Welcome, everyone, to our Scottsdale Bible study! Tonight, we’re diving into some powerful themes: the allure of worldly riches, the true cost of living, and the enduring nature of spiritual treasure. Scottsdale, as we know, is a city often synonymous with upscale living. Luxury spas, championship golf courses like TPC Scottsdale, and the vibrant Fifth Avenue Shopping District draw people in. It’s consistently ranked high as a desirable place to live in Arizona. But as we explore tonight, the glittering surface can sometimes mask deeper questions about what truly constitutes a “high quality of life.”

(Discussion Point 1: The Illusion of Abundance)

Scottsdale is a city of distinct sections, from the more affordable areas of South Scottsdale to the opulent estates of North Scottsdale, like Silverleaf at DC Ranch. Camelback Mountain provides a stunning backdrop, while Chaparral Park offers a natural escape. But let’s consider this: does the external beauty and material wealth of a place guarantee inner peace and true fulfillment? Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us, “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, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.”  

• Question: How does this passage challenge our understanding of “the good life,” especially in a place like Scottsdale where material wealth is so visible?
• Question: Can a focus on acquiring earthly possessions, even in a beautiful setting, distract us from seeking true spiritual wealth?

(Discussion Point 2: The Real Cost of Living)

While Scottsdale boasts a high quality of life in many respects, the cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, and housing prices are nearly double that of Phoenix. This raises the question: what are people willing to pay for a certain lifestyle? Beyond the financial burden, what other costs might be involved in pursuing a life of luxury? Think about the time commitment required to maintain a certain standard of living, the potential for stress and anxiety related to finances, and the impact on relationships. Luke 12:15 warns, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”  

• Question: How can we balance enjoying the good things in life with the need to be wise stewards of our resources?
• Question: Where do we draw the line between comfortable living and excessive materialism? How can we avoid falling into the trap of measuring our worth by our possessions?

(Discussion Point 3: Finding True Treasure)

The Bible is filled with stories of people who sought fulfillment in worldly things, only to find them fleeting. King Solomon, in Ecclesiastes, explored the pursuit of pleasure, wealth, and knowledge, and ultimately concluded that they are “meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:11). True treasure, the Bible tells us, is found in a relationship with God. It’s about seeking His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). It’s about developing spiritual qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These are the treasures that truly enrich our lives and have eternal value.

• Question: What are some practical steps we can take to shift our focus from earthly treasures to heavenly ones?
• Question: How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude for what we have, regardless of our financial circumstances? How might that gratitude impact how we interact with others in our community?

(Discussion Point 4: The Beauty of God’s Creation)

While Scottsdale’s man-made attractions are impressive, we also have the privilege of experiencing “pristine natural beauty” at places like Butterfly Wonderland, OdySea Aquarium, and Paradise Earth. These natural wonders remind us of the incredible artistry and power of God. Psalm 19:1 states, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

• Question: How does spending time in nature connect you to God?
• Question: How can we be better stewards of God’s creation, recognizing its value and fragility? How can we avoid the trap of consuming and exploiting the natural world for our own selfish purposes?

(Conclusion)

As we conclude our study tonight, let’s reflect on where we’re investing our time, energy, and resources. Are we chasing after the fleeting allure of worldly riches, or are we seeking the enduring treasures of a life lived in relationship with God? Let’s strive to live with a balanced perspective, appreciating the good gifts God has given us while keeping our hearts fixed on the eternal. Let’s remember that true abundance is not found in possessions, but in the peace and joy that come from knowing and serving our Creator.