Full Message
Behind The Sermon Podcast
SATANS ECOMONY vs. GODS ECOMONY
This Sunday, Pastor Nate discussed something called "scrips" and how companies used this type of Monopoly money to ensnare workers in their world, making it difficult for them to leave.
Similarly, Satan employs certain disguises of freedom, luring others into his economy of shame, slavery, greed, and selfishness.
Discussion
What stood out to you in this weeks message?
What are the things that Satan offers that LOOK like freedom?As you think about everything you just listed, how do those false freedoms trap people?
As you look at your own life, are there things that you have perceived as a blessing from God, when really, they might be a distraction or promotion from the enemy?
“But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the Lord. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites. Achan was the son of Carmi, a descendant of Zimri son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah.
Joshua sent some of his men from Jericho to spy out the town of Ai, east of Bethel, near Beth-aven. When they returned, they told Joshua, “There’s no need for all of us to go up there; it won’t take more than two or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since there are so few of them, don’t make all our people struggle to go up there.”
So approximately 3,000 warriors were sent, but they were soundly defeated. The men of Ai chased the Israelites from the town gate as far as the quarries, and they killed about thirty-six who were retreating down the slope. The Israelites were paralyzed with fear at this turn of events, and their courage melted away.
Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothing in dismay, threw dust on their heads, and bowed face down to the ground before the Ark of the Lord until evening. Then Joshua cried out, “Oh, Sovereign Lord, why did you bring us across the Jordan River if you are going to let the Amorites kill us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side! Lord, what can I say now that Israel has fled from its enemies? For when the Canaanites and all the other people living in the land hear about it, they will surround us and wipe our name off the face of the earth. And then what will happen to the honor of your great name?”
But the Lord said to Joshua, “Get up! Why are you lying on your face like this? Israel has sinned and broken my covenant! They have stolen some of the things that I commanded must be set apart for me. And they have not only stolen them but have lied about it and hidden the things among their own belongings. That is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat. For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.”
Discussion
What can we learn from this story?
THE FOUR QUESTIONS
Take some time as a group to talk about these four questions, some might challenge others perspective so work to be respectful as you share.
Are there things in our house that belong in God’s house? (Malachi 3:8)
What are our instructions? (Malachi 3:10)
What consequences could we be experiencing? (Malachi 3:11)
What does God promise? (Malachi 3:10)
“Giving is the gateway to God’s Economy”
Discussion
Have you ever/or are you currently struggled with giving? If so, what are the reasons?
Have you ever heard Malachi 3:11 and realized that there is a devourer of fruits in our lives?
Application
It’s faith building time!
Pastor Nate discussed the concept of blessings following obedience, emphasizing that as we give with a glad heart, we would witness God's blessings in our lives. If you have experienced this firsthand, take a moment to share your story. Your testimony could serve as the encouragement others need to take their first step on this significant journey.
Reach Out
Our Pastors would love to help you with any questions you might have during this sermon.
If you leave your name, We will do our best to reach out to you. Anonymous questions will be answered on the Behind The Sermon podcast the following week!