MULTIPLY IT FAITHFULLY
LUKE 19:11-27, MATTHEW 25:14-30
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: What did you learn from this week’s diagnostic? Savings and investments are an important part of
faithfully multiplying God’s investment in us. Sadly, we can make some poor investment choices. Do you remember
when you first saved for a specific purchase? Maybe it was a toy, an electronic item, a car, or an article of clothing.
What did you save money to purchase? What is the value of that item now? What lessons did you learn from the
process?
1. Read Luke 19:11-27. Jesus Christ is a demanding boss to whom we must account. The Nobleman, Jesus,
will return “that He might know what we have gained.” Each servant comes to Jesus and gives an account for the
“mina” they were given. The servants knew the Nobleman was a “severe” or rigorous or exacting man. Do you
recognize Jesus as a demanding boss? Why do we struggle with seeing Jesus as the rigorous Nobleman? How do
we reconcile this with Jesus’ grace and compassion?
2. Read Luke 19:24. In response to the foolish servant’s choice, Jesus takes the mina from him and gives it to the
one who has ten. Is that fair? Why would Jesus take it from the person who has so little and give more to the one
who already has? Why does Jesus do this? What principle does it communicate?
3. Read Matthew 25:14-19. Jesus Christ expects a return on His investment. “Aſter a long time,” the Master,
Jesus, returns. Pastor James described the danger of becoming complacent in our waiting for Christ. We begin to
think that He isn’t coming for a while, so we can enjoy ourselves. We become reckless. In what specific ways can
Christians become reckless in their waiting for Jesus’ return? How can we keep ourselves vigilant during the “long”
wait?
4. Read Matthew 25:20-23. Jesus rewards his servants not based upon fruitfulness but upon faithfulness. Jesus
expects us to be faithful with what we have been given. Sometimes we can become distracted in comparing our giſts
and abilities with the giſts and abilities of others. What does this passage communicate about Jesus’ perspective
towards this comparison? What are the dangers in comparing your “investments”?
5. Read Matthew 25:26. Jesus Christ says failure to multiply is wicked and lazy. This seems like a harsh
judgment, but yet again it points to Jesus’ rigorous demand. In what ways are you tempted to be lazy with your
investment? How do we discern the difference between sinful laziness and godly rest? Why is Jesus so rigorous?
Who gets cheated when the investment is not multiplied?
6. Read Matthew 25:24-25. Fear distorts my view of Jesus and forfeits faithful multiplication. People are
afraid to take risks because they are afraid of the outcome. However, there is a healthy tension of risk that should be
pursued. Rather than be a slacker/hoarder (too low risk) or gambler/cheater (too high risk), we should be a wise
investor. Considering the third servant, how does fear influence our view of Jesus and our trust in Him? Are you
more a risk-taker or do you play it safe? How does our trust in the Lord influence our view of risk?
7. Read Matthew 25:27. Good debt leverages multiplication and bad debt destroys multiplication. Jesus
inserts an interesting teaching in the midst of His reprimand, teaching the fearful steward to at least seek to
multiply by interest. The topic of debt can be a nuanced discussion. What do you think about debt? How have you
seen debt used biblically? How have you seen debt influence negatively?
8. Read Matthew 25:21, 23, 28-30. Faithful multiplication leads to greater joy and
opportunity. The principle of this passage speaks not only to our finances, but to everything
God has given to us. In that, Jesus is looking for four types of ROI (Return On Investment).
He expects a (1) Financial return, (2) Family return, (3) Fruit return, and (4) Faithful return.
As you consider your “life portfolio,” how are you doing? Looking specifically at these four
areas, where is God calling you to pursue more returns on His investment?
DIAGNOSTIC #5
Multiply it FaithFully
Print and
complete
this week’s
diagnostic, then
save it in your
God’s Money
folder.
HARVESTBIBLECHAPEL.ORG
Step 1: perSonal SavingS & inveStMent aSSeSSMent
1
In 2012 XIBU percent of ZPVS gross (pre-tax) annual income EJEZPVBMMPDBUFUPXBSE savings or investment
A) 0%
B) 1% - 5%
C) 5% - 10%
D) More than 10%
2
How much cash do you have set aside in an emergency fund?
A) None
B) 1 mo. living expenses
C) 2 mo. living expenses
D) 3-6 mo living expenses
3
Do you have Bshortterm savings plan for automobiles, vacation, gifts, and other planned expenses?
Yes
No
4
Do you have a longterm savings plan for retirement, children’s education, etc.?
Yes
No
5
Have you established longterm financial goals and do you have an investment or savings plan
to help you meet those goals?
Yes
No
Step 2: perSonal SavingS & inveStMent QueStionnaire
6
My longterm savings and investments are welldiversified (spread among multiple asset types).
Yes
No
7
My investment decisions are based on principles versus pursuing the “hottest stock idea” or chasing
last year’s winning manager.
A) Rarely
B) Sometimes
C) Most of the time
D) Always
8
I stay away from asset classes or other investment opportunitiesUIBU I don’t fully understand.
A) Rarely
B) Sometimes
C) Most of the time
D) Always
9
I have peace of mind regarding my savings and investments.
A) Rarely
B) Sometimes
C) Most of the time
10
D) Always
I have a will and plan to leave a portion of my estate assets to the church
and/or a kingdom-oriented organization.
A) No will
B) Will, with no charitable intent
C) Will, with charitable intent