December 18th – December 24th, 2022
Verse of the Week
**John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ”
Going Deeper
Review John 3:16
1) What does it mean to imitate God? Discuss in relation to external behaviour and internal motivation.
2) As believers how should we think about giving and generosity? What are the related biblical principles of giving?
3) Are there circumstances where giving can become optional for believers?
4) Identify three (3) practical ways that believers can give towards advancing the Kingdom of God?
5) Can you truly be considered as a ‘cheerful giver’? Is your giving to the church done earnestly, indifferently or reluctantly
6) Identify a situation where you gave sacrificially. What was your motivation for giving and how did you feel during this process.
Assess Your Life
1) To what extent are you imitating God in giving?
a) I don’t know what it means to imitate God.
b) I am aware of what it means to imitate, God but struggle in the area of giving.
c) I understand what it means to imitate God in giving and am taking steps to follow His example.
d) I consistently imitate God in giving and do so cheerfully, towards advancing the Kingdom of God.
e) I am consistently letting the light of Christ shine unhindered through me in every aspect of my life.
2) Consider whether your giving is influenced by personal gain. If so, what changes can you make to imitate the biblical principles of giving?
Application
1 Identify three (3) ways you can wholeheartedly give - even sacrificially.
a)
b)
c)
2 Of the list above, which one(s) will you be intentional about working on this week?
I will ask
Sermon Main Points
To imitate God’s example of giving
- Give motivated by love.
- Give Sacrificially.
- Give without limitations.
- Give in response to the need.
5 Day Study Plan
Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.
Follow these steps
1. Observe the text. (What does the text say?)
2. Interpret the text. (What does the text mean?)
3. Apply the text. (What can I do as a result of what I have learnt?)
Day 1 - 2 Corinthians 9: 6-12
Day 2 - Proverbs 11:25
Day 3 - Proverbs 18:16
Day 4 - Acts 20:35
Day 5 - Hebrews 13:16
For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then disccussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.
Harvest Bible Chapel Barbados - 2022