Wk 2 // November 1 & 2
Wk 2 // GOD’S MASTERPIECE
November 1 & 2, 2025
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
INTRODUCTION
We live in a culture that praises busyness, yet Jesus invites us to something entirely different. He invites us to rest for our souls. Before we talk about money or stewardship, we have to start here: Jesus cares about your heart. He doesn’t just want you to survive; He wants you to live with peace, purpose, and trust in Him.
UNDERSTANDING
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 11:28–29.
The peace Jesus offers isn’t found in avoiding work but in working with Him. Rest comes when our souls stop striving for control and start trusting in His ways. That includes how we handle something as practical (and personal) as money.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ PROVERBS 14:23 AND 2 THESSALONIANS 3:10.
Work was never meant to be a curse; it’s a calling. But when we let work become our identity or our master, we lose the joy God intended. The Bible reminds us that the goal isn’t just to earn, but to steward what God gives with wisdom and purpose.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ PROVERBS 22:7 AND MALACHI 3:10.
Stewardship isn’t just about numbers; it’s about trust. When we give God our first and best, we’re reminding our hearts that He’s the true provider. Generosity helps guard us against the trap of greed and keeps our eyes fixed on eternal things.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 6:19–24.
Our hearts follow our investments. When we treasure the temporary, our peace becomes temporary too. Jesus’ warning isn’t about having things. It’s about not letting things have us.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ LUKE 12:15 AND MATTHEW 6:25–33.
Greed steals peace quietly, while worry drains the joy from our days. Jesus offers a better way: seek Him first. When we prioritize His kingdom, He promises to provide what we truly need. This is how generosity becomes freedom rather than obligation.
APPLICATION
Jesus isn’t just after your budget. He’s after your heart. The freedom and rest He offers come when we surrender our control and trust Him in every area of life, even our finances.
PRAYER
Pray for peace in areas of financial stress or worry. Ask God to reveal any hidden greed or misplaced priorities and to replace them with trust and contentment. Pray that each person in the group would experience the rest Jesus promises and the freedom that comes from seeking Him first in every decision.
November 1 & 2, 2025
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
- Share about a time when you worked hard but still felt completely exhausted.
- What’s one thing in your life that seems to drain your energy the most right now?
- What helps you feel rested and refreshed when life feels hurried?
We live in a culture that praises busyness, yet Jesus invites us to something entirely different. He invites us to rest for our souls. Before we talk about money or stewardship, we have to start here: Jesus cares about your heart. He doesn’t just want you to survive; He wants you to live with peace, purpose, and trust in Him.
UNDERSTANDING
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 11:28–29.
- What does Jesus mean when He says He will give us rest?
- Why do you think rest can be so hard to find even when life slows down?
- What might it look like to “learn from” Jesus in this area of rest and balance?
The peace Jesus offers isn’t found in avoiding work but in working with Him. Rest comes when our souls stop striving for control and start trusting in His ways. That includes how we handle something as practical (and personal) as money.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ PROVERBS 14:23 AND 2 THESSALONIANS 3:10.
- What do these verses teach about the value of work?
- How do you see hard work and faith fitting together in your own life?
- What makes it difficult to balance diligence with rest?
Work was never meant to be a curse; it’s a calling. But when we let work become our identity or our master, we lose the joy God intended. The Bible reminds us that the goal isn’t just to earn, but to steward what God gives with wisdom and purpose.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ PROVERBS 22:7 AND MALACHI 3:10.
- What stands out to you about God’s design for stewardship and giving?
- Why is it so difficult to see our money as God’s and not our own?
- How can generosity become a regular part of your worship?
Stewardship isn’t just about numbers; it’s about trust. When we give God our first and best, we’re reminding our hearts that He’s the true provider. Generosity helps guard us against the trap of greed and keeps our eyes fixed on eternal things.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 6:19–24.
- Why does Jesus connect our treasure and our heart?
- What are some modern examples of “treasures on earth” that distract us?
- How can you tell when money or possessions have taken too much of your focus?
Our hearts follow our investments. When we treasure the temporary, our peace becomes temporary too. Jesus’ warning isn’t about having things. It’s about not letting things have us.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ LUKE 12:15 AND MATTHEW 6:25–33.
- What are the warning signs that greed or worry are starting to take root?
- Why do you think greed can be so difficult to recognize in ourselves?
- How can trusting God with your finances help you live with greater peace and joy?
Greed steals peace quietly, while worry drains the joy from our days. Jesus offers a better way: seek Him first. When we prioritize His kingdom, He promises to provide what we truly need. This is how generosity becomes freedom rather than obligation.
APPLICATION
- Which of the five principles from this message stands out to you most, and why?
- Work hard and steward well
- Put God first through tithing
- Live generously
- Guard against greed
- Trust God and seek His kingdom first
- What practical change can you make this week to move closer to financial peace and spiritual rest?
- How can this group encourage and support one another in seeking God first with money, work, and priorities?
Jesus isn’t just after your budget. He’s after your heart. The freedom and rest He offers come when we surrender our control and trust Him in every area of life, even our finances.
PRAYER
Pray for peace in areas of financial stress or worry. Ask God to reveal any hidden greed or misplaced priorities and to replace them with trust and contentment. Pray that each person in the group would experience the rest Jesus promises and the freedom that comes from seeking Him first in every decision.