START TALKING

When have you seen that the more you put in to something, the more momentum you experienced later? How long did it take for you to see the result of that early investment?

What do you have "momentum" in today in your life that as you look back is the result of some investment that was made early on? Maybe it is a hobby, a skill, or something you are good at.

START THINKING

Read Matthew 25:14-15. Why do you think it is important that the master gave each of the men an amount based on their abilities? What would have happened if he gave them more than they had an ability to manage? What is an example that you relate to where this makes sense?

Read Matthew 25:20-23. Why do you think Jesus intentionally used the exact same words when he was telling this story to quote how the man with five bags and the man with two bags responded? And then why do you think he intentionally used the exact same words to quote how the master responded to each of them? What point is Jesus driving home with this?

Read 1 Peter 4:10. How does this verse summarize the teachings of this parable in Matthew 25? What similar principles does it share?

What do you think Jesus is foreshadowing in telling this story about a master who goes on a "long trip" and leaves his servants entrusted to invest what the master has given them, which is then measured and accounted for when the master "returns"? Read Revelation 21:6-8 for a hint, and discuss what similarities you see in this passage about the end of times and the parable Jesus teaches in Matthew 25.

START SHARING

The one man who was not rewarded - in fact, he experienced negative momentum - is the one who was afraid to mess up. When have you found yourself paralyzed by fear or afraid to try something in the Kingdom? What were you afraid of? What was the missed opportunity that God could have done in and through you?

When have you invested something in the Kingdom that you felt at the time was small and inconsequential? Maybe it was time, influence, money, a talent or skill, or a relationship. How did you see that investment pay off in some kind of return? How did that create momentum to where now you are able to invest even more because of it?

What has come to mind for you in this discussion or during the sermon that, if you're honest, you are currently investing in the kingdom of this world but would return far more if it was invested in the Kingdom of Heaven?

START DOING

What do you sense the Holy Spirit telling you to invest in the Kingdom? What is it that you have available to you now that He could use if you give it a chance? What are you going to do about it?

What relationships do you have that you could be investing the Gospel into but you may be afraid to do it or you may not have even tried? What might God use in your life to make a difference in these relationships? What do you already have, readily available to you now to use in these relationships to make a difference for the Kingdom?

START PRAYING

Pray for each person in the micro church and what they shared above. Pray that each of us are willing to give Jesus our best - whatever that best might be - and leave the results to Him!