Friends by the Firepit
Details
All welcome to join us around the First Lutheran Firepit (located just north of the Peel House front porch). Bring your favorite beverage and roast marshmallows for s’mores while we have a lively discussion about this week's sermon. Childcare is available in the main church building. Remember, you can always find the sermon written in this week’s Ekklesia Newsletter
As always you can pick up the sermon-based discussion questions on Sunday at the Welcome Center Desk or from an Usher.
Getting to Know Me
- The sermon began with a list of items on an Amazon wish list. If we looked at your “wish list,” what kinds of things might be on it—and what does that reveal about what you value?
- Have you ever bought something you really wanted, only to realize later it didn’t bring the fulfillment you hoped for? What was it?
- When you think of “the good life,” what pictures or experiences come to mind for you?
Into the Bible - Read 1 Timothy 6:6–10. Why does Paul call the “love of money” the root of all kinds of evil? How do you see this truth play out in our culture today?
- Paul tells Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Which of these do you think was hardest for Timothy’s wealthy congregation to embrace—and why?
- Paul contrasts the pursuit of wealth with the pursuit of contentment. How does biblical contentment differ from just “settling” or giving up on your dreams?
- In verse 17, Paul says to “set your hope not on riches, but on God who richly provides.” What does this verse reveal about God’s character?
Application - Which of the “spiritual exercises” (righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness) do you most want to grow in right now? What step could you take this week to practice it?
- The sermon described generosity as “powerful and contagious.” Share a time when someone’s generosity impacted your life or inspired you to be more generous.
- How can our group (or church community) live in such a way that we show the world “the life that really is life” instead of the endless chase for wealth and possessions?