Acts 20:35 “And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (NLT=New Living Translation)
1. Giving to the needs of others is
II Corinthians 9:1-2 “I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. 2 For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.” (NLT)
2. Giving to the needs of others is personally
II Corinthians 9:11 “Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.” (NLT)
3. Giving to the needs of others meets
II Corinthians 9:12 “So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.” (NLT)
Matthew 25:37-40 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” (NLT)
4. Giving to the needs of others impacts the recipient’s
“…they will joyfully express their thanks to God.” II Corinthians 9: 13 “As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God…” (NLT)
5. Giving to the needs of others demonstrates our
II Corinthians 9:13 “For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.” (NLT)
Discussion Questions:
Have you ever had the enthusiasm of another person positively impact you? Share an experience. How can giving to meet the needs of others become contagious?
How are we enriched in every way when we give like II Cor. 9 talks about?
Share any personal stories of your own experiences with this truth.
Discuss Matt. 25 how important it is for God’s people to be passionate about meeting tangible needs. Discuss why following Jesus is so much more than simply agreeing to specific truths about Jesus.
How does our giving to others impact the recipient’s faith? Have you ever experienced this? If so, how?
Have you ever connected giving being the proof that you are obedient to the Good News of Jesus…i.e. the Gospel? Discuss why generosity is connected to the Gospel.
What does growth look like for you in the area of generosity?
© 2025 Dale Satrum. All rights reserved