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Bible Study: Sept. 22, 2019


NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.

This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Bible Studies For Life curriculum.

Bible Passages: I Timothy 6:6-11, 17-19

Discussion Questions:
— What’s something you enjoy so much you might be in danger of hoarding?
— What gets in the way of our contentment?
— How does social media affect your capacity to be content with what you have?

Food for Thought:

Some people find contentment and security in collecting things. Others find contentment in organizing and decluttering. Marie Kondo has made tidying fashionable. Her book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” and Netflix show, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” have people taking a second look at their stuff and asking whether it brings them joy. If something doesn’t spark joy, Kondo suggests you let it go.

However, Kondo recently admitted to softening her approach in her own life. Now the mother of two young children, Kondo says she doesn’t have as much time to tidy and organize as she did when she was single. In an interview with Better Homes and Gardens for the September 2019 issue, Kondo reveals, “To be honest, my situation has changed since I was single. I’ve let go of needing to maintain a perfect home all the time.”

Kondo’s suggestions for simplicity and organization have been widely embraced, with her Netflix show earning her an Emmy nomination. This session we will study the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Timothy about a life of simplicity and contentment.

— Where should we draw the line between having enough possessions and having too many?

— Who are some models in your life of what it means to be generous and willing to share?

In August, Fidelity Investments reported a record high for the number of people with 401(k) or IRA plans over $1 million. Fidelity reported management of 196,000 retirement plans over the $1 million mark, up from 180,000 the previous quarter. This broke the previous record of 187,400 plans over the $1 million mark.

Planning for retirement is wise. However, what happens when your sense of security is tied to an account number? The gains in these retirement plans are closely tied to fluctuations in the stock market. Investments in real estate will rise and fall with real estate markets. Even money under your mattress can be lost through theft or fire.

We should not look to earthly possessions for security. Instead look to Jesus for contentment. Jesus warned, “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

Bible Studies for Life
Bible Studies for Life connects the Bible to life for adults, students and kids. Bible Studies for Life helps individuals and groups know God’s Word through trustworthy content, creates biblical community through engaging and conversational group studies, and helps people engage the culture missionally by unpacking what the Bible says about real-life issues. More information can be found on the Internet at www.biblestudiesforlife.com.

Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool or ordered at LifeWay Christian Stores.

    About the Author

  • Staff/Lifeway Christian Resources