8:30PM PST OPTIONAL, CO-ED: OPULENCE IN THE BIBLE - BIBLE STUDY, POTLUCK, FILM

To fully engage with the discussion, begin by reading the assigned Scriptures aloud together as a group. Afterward, carefully consider and answer each question provided. Be sure to take one clear, concise paragraph of notes per question to help organize your thoughts and contribute meaningfully to the conversation.

SCRIPTURE PASSAGES

1. Psalm 24:1 – "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."

2. 1 Kings 10:14-15 – "The weight of the gold that Solomon received yearly was 666 talents, not including the revenues from merchants and traders and from all the Arabian kings and the governors of the territories."

3. Matthew 6:19-21 – "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

4. Genesis 13:2 – "Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold."

5. Luke 16:10-11 – "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much… If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"

6. Proverbs 3:9-10 – "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."

7. Job 1:1-3 – "Job…was the greatest man among all the people of the East. He owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants."

8. Deuteronomy 8:18 – "But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth…"

9. James 5:1-3 – "Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes."

10. Proverbs 22:4 – "Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life."

11. 2 Corinthians 9:8 – "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

12. Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 – "Whoever loves money never has enough… The abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep."

13. Isaiah 55:2 – "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?"

14. Malachi 3:10 – "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing..."

15. Luke 12:15 – "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed…"

16. 2 Chronicles 1:11-12 – The Lord said, "Since you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor… I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you."

17. Philippians 4:19 – "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

18. Matthew 19:23-24 – "Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven… It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle."

19. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 – "Godliness with contentment is great gain… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil."

QUESTIONS AND NOTES

1. What does Psalm 24 reveal about the ownership of all wealth?

   • Notes: God’s authority as Creator underscores that all material wealth belongs to Him first.

2. How does Solomon’s wealth in 1 Kings portray material abundance?

   • Notes: The lavish description illustrates opulence yet reminds us of stewardship challenges.

3. What does Jesus recalibrate in Matthew 6 about heavenly versus earthly treasure?

   • Notes: True wealth lies within eternal priorities, not fleeting material pursuits.

4. What can we learn from Abram in Genesis 13 about wealth and purpose?

   • Notes: Prosperity aligns with God’s promises but demands faithfulness.

5. What does Luke 16 teach about small and large trustworthiness?

   • Notes: Wealth mirrors character; faithfulness with “little” prepares us for lasting stewardship.

6. How does Proverbs 3 view wealth as worship?

   • Notes: Honoring God integrates financial gratitude with spiritual overflow.

7. What attributes of Job in Job 1 showcase righteous prosperity?

   • Notes: Material blessings accompanied Job’s upright life but didn’t define him.

8. How does Deuteronomy 8 caution wealth’s source?

   • Notes: Success stems not from human ability but divine empowerment.

9. Why does James 5 warn the wealthy?

   • Notes: Hoarded wealth risks judgment without generosity or humility.

10. What balance does Proverbs 22 reflect between humility and riches?

    • Notes: Righteousness precedes material blessings, linking character to outcomes.

11. What’s the promise of abundance in 2 Corinthians 9?

    • Notes: God's provision equips believers for service, not excess.

12. What dissatisfaction does Ecclesiastes 5 highlight?

    • Notes: Wealth cannot provide peace or fulfillment outside God.

13. What does Isaiah 55 challenge about spending priorities?

    • Notes: Misplaced focus on unworthy pursuits leads to emptiness.

14. How does Malachi 3 connect faith to provision?

    • Notes: Trusting God through tithes invites His unparalleled generosity.

15. What warning does Luke 12 extend against greed?

    • Notes: Guarding the heart ensures material things don’t overtake spiritual values.

16. How does God’s gift in 2 Chronicles view possessions' purpose?

    • Notes: When sought for wisdom, wealth complements God’s favor.

17. How does Philippians 4 encourage confidence in God's riches?

    • Notes: Trust rests in Christ’s infinite provision, meeting needs perfectly.

18. What difficulty does Jesus outline for the rich in Matthew 19?

    • Notes: Wealth’s entanglement

Potluck and Film Night Instructions

Potluck Instructions
Get ready for a cozy evening of good food and captivating cinema! For the potluck, bring a dish that’s easy to share and doesn’t require much assembly upon arrival — no one wants to juggle elaborate setups during movie prep. Here are some ideas to spark inspiration:

• Appetizers & Finger Foods
  Think bite-sized snacks like stuffed mushrooms, veggie trays with hummus, sliders, or pigs in a blanket.

• Main Dishes
  Casseroles are a winner here, as are slow-cooker meals kept warm during the event. Pasta bakes, chili, or a hearty lasagna will hit the spot.

• Sides
  Keep it simple but flavorful! Think garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or fresh salads with interesting toppings like nuts or cranberries.

• Desserts
  Sweeten the night with cookies, brownies, cupcakes, or even a pie if you’re feeling ambitious! Bonus points for anything movie-themed.

If cooking isn’t your thing, we’re all about options. Grab some takeout from your favorite spot and bring it along! Fried chicken, sushi rolls, pizza, or spring rolls will be crowd-pleasers.

Beverages
We’ll provide the basics like water and soda. If you want anything special—like sparkling lemonade or a bottle of wine—feel free to bring that along, too. We’ll have a table set aside for everyone to place their contributions, so just drop off your dish as you arrive and grab a plate.

Film Viewing Instructions
After the food is out, plates are full, and everyone has settled into a comfortable spot, we’re turning the lights down for our feature presentation, The Bling Ring.

About the Film
Directed by Sofia Coppola, The Bling Ring is a stylish, true-crime drama based on real events. This fascinating story explores a group of fame-obsessed teenagers who used social media to track and rob celebrity homes in Los Angeles. It stars Emma Watson (Hermione from Harry Potter!) in one of her most uniquely rebellious roles, where she steps out of her wizarding robes and into a portrayal of wild, naive ambition. The film navigates themes of materialism, entitlement, and the pull of pop culture in a way that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Post-Film Questions for Discussion
After the credits roll, grab some dessert and join the discussion with these 10 questions:

1. How does the film portray the teenagers’ fascination with celebrity culture?

2. Do you think social media played the biggest role in enabling their crimes? Why or why not?

3. How does Emma Watson’s character reflect the influence of materialism on identity?

4. Were any of the characters likeable or relatable to you? Why?

5. What do you think of media coverage’s role in the Bling Ring case?

6. Sofia Coppola is known for her stylized directing. What moments in the film stood out visually?

7. Did the film make you question any of your own perceptions of fame and wealth?

8. How did the actors bring authenticity to their roles?

9. What’s your take on the consequences the characters faced versus their actions?

10. If you could ask the real members of the Bling Ring one question, what would it be?

Bring your appetite, curiosity, and a comfy blanket—this evening promises to be full of flavor and fascinating conversation!

The movie The Bling Ring explores several overarching themes rooted in modern society and its obsession with fame, wealth, and materialism. A key theme is the allure of celebrity culture, highlighting how young individuals are captivated by the lifestyles of the rich and famous, often leading to unhealthy aspirations. Another central theme is moral detachment, as the characters casually justify their criminal behavior of robbing celebrity homes without considering the ethical consequences or the impact on their victims. The movie also critiques materialism, showing how the pursuit of luxury items and status symbols becomes a driving force in the characters’ lives. Additionally, it examines themes of identity and self-worth, raising questions about how social media and fame shape the way people view themselves and others. Ultimately, The Bling Ring offers a sobering look at the intersection of privilege, entitlement, and societal obsession with opulence.