INTRODUCTION
God wants our heart. He offered us His best and we get to choose how we respond. Most of us start our journey with Jesus by giving Him our sins, our past, and our regrets. He accepts them lovingly. That is a starting point of a relationships that can grow. It can. Jesus wants our heart and He allows us time to choose to give Him more and more of ourselves. Giving Him what we value and want to hang on to is hard, really hard! God invites us. He does not guilt us or coerce us. Take the courageous step to look into your heart to see where you are in terms of your trust in Jesus. He will be clear, gentle, and patient. That’s just how He is…
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Pastor Cory asked a great question this weekend so let’s plagiarize it- “If God does not need your money, why does He talk about it so much?”
The church is often perceived as being after our money. Jesus is clearly after our heart. Are there things in your perception of the church that need to be adjusted to align with what Jesus (and this church) really want from you?
Your heart is connected to anything you have had to work to achieve. Pastor Cory said, “Your heart is connected to your wallet.” Yes! Money is a natural thing for us to have strong feelings about. It feels risky and dangerous to even consider giving Jesus access to our finances. Why do you think that is a struggle for many people?
Most people pay taxes. Many people pay work dues. Many people pay association fees, gym memberships, or other recurring expenses. The natural response to many of these expenses can be frustration because they are not optional. The response to the optional ones can also be frustration because we do not see a reasonable return on our investment. When you chose to give to God what is the return on your investment you are expecting?
Are your expectations consistent with what Jesus invites us to in terms of our surrender and trust in Him?
God says He wants us to be “open handed” and not “hardhearted” or “tightfisted” with our money. How do you think you can develop a greater heart of generosity?
God created the opportunity for us to give so that we can go against all of our natural inclinations to control, hoard, and only think of ourselves. How can giving help you grow in your trust of God?
Have you ever given something away and then had giving remorse?
When we realize that all we have is a result of God’s generosity toward us it changes our perspective. How deeply do you believe that everything you have is actually from God?
How does that chance your white knuckle grip on your stuff?
We were all born selfish and have the opportunity to be born again generous. This is not usually an instantaneous change. Where are you in your born again process in terms of generosity?
What is an action step you feel God wants you to take to deepen your trust and surrender to God in your heart?
How will that step affect your finances?
MOVING FORWARD
You made it! We just talked about your heart and took you to the uncomfortable and challenging topic of your money. That is not easy! Jesus is way more interested in tending to your heart and walking through this with you than He is in you making some huge commitment or writing a huge check. He wants to walk you to greater intimacy and trust in Him. That is His win. Again, He does not need or want your money. He wants you. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that He is good and He is patient. Take these Scriptures and concepts to prayer, consider them, and proceed as you feel led to. Heart work is hard work. Kudos for engaging in the hard work!