Youth Sermon: Earn Me

Introduction

Let's talk about something we all love - money! But before we dive in, let's do a little experiment. I have here a $20 bill. Who wants it? (Pause for response) Okay, now what if I crumple it up? Who still wants it? (Pause for response) What if I step on it, make it dirty and messy? Who still wants it? (Pause for response) Interesting, right? No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because its value didn't change. It's still worth $20.

No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because its value didn't change. It's still worth $20.

The Biblical Perspective on Money

Now, let's think about this in terms of our lives. The world tells us to chase after money, like it's some kind of never-ending game of tag. But God tells us something different. He says, "Earn me." He wants us to work hard and earn money in a way that honors Him.

Check out what the Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

And in Genesis 2:2, it says, "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work." Even God worked, and then He rested.

What This Means for Us

So, what does this mean for us? It means we should work hard, but not just for the sake of making money. We should work to serve God and others. It means we should be fair and honest in our dealings. It means we shouldn't let the pursuit of money take over our lives and make us forget what's really important - our relationship with God, our family, our friends, our health.

Here's a practical idea: this week, think about why you want to earn money. Is it to buy the latest iPhone or to help others? Is it to be popular or to please God? Remember, it's not wrong to want things, but it's important to keep our priorities straight.

Prayer

Let's pray.

God, help us to earn money in a way that pleases You. Help us to remember that our value doesn't come from how much money we have, but from You. Help us to be fair and honest in all we do. And help us to remember what's really important in life. In Jesus's name, Amen.

Conclusion

So, the next time you see a $20 bill, remember, it's not about chasing after money, it's about earning it in a way that honors God.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. How can you serve God in your current circumstances?

2. What does it mean to earn money in a way that honors God?

3. How can you prioritize the things and people that truly matter in your life?

4. What are some practical ways to manage money from a biblical perspective?

5. How can you maintain your integrity when earning money?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Chase or Earn
• Group Activity: Money Management Workshop
• Youth Challenge: Work with Purpose