Nov 19, 2017
BELONG 1.) As a group, define each type of giver listed below and times when you have been that type of giver? What does it depend on? Dutiful, Cheerful, Reluctant, Generous? 2.) Does your attitude towards giving depend the recipient themselves or the underlying purpose of the talent/time/treasure you’re giving? Share examples of these times. 3.) Read the following quote from John MacArthur, “God made all of His creation to give. He made the sun, the moon, the stars, the clouds, the earth, the plants to give. He also designed His supreme creation, man, to give. But fallen man is the most reluctant give in all of God’s creation.” Discuss the following as a group: How God’s creation gives to you? Share when you have been blessed by it? Is it a fair statement that both giver and recipient are hurt as a result of reluctant giving? If so, how? If not, why?
GROW 1.) As a group, read Proverbs 11:2425. Verse 24 discuss the principle being outlined: As one gives (freely)….what happens? As one withholds….what happens? 2.) Discuss if/how this conflicts with principles of stewardship and saving? a.) Verse 25 – discuss the blessing of generous giving: b.) A generous person is…..? As on gives….one receives! 3.) As a group, read Luke 21:14. The widow gave out of her poverty while the wealthy gave out of abundance. Discuss what motivated each? What was the focus of their respective giving? How is the principle being taught applicable to one’s time and talent in addition to treasure? 4.) As a group read the following from CS Lewis, ““I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc, is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditure excludes them.” Give special attention to the last two (2) sentences. Discuss as a group if you are in agreement with Lewis’ position or disagreement? Why/why not? b.) Do you think the church should have the same mindset, e.g., give to nonprofits, missions, etc. at the expense of desired “niceties” (that in and of themselves are fine to have or do)? R EACH Discuss as a group how generous giving can tangibly aid those in your neighborhood, schools, and community. 1.
2nd Corinthians 2:15 reads, “For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing”
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As Christ followers, how can the truth and principles of this verse be applied to generous giving?
GOING DEEPER (guys/gals) – read the following, “"I place no value on anything I have or may possess, except in relation to the kingdom of God. If anything will advance the interests of the kingdom, it shall be given away or kept, only as by giving or keeping it I shall most promote the glory of Him to whom I owe all my hopes in time or eternity." —David Livingstone Is there anything that prevents you from taking steps towards becoming a generous giver? What is the obstacle? Can the group pray for you? Is there an experience of giving generously that you have been blessed by that you can share as a source of encouragement?