Youth Sermon: The Battle is His, But We Have to Show Up

God and Money

Today is all about money. Yeah, I said it, money. We've all had those moments when we needed God to show up in our money matters. So let's discuss how God deals with money!

Imagine you're at a carnival, and you're trying to win that giant stuffed bear at the ring toss game. You keep throwing ring after ring, but you just can't seem to get it on the bottle. You're about to give up when the game operator steps in and says, 'Let me show you how it's done.' He takes a ring, aims, and effortlessly tosses it onto the bottle. Just like that, you've won the game. That's what it's like when we let God take control of our finances. We might be struggling, but when we let Him take over, He can make things happen.

That's what it's like when we let God take control of our finances. We might be struggling, but when we let Him take over, He can make things happen.

Handing Over Money Matters to God

The money stuff belongs to God, but we've got to hand it over to Him. Just like when you decide to get fit, you need to know where you're starting from. You can't ignore your problems and hope they'll disappear. In 2 Chronicles 20, this king named Jehoshaphat was facing a big problem and he turned to God for help. We need to be specific in our prayers and trust that God will handle our money problems.

Even though money belongs to God we've got to show up. Jehoshaphat prayed to God, admitting they were powerless and needed His guidance. God told them that the battle was His, but they still had to take action. They had to march down to the battle line. Same with our money, we've got to take steps of faith and get involved in the process. God is bigger than any problem we face, but we've got to be willing to step out in faith to see His miracles.

God is bigger than any problem we face, but we've got to be willing to step out in faith to see His miracles.

Practical Steps with Money

Remember, we're talking about money because we want to be practical and not get in the way of the amazing stuff God wants to do in our lives. Just like Elijah tied up his cloak before running, we need to take practical steps with our money so that God's supernatural provision isn't blocked. What practical steps is God calling you to take with your money?

Let's pray together. God, sometimes we feel totally lost when it comes to money. We don't know what to do, but we're looking to you for guidance and help. We trust that this money stuff is in your hands.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. Why is it important to trust God with our finances?

2. What are some practical steps we can take to manage our money better?

3. How can we invite God into our financial lives?

4. What does it mean to you that "the battle belongs to the Lord" in the context of finances?

5. Share a time when you saw God's provision in your financial situation.

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Financial Scavenger Hunt
• Group Activity: Financial Planning Workshop
• Youth Challenge: Money Management Challenge