On your own or with your life group work through this reading plan to apply this weekend’s message to your life. If you haven’t done so yet, listen or watch the Sunday message below.

Icebreaker Question: What is one possession or achievement you thought would bring lasting happiness but didn't? What did you learn from that experience?

Key Takeaways from the Sermon

1. Biblical contentment means being satisfied with what we have because the Lord is ours (Hebrews 13:5)
2. We face a choice between worldly treasures and Kingdom treasures - we cannot pursue both
3. Covetousness corrupts from the inside out, stealing our peace and joy
4. Worry reveals a lack of trust in God's provision and care
5. Seeking God's Kingdom first is the antidote to anxiety and discontentment

Discussion Questions
Understanding Contentment

1. How would you define contentment in your own words? How does the biblical definition of contentment (being satisfied because the Lord is ours) differ from the world's definition?
2. Read Matthew 6:19-21. What are some "treasures on earth" that our culture tells us will bring satisfaction? Why do these ultimately fail to deliver lasting contentment?
3. The sermon mentioned Ecclesiastes 5:10 - that we are created to love and worship God alone. Why do you think we keep looking to other things to fill that God-shaped void?

The World vs. The Kingdom
Read Matthew 6:22-23 and Luke 12:15. How does focusing on material gain corrupt us internally? Can you share an example (personal or observed) of how materialism affected someone's soul or relationships?

4. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus says we cannot serve both God and money. Why is it impossible to focus on both at the same time? What does this look like practically in everyday life?
5. Read 1 John 2:16. What are some ambitions or pursuits in your life that might be compromising your commitment and loyalty to God?

Worry and Trust

7. Read Matthew 6:25-33. Jesus commands us not to worry about basic needs. Why is worry actually a trust issue? What does our anxiety reveal about what we truly believe about God?
8. The sermon stated that "worry and dwelling on tomorrow robs today of its strength and joy" (Matthew 6:34). How have you experienced this in your own life?
9. Jesus points to birds and flowers as examples of God's care. What specific examples in your life demonstrate that God sees you and loves you?

Personal Reflection
Take a few minutes of silence for personal reflection. Consider these questions:

• What area of my life reveals the most discontentment right now?
• What am I worrying about that I need to surrender to God?
• Am I pursuing earthly treasures or Kingdom treasures with my time, money, and energy?
• Where do I need to trust God more fully?

Next Step: When you worry or feel discontent, immediately exchange it by refocusing on God.
Practical Steps:

1. Identify Your Triggers: Write down 2-3 situations that regularly trigger discontentment or worry in your life.
2. Create Exchange Statements: For each trigger, write a corresponding truth about God. For example:
3. 
   
   • Trigger: "I worry about finances"
   • Exchange: "God sees my needs and promises to provide. He is mine and will never leave me."
4. Practice the Exchange Daily: When worry or discontentment arises:
5. 
   
   • Pause and acknowledge it
   • Speak your exchange statement aloud
   • Pray a brief prayer of trust and surrender
   • Choose one action that demonstrates Kingdom priorities
6. Keep a Contentment Journal: Each evening this week, write down:
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   • One thing you worried about and how you exchanged it for trust
   • One way you saw God's provision or care
   • One Kingdom treasure you invested in (time with God, serving others, generosity, etc.)

Accountability Question

• What is one earthly treasure you need to loosen your grip on this week?

Memory Verse for the Week
Hebrews 13:5 - "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"

Closing Prayer
Pray together as a group, focusing on:

• Thanking God that He is ours and will never leave us
• Confessing areas of discontentment and worry
• Asking for grace to seek His Kingdom first
• Requesting faith to trust Him with tomorrow