When you hear the words “The Good Life,” what usually comes to your mind?
3.  Read Luke 12:15-21. What do you see happening in this passage? A) What is this showing about the idea of good life? B) Read Luke 15:22-34. What do you see in this passage about the good life?
4.  How would you describe the different perspectives to the good life to a child or to a co-worker?
5.  In what ways does/could your family/personal budget reflect trusting God’s view of the good life? A) What could change or be adjusted first in your heart and then in your budget?
6.  How could you (and your family or friends) take action this week to be intentionally generous? Brainstorm together, then do it! Share the good stories! #generosityisthegoodlife