At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.

17 October 2021 - 11am Service

Money, Sex & Power Series

This month, we’re taking time to look at how Money, Sex & Power can affect our lives.

You might be wondering, why these three? In the Bible, these ingredients are dealt with completely counter culturally by Jesus, yet His Church has a really bad track record with all three. However, money, sex and power can be great gifts for the blessing of others when surrendered to God.

You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read James 5:1-6 and Deuteronomy 15.

How does the Jubilee tradition speak to our world today?

In the Old Testament law, Jubilee was a 50 year practice to ‘reset’ the economy and redistribute wealth to prevent entrenched systemic disadvantage to the poor. Release of debt spoke to a people who themselves had been released from Slavery by the hand of God.

Should our own story of salvation affect our attitudes to systemic material injustice? The bible seems to suggest it does. The bible frequently calls out for the defence of the most vulnerable in society and the most financially imperilled, Widows, Orphans and resident aliens.

How do world systems of trade and finance disempower the poorest people on the planet? What can we do about systemic injustice and financial inequality?
Is it really possible that there could be no needy ones among us? (Deut 15/Acts 4:34)
How do we deal with personal debt? What are good financial practices for wholesome
living?
How do we respond financially to people who beg, including who have addictions
How can we be mentored and mentor others in good financial practice? What are some top
tips?
Should giving to the poor part of our spiritual disciplines (Matt 6)? If so why and how?

Richard Foster wrote a book called Money, Sex and Power which might be helpful as a follow up read.