
Generosity - Message Study Questions
Message Summary
Giving of service and material things is expected of Christ followers, but doing the right thing for the wrong reason makes the whole act hypocrisy and harmful. If pleasing God motivates our giving and helping others, then we will enjoy it whether we are acknowledged or not. But wrong motives rob God of the glory and reflect it to ourselves. The temporary praise of people only satisfies for a moment and masks our heart’s true longing for our Heavenly Father’s approval. Therefore, Jesus instructs secret giving, but even then, the motive should not be self-centered but uncalculated and Christ-centered. The goal isn’t praise from others or our own self-congratulation, the goal is the approval of our Heavenly Father. The results will be rewards, joy from the act itself and rewards in heaven. Therefore, give like God has given to you, sacrifice for the betterment of others. Give for an audience of One and reflect the glory to God.
What are some reasons that people give to churches and other Christian organizations?
Have you ever secretly given a gift to someone you love? How did that feel? How do you think the person receiving the gift felt?
Consider This
Because Christians have received the greatest gift from God (our salvation), they are transformed into a generous people. In this week’s passage, giving is a given for Christ followers.
Read Matthew 6:1-4.
- What motives did Jesus warn about? What else does this imply?
- List what are right and wrong motives for giving.
- Specifically name some ways that believers can give like Jesus says to give.
- Who notices when we give as Jesus said?
- What motives did Jesus warn about? What else does this imply?
If we do something good for someone, why is it difficult to say nothing about what we did afterwards?
How does generosity lead to a greater dependence upon God?
What are some of the worries you face? Can you share a situation when you gave your time, talent, or resources to another with no thought of receiving anything? How did that giving affect your worry or depression? How did it affect others around you?
Read John 12:43. Why do you think people crave human praise rather than approval from God?
There are five crowns mentioned in the New Testament. List them and describe what they mean. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:12 & Revelation 2:10, 1 Peter 5:4
What is the balance between caring for your own needs and your family versus giving to others? Read 1 Tim. 5:8 and Luke 10:25-37.
Have you ever decided to give and then never got around to it? Consider James 2:15-16, are good intentions good enough? Next time, what will you decide and how will you keep from blowing it off?
Moving Forward
Giving expresses love. If you love, you give.
Considering 1 John 3:16-18, how did Christ express love for us? How should believers express love for one another? Discuss practical ways you could do that this week.
Is there anything you can do this week to keep ulterior motives from your giving?
Is there someone to whom you could give an anonymous gift to this week?
Homework: Can you share specific ways you’ve been blessed through giving? Matthew 6:20-21, Acts 2:45-47, 2 Corinthians 8:13-15, 9:6, 1 Thessalonians 2:9, 19