Treasures – CBR Discussion for 03.04.12

Genesis 46, 2 Samuel 15, Isaiah 46, James 5

Friendship: A few of your favorite things.

In Genesis, Jacob and his family are traveling to Egypt to live closer to Joseph. He brought many obvious things like his family, livestock and goods. I am sure there were a few other things that they must have brought: mementos, creature comforts, etc. In 2 Samuel, David was in a similar position for different reasons. His son created a mutiny to take over the kingdom and the momentum has fully shifted away from David. David certainly had to leave quickly and was only able to take his necessities.

Friendship Question: If you were moving or had to leave your home quickly and you could only take a few valuables from your house, what would those things be?

Repentance: Storing up Treasures

In James, a stark warning is presented to the rich and those who live in comfort. He calls out those who care more about their stuff than their relationship with God and future in Heaven with Him. I clearly asked a leading question above. We can easily be convicted of caring much more about our valuable possessions or creature comforts than preparing our hearts for eternity with Jesus.

Repentance Question: Has there been a time in your life where you have felt convicted that you have laid up treasures and it has distracted you from loving God and working to build his kingdom? What has been the result? Have you been distracted, less generous, etc? Confess to each other and pray for each other as it states in James.

Faith: Treasures in Jesus

A life lived with less treasure will cause you to suffer more. James gives us hope in this work. Jesus will clearly be with us in our suffering and will never leave you with less. Jesus promises to give you tenfold more than any loss you experience on earth.

Faith Question: Reflect on Isaiah 46, where does that give you hope in your work to decrease and Jesus increases.

Focus: Where are you called to decrease?

Our memory verse this week is great picture of what we are called to do. Read John 3:30; our memory verse. It’s easy to think that this feels like death. Remember Jesus loves to care for his own.

Focus Question: What part of your life are you called to decrease so Jesus can increase? What will you do to accomplish that?

 

Tuesday’s Readings: Genesis 47, 2 Samuel 16, Isaiah 47, Jude
Wednesday’s Readings: Genesis 48, 2 Samuel 17, Isaiah 48, Mark 1
Thursday’s Readings: Genesis 49, 2 Samuel 18, Isaiah 49, Mark 2
Friday’s Readings: Genesis 50, 2 Samuel 19, Isaiah 50, Mark 3
Saturday’s Readings: Psalm 28, Psalm 29, Psalm 30