Biblical Stewardship of Influence and Affluence
WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND
RICK WARREN
Best-Selling Author of the Purpose Driven Life
INTRO BY RICK WARREN
HOW TO USE THIS WORKBOOK
NTRODUCTION: THE MOMENT THAT CHANGED HISTORY
• THE BURNING BUSH ENCOUNTER
• GOD’S QUESTION: “WHAT IS THAT IN YOUR HAND?”
• THE POWER OF SURRENDER
CHAPTER 1: IDENTITY – FINDING YOUR TRUE SELF IN CHRIST
• MOSES: FROM PRINCE TO SHEPHERD TO LEADER
• EXCHANGING FALSE IDENTITY FOR GOD’S PURPOSE
• DISCOVERING WHO YOU REALLY ARE
CHAPTER 2: INFLUENCE – MAKING A DIFFERENCE THAT MATTERS
• MOSES BEFORE PHARAOH: SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER
• THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF GODLY INFLUENCE
• MAXIMIZING YOUR SPHERES OF IMPACT
CHAPTER 3: INCOME – MANAGING RESOURCES GOD’S WAY
• MOSES AND THE TABERNACLE OFFERINGS
CHAPTER 4: INSPIRATION – LIVING BY DIVINE GUIDANCE
• MOSES ON THE MOUNTAIN: RECEIVING GOD’S VISION
• FINDING YOUR BURNING BUSH MOMENT
• HEARING AND HEEDING GOD’S VOICE
CHAPTER 5: IMPACT – FULFILLING YOUR GOD-GIVEN PUR-
POSE
• MOSES AT THE EDGE OF THE PROMISED LAND
• COMPLETING YOUR PERSONAL GREAT COMMISSION
• FROM SUCCESS TO SIGNIFICANCE
CHAPTER 6: INHERITANCE – BUILDING TREASURES IN HEAVEN
• MOSES’ LEGACY TO JOSHUA AND THE NATION
• INVESTING IN WHAT LASTS FOREVER
• LIVING FOR THE ETERNAL ROI
CONCLUSION: LAYING IT DOWN – THE PATH TO TRUE INFLUENCE
• THE ROD OF GOD VS. MOSES’ STAFF
• YOUR PLACE IN GOD’S STORY
• ONE MORE FOR JESUS
MOSES HESITATED, QUESTIONING, “WHAT IF THEY DO NOT BELIEVE ME OR LISTEN TO ME AND SAY, ‘THE LORD DID NOT APPEAR TO YOU?’”
IN RESPONSE, GOD ASKED, “WHAT IS THAT IN YOUR HAND?”
“A STAFF,” MOSES REPLIED.
GOD THEN COMMANDED HIM, “THROW IT ON THE GROUND”
[EXODUS 4:1-3 NIV]
SESSION 1
LAY IT DOWN AND YOU WILL COME ALIVE
INTRODUCTION
You may be familiar with the story of the burning bush, but have you considered the significance of the staff that Moses held in his hand?
While tending his father-in-law’s flock, Moses arrived at Oreb, the mountain of God, where the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames within a bush. Intrigued by this extraordinary sight—how the bush burned yet was not consumed—Moses approached to investigate.
God called out to him from within the bush, instructing Moses to remove his sandals, for he was standing on holy ground. When God revealed Himself as “the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6 NIV), Moses hid his face, overwhelmed by the presence of God.
SHARE YOUR STORY
Each of us has a story. The events of our life—good, bad, challenging or wonderful— have shaped who we are. God knows your story, and he intends to redeem it—to use every struggle and every joy to ultimately bring you to himself. When we tell our stories, sharing them with others, we give others the opportunity to see God at work.
When we share our stories, we realize we are not alone. We realize that we have common experiences and thoughts, and that others can understand what we are going through. Your story can encourage someone else, and telling it can be a path to freedom for you, and for those you share it with.
OPEN YOUR GROUP
WITH PRAYER
Pray simply and briefly, saving more in-depth requests until the end of the meeting. Ask God to give you insights and wisdom as you study and discuss together.
As you begin at this first meeting, take time to pass around a sheet of paper. Have everyone write down their contact information. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group this week.
Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.
1. What one character trait do you look for in leaders you are willing to follow?
2. What are you hoping to get out of this group?
HEAR GOD’S STORY
USE THE FOLLOWING
QUESTIONS
TO GUIDE YOUR DISCUSSION OF THE TEACHING AND STORIES YOU JUST EXPERIENCED, AND THE BIBLE PASSAGE.
1. We are all familiar with Jesus’ invitation to his disciples (see Matthew 4, for example) to come and follow. But in this passage, Jesus asks a man some translators call the Rich Young Ruler to follow him. What’s your first impression of this young man?
2. Jesus tells this man that no one except God is truly good. But we often hear people say, “I’m a good person.” What do you think Jesus means?
NOTES STUDY
Moses’ staff represented three significant aspects of his life:
1. IDENTITY: As a shepherd, the staff symbolized who Moses was, much like a stethoscope symbolizes a doctor.
2. INCOME: The staff was a representation of his wealth; in those times, a person’s wealth was often measured by the size of their flocks. Moses’ livelihood was tied to the sheep he cared for.
3. INFLUENCE: The shepherd’s staff was also a tool of influence, used to guide and direct the sheep from one place to another.
4. INSPIRATION: The staff represented divine calling and guidance in Moses’ life. Just as God used the staff to perform miracles, it symbolized how inspiration comes when we surrender to God’s direction and step into His purpose.
5. IMPACT: The staff was a tool of deliverance, used to part the Red Sea and bring water from the rock. It signified how true impact comes from allowing God to work through us to bring transformation and victory to others.
6. INHERITANCE: The staff was a symbol of legacy, as Moses passed his leadership to Joshua and the next generation. It reminds us that our greatest inheritance is not material wealth but a lasting spiritual impact that outlives us.
CREATE A NEW
STORY
God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change—to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight—but it should happen steadily. By small, simple choices, we begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way: giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God.
IN THIS SECTION, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study. Then think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned.
1. When Jesus calls people to follow Him, He often challenges them to leave something behind. What is something in your life that might be holding you back from fully following Him?
2. The Rich Young Ruler was eager to inherit eternal life but struggled to surrender his possessions (Mark 10:17-22). What does this reveal about where he placed his trust?
3. Jesus asks the Rich Young Ruler to sell everything he has and follow Him (Mark 10:21). What might Jesus be asking you to let go of in order to follow Him more fully?
DEVOTIONALS DAILY
Each day, read the verse given. Take your time.
Imagine that Jesus is sitting with you. Then, imagine him saying the words in the “reflect” section to you—reassuring you with his presence and loving you with his words of comfort and strength. After reflecting on Jesus’ words to you, take some time to journal your response back to him. You can write whatever’s on your heart. Answer the “respond” question only if it’s helpful. You may want to go another direction and that is exactly what you’re free to do.
1
READ: Exodus 3:1-2
RESPOND:
What do you need to lay down in order to “come alive”?
2
READ: Isaiah 6:8
RESPOND:
What is God calling you to say “yes” to, even if it feels overwhelming?
3 READ: Matthew 11:28-30
RESPOND: What burdens are you carrying that Jesus is inviting you to surrender?
4 READ: John 15:5
RESPOND: In what areas of your life are you striving instead of abiding in Christ?
5 READ: Joshua 1:9
RESPOND: Where is fear holding you back from stepping into God’s promises?
6 READ: 2 Corinthians 12:9
RESPOND: How might God’s strength be revealed through your weaknesses today?
Pastor Rick Warren’s Finishing the Task initiative aims to fulfill the Great Commission by 2033, mobilizing believers worldwide to share the gospel through scripture, church planting, testimonies, and prayer. What’s In Your Hand aligns with this mission, calling individuals to steward their identity, influence, and resources for God’s purpose—turning ordinary gifts into extraordinary impact for the kingdom.
