Heart for the House (Weeks 1-4)
Jesus & Money
Learning to Live with Open Hands
Study Guide
Purpose: These studies are designed to help people move beyond simply hearing the message on Sunday to living it throughout the week. The aim isn't to talk about money—it is to grow as disciples who trust God, live generously, and learn to hold everything with open hands.
WEEK 1 - The Myth of More
Luke 12:13–34
Thought?
If money wasn't an issue, what would you spend your time doing?
Key Thought
Greed and anxiety often grow from the same root—a lack of trust in God. Jesus invites us to find our security in Him instead of our possessions.
Questions
1.
Why do you think Jesus refused to settle the inheritance dispute and instead addressed the man's heart?
2.
The rich man wasn't criticised for being wealthy, but for believing his possessions were the source of his security.
Where do people today tend to look for security?
3.
Jesus moves straight from talking about greed to talking about worry.
Why do you think those two ideas are connected?
4.
Have you ever experienced a season where getting "more" didn't bring the satisfaction you expected?
5.
What practical habits help you become content with what God has already given you?
This Week's Challenge
Choose one intentional act of generosity this week.
It doesn't have to be financial.
Give your time.
Encourage someone.
Bless someone anonymously.
Buy someone coffee.
Give something away that you value.
Prayer
Pray that God would replace fear with trust and help each person find their security in Christ rather than possessions.
WEEK 2 - It’s All God's Anyway
Matthew 25:14–30
Also read Psalm 24:1.
Thought?
What's something valuable someone has trusted you to look after?
How did it change the way you treated it?
Key Thought
Everything we have ultimately belongs to God. We are not owners—we are stewards.
Questions
1.
What's the difference between an owner and a steward?
2.
How does believing everything belongs to God change the way we think about money?
Time?
Talents?
Relationships?
3.
The master rewarded faithfulness, not equal results.
Why is comparison such a dangerous trap?
4.
What resources has God specifically entrusted to you?
5.
Where do you sense God asking you to become a more faithful steward?
This Week's Challenge
Spend time thanking God for everything He has entrusted to you.
Ask: "Lord, what do You want me to do with what You've placed in my hands?"
Prayer
Pray for wisdom to steward God's resources faithfully and courage to trust Him with every area of life.
WEEK 3 - The Blessed Life
Luke 19:1–10
Also read Acts 20:35.
Thought
What's the most generous thing someone has ever done for you?
How did it make you feel?
Key Thought
Generosity isn't produced by pressure—it grows naturally from a transformed heart.
Questions
1.
What changed in Zacchaeus after meeting Jesus?
2.
Notice Jesus never asked Zacchaeus to give away his money.
Why is that significant?
3.
How does gratitude influence generosity?
4.
Have you ever experienced joy from giving rather than receiving?
Share the story.
5.
How can Faith Family become known as a generous church?
This Week's Challenge
Pray specifically about Heart for the House.
Ask God: ”What would faith-filled generosity look like for me this year?"
Don't focus on an amount.
Focus on obedience.
Prayer
Pray that God would continue transforming hearts and help each person become a blessing to others.
WEEK 4 - Treasure That Lasts
Matthew 6:19–34
Also read Matthew 6:33.
Thought
What's something you've invested in that has produced lasting results?
Key Thought
The greatest investment we can ever make is in what lasts forever—the Kingdom of God and the people He loves.
Questions
1.
What does Jesus mean by "storing up treasures in heaven"?
2.
How can generosity become an act of worship?
3.
How have you seen your church make an eternal difference in people's lives?
Share specific stories.
4.
Why is it important to view giving as an investment rather than an expense?
5.
How has this series challenged your thinking about money?
This Week's Challenge
As a family or individual, prayerfully decide your Heart for the House commitment.
Bring it as an act of worship, not obligation.
Celebrate what God is going to do through our church together.
Prayer
Spend time thanking God for His generosity toward us.
Pray over the Heart for the House offering and ask God to use it to see more people encounter Jesus, more families strengthened, more children discipled, and more communities impacted.
