Below is an exercise called “The Deed”. It is designed to help you recognize God’s ownership of your possessions. We use the term Deed because it is often used in reference to transferring property, which is exactly what you will be doing in this exercise.
As a college student, you may find that you don’t have a ton of possessions. I would encourage you to think not only of possessions but also of the things that you highly value. These may not have a lot of monetary significance but could have a lot of emotional value and investment.
Here’s how you complete the Deed:
a. Insert today’s date at the top. Then print your name in the space “From”, because you are doing the transferring.
b. There is a large blank space for you to enter the items you are transferring to God’s ownership. Please spend time praying about this decision before making any entries.
c. During your small group time, share what you wrote on your Deed as a way to help hold you accountable to recognize God’s continuing ownership.
2. What did you learn from completing the Deed? How do you think this might influence you in the future?
Deuteronomy 10:1; Psalm 24:1; 1 Corinthians 10:26.
3. What do these verses say about the ownership of your possessions?
Leviticus 25:23; Psalm 50:10-12; Haggai 2:8.
4. Based on these verses what are some of the things the Lord owns?
1. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, how would you grade yourself regarding your attitude toward your possessions?
2. What are two practical ways you could recognize God’s ownership?
Psalm 135:6; Proverbs 21:1; Acts 17:26.
3. What do these verses communicate about God’s control of circumstances and people?
Genesis 45:4-8; Romans 8:28.
4. Why is it important to realize that God controls and uses even difficult circumstances for good in the life of a godly person?
5. Share a difficult circumstance you have experienced and how the Lord used it for good in your life.
1 Corinthians 4:2
1. According to this verse, what is the requirement of a steward?
2. How would you define a steward?
3. What does being a steward look like for you on a daily basis?
Luke 16:1-2
4. Why did the master remove the steward from his position?
5. Have you ever experienced the consequences of poor stewardship in your life? If so explain.
Leviticus 19:11-13; Deuteronomy 25:13-16; Ephesians 4:25.
1. What do these verses communicate to you about God’s requirement for honesty?
2. Are you consistently honest in even the smallest details? Why or why not? If not, what are some things you can do to change?
Proverbs 14:2; Proverbs 26:28; Romans 13:9-10.
3. Based on these verses, can you practice dishonesty and still love God? Your Neighbor? Why or why not?
4. How has dishonesty affected you or someone you love?
Psalm 15:1-5; Proverbs 20:7; Isaiah 33:15-16.
1. Based on these passages, what are some of the benefits of being honest?
2. How have you experienced the benefits of being honest?
Proverbs 3:32; Proverbs 13:11; Proverbs 21:6.
3. What are some of the curses of dishonesty?
4. How do these verses motivate you to live a life of honesty?
Read the God’s Part & Our Part Notes below and answer the following questions:
1. What did you learn that was especially helpful from the notes?
2. How can you apply what you learned to your current situation?
3. What is one action step you will take as a result of this week’s study?