Discussion Questions - Week 2

Please remind the group that the “Balanced” Series by Andy Stanley consists of 6 sessions in total. CBC is only viewing sessions 2-5. Other sessions are available for viewing on our website.

The “Summary Thoughts” (http://bit.ly/1PVgc2f) and “5 Tips Facilitating Tips” (http://bit.ly/1PPcP6H) documents would be useful to discussion group leaders.

You might consider downloading some additional resources on our website as well. http://cbchouston.org/stewardship.html

Discussion Starter:

What are the benefits of living debt-free?

Quotes and Verses:

1 Chronicles 29:14 -“But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from You, and from Your hand we have given You.

Proverbs 22:7 “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”

Proverbs 25:28 - Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

Deuteronomy 28:12 - The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.

Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

“One system is fast, one is slow, one brings peace, and the other brings woe.” - Andy Stanley

“The shiny wore off, but I’m still paying for it!” - Andy Stanley

Questions: (if you are short on time, focus on the questions with an *)

1  * Describe your family of origins approach to finances. Were things tight? How did they use debt? Was it a source of tension for your family?

2  What has been your experience with debt?

3  *In what ways does debt limit freedom? Can you give any personal examples?

4  What makes it so difficult to get out of debt?

5  *Is going into debt always unwise? When is it wise?

6  Are their life circumstances that necessitate going into debt?

7  What are some examples of “wise” and “foolish” debt?

8  *What safeguards have you created to ensure that the debt you are incurring is indeed “wise” debt?