Week of June 2, 2025
Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying into action steps. These talking points, questions, and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step. If you are leading a group through this guide, don’t feel like you have to answer every question. Pick out those questions that will stir up conversation and action among your group.
Discussion
Small Things Matter in the Kingdom of God
The Goal: To make disciples of Jesus
Luke 16:1-13
① A Parable On Stewardship (1-9) : Live with kingdom values.
God will require accounting for how we managed His resources.
Discuss this Parable and it’s meaning. How has your understanding of the Parable changed?
② A Principle On Faithfulness (10-12) : Learn to think small.
“All of us are managers, not necessarily of big things, but of small things.” “You’ll never be fruitful in your life unless you learn to be faithful in small things.”
Discuss how this applies to all people, at all stages of their life.
③ A Premise On Devotion (13) : Love your God.
It’s impossible to serve two masters. It’s impossible to multitask in matters of ultimate concern. Priority must be given to one over the other. If God is our Master, then money will be our servant, and we will use our resources in the will of God. But if God is not our Master, then we will become the servants of money, and money is a terrible master! Jesus is demanding a total devotion to God that puts Him first in everything.
Discuss areas in your life that over the years may have replaced God on the throne of your life. Are there areas you still struggle with today?
Next Steps
#1 : I will honestly evaluate my values—do I value the temporal over the eternal?—and begin to shift temporal values toward the eternal.
#2 : I will stop chasing bigger, and resolve to faithfully oversee the little things God has put under my care.
#3 : I will give my total devotion to God and put Him first in everything.
Talk to God
- How can we pray for you?
Small Group Guidelines
Small Group Guidelines
Though we call these Basic Group Guidelines, these are also effective in all relationships and environments. We believe it is wise to observe these whether in a one-on-one conversation or in a group discussion.
• Guidelines give boundaries for people to operate within.
• They help with the flow and pace of the discussions.
• They help us value one another.
• They help people to be more comfortable sharing deep and meaningful things.
This is a Safe Group
Confidentiality is key, what is said in the group stays in the group. Be aware how you are affecting the environment: words, actions, and non-verbal communication. This needs to be a place where people feel comfortable opening up and sharing.
No Crosstalk
Be considerate of others as they are sharing. No side conversations, checking phone, responding to text or email, etc.
Listen
Let’s value one another by listening to what is being shared. Allow a pause after someone shares to allow them to finish and others to consider what was said. Eye contact and body posture play key roles in creating a positive or negative group environment.
No Rescuing or Fixing
We are not here to fix each other, Jesus does that part. Avoid the tendency to rescue when someone is struggling to get the words out or shares a struggle or conviction.
Use “I” Statements
It’s easy to talk about the issues of others or respond with “we”, “us”, “the church”. But for us to grow as disciples and build relationship we want to use “I” statements.
Don’t Overtalk
We want to create time for all members of the group to participate in the discussion. Be careful not to always be the first responder or regularly give long responses.
Fight for Relationship
It’s not “if” conflict or hurt feelings will happen, but “when”. We commit to fight for relationship with each other. Go to that person and share your struggle or seek wise advice if you are not sure how to handle the conflict.
