week of 11/20/07

We had a very enjoyable discussion at roots this week! lots of new faces sharing in our interpretation & application of scripture. Welcome to Chris, Dina, Kyle, Blake & Travis.

Some notes from our discussion of Matthew 6:25-34 on Tuesday November 20th:

• We are "pulled apart" by worry - as we focus (worry) on what is temporal & physical, we tend to forget that we are in reality spiritual beings.
• Is worry the opposite of the peace God intends for us to have?
• It is not wrong to be rich, or to save, but our motive is critical so money never becomes our security.
• It is necessary and yet very difficulty to be let by the Spirit of God.
• As we are willing to 'let go' (think of Isaac & Doritos!) and share of the things God has given us, God always refills our empty hands.
  
• Our influence really begins once we have the courage to be authentic and admit our brokenness to those around us.
• There is a culture of materialism and idolatry, even within the Church. How do we move to a more communal approach to life, where things don't matter (like the early church, found in Acts 2 & 4)

Homework for the week: Consider how we can live out Matthew 6:33. What does it look like in my life to practically seek the kingdom of God? What does it mean for mean to live 'righteously'? How does that look? How do we move toward an attitude of sharing and away from hoarding things for me to consume?

Reading for next week: Matthew 7