Choices, Choices (Pentecost 15C Gospel)

Download a PDF of the Word One Bible Study for Pentecost 15C

Text: Luke 16:1-13 for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary Series C

OBJECTIVES

Participants will:

1. Learn that there are many choices in their lives that can affect their faith.
2. See the importance of applying their faith when making decisions.
3. Evaluate their current lifestyle to see if it fits with God’s will.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Bibles

Pencils for each individual

GROUP GUIDELINES

Break your larger group into smaller groups of 3-4 people. Choose as the leader of each group the person who has the most money with them. The leader should help the group follow through the study and encourage individuals to participate as they feel ready.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Choose which of the following in each pair you prefer. Circle your choices and be prepared to define them.

1. McDonald’s or Burger King
2. Rock or Country/Western
3. Mercedes or Jaguar
4. College or Vocational School
5. Coke or Pepsi

LOOKING AT GOD’S WORD

1. Read Luke 16:1-13. Look closely at verse eight. Was the master commending what the manager did, or why he did it? Do you think that honest people or dishonest people are smarter? In what ways?
2. Have you ever told anyone a secret? Did they keep it? Have you ever lent anyone something that was yours? Did they take good care of it? How do you develop trust in another person? Are you trustworthy?
3. What do Luke 16:13, Luke 12:15, James 4:4 and 1 Timothy 6:10 have in common? Is there anything that you value more than your faith in God? If you won the lottery, would your faith change? What would you do with the money?
4. How do you think Jesus feels about rich people? Explain your answer.

REINFORCING WHAT HAS BEEN LEARNED

1. When you were making your choices at the beginning of this lesson, were they the same or different than your friends? Did their opinions influence your answers?
2. What are some current choices that you face each day? How does your faith help you in making these choices?
3. Name one way you can overcome the temptation to be influenced by worldly values. How will you use your idea to help you this week?

CLOSING

Close with a prayer asking God to help you remain faithful to His will, despite the pressures of the world.

By Jill Hartman

 Originally published in Discovery Bible Studies.

Updated for youthESource in September 2016