Matthew 6:31-34 31So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Luke 12:13-21 13Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. 17He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I’ll say to myself “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take like easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ 21 “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”

QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS AT HOME, WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND IN YOUR LIFE GROUP:

Passages to consider: John 15:5; Ephesians 5:15-17; Psalm 90; Acts 17:24-32; Matthew 6:33; Psalm 27:8

1. For you, what was the most striking passage or point in the sermon?

2. Read John 15:5 and Ephesians 5:15-17. What do these passages say about abiding in Christ and relying on God?

3. Consider Psalm 90 and Acts 17:24-32. How does the biblical view of humanity in light of God challenge your perspective of yourself, of God, and of your time?

4. What are your biggest, most time-consuming, and most energy-sapping priorities in your daily life? A) Take a look at Matthew 6:33 and Psalm 27:8. What are some things you’ve been prioritizing that you need reconsider from God’s perspective?

5. Pick one thing you want to work on not paying unwarranted attention to this week. Come up with some practical ways to remind yourself of what is more important. Place these reminders in places and ways you’ll find them. (Some ideas might be a note on the bathroom mirror, an alarm on your phone, a scripture in your pocket or on your car dash, a screensaver on your computer, etc.)

6. Share with someone what you’re trying to work on this week, and give them permission to keep and help you be accountable.