Study Questions for February 1, 2026

Read Luke 19:1-10; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; John 10:14-16; James 2:21-24; and 2 Corinthians 8:7-9.

1. Dale Beaver describes discipleship as a "reorientation" where our worldview aligns with the way Jesus sees the world, especially regarding our possessions and wealth. How has your view of money changed since you began following Jesus?

2. Read Luke 19:1-4. Zacchaeus was "too short to see over the crowd". The sermon suggests that there is always someone smarter, faster, or wealthier than us. How does the "relative perspective" of always comparing ourselves to others lead us to create idols of security or significance?

3. How high have you climbed and for what? Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus, but it turns out he climbed it so Jesus could see him. In what areas of your life are you "climbing" to find significance? How does the truth that "God sees you" change your motivation for that climb?

4. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10. This passage warns that the "longing to be rich" leads to ruin. How does "true godliness with contentment" act as a safeguard against being "pierced... with many sorrows"?

5. Read Luke 19:5-7 and John 10:14-16. Jesus tells Zacchaeus, "I must be a guest in your home today". Notice the intentionality in Jesus' voice. How have you heard the "voice of the Good Shepherd" calling you to come down from your tree and enter into a relationship with Him?

6. Dale discussed the tendency to "flex" on others—sizing people up based on fame or wealth. Why is a relationship with Jesus different from these "transactional" relationships?

7. Read Luke 19:8-10. When Zacchaeus meets Jesus, he immediately pledges to give half his wealth to the poor and repay those he cheated fourfold. Why is a change in our relationship with money a necessary evidence of a right relationship with God?

8. Read James 2:21-24. James notes that Abraham’s faith and actions worked together. How does Zacchaeus's radical repentance demonstrate that he is a "true son of Abraham"?

9. Read 2 Corinthians 8:7-9. Paul encourages the church to "excel also in this gracious act of giving". How does the example of Jesus—who was rich but became poor for our sakes—transform the way we view our own "capital" (time, talent, and treasure)?

10. Closing Reflection: Jesus says He came to "seek and save those who are lost". What "stuff" do you need to move out of the way today to respond to His invitation to come down and be in relationship with Him?

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Practice for the Week: Identify one "transactional" area of your life where you usually try to "flex" or prove your significance. This week, practice radical contentment by acknowledging that your security comes from being known by God, not from your position or possessions.