Basic Training - Generosity: Next Steps

Message Summary

God is love in its highest sense, a love that gives even to the unlovely and even to His enemies. “For God so loved the world that he gave …” (John 3:16a). Therefore, generosity—giving on our part aligns our hearts with God’s. Generosity puts action to our faith and demonstrates love for God above love for money. And Generosity advances the Kingdom of God; for God works in the hearts of all people when His children are generous.

1 - Describe a time when you experienced the joy of giving?

2 - Does giving to someone deepen our relationships? Can you describe a time when you experienced that in your life?

Consider This

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” Giving characterizes God’s agape love for us.

1 - Read Psalm 22:1, 6-18 and Romans 5:10 and discuss what it really cost God to give eternal life. Would you be willing to make such a sacrifice for your enemies?

2 - Consider also Acts 20:35. Can you share a time when you gave your time, talent, or resources to another with no thought of receiving anything? How did it affect you? Others around you?

3 - Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

a. Describe in your own words the principle given in verse 6. Can you give an example of generosity where you’ve seen this principle play out?

b. Describe the principles you see in verse 7.

c. If you follow the principles of verses 6-7, what is the promise of verse 8?

4 - The early church devoted themselves to God’s word, fellowship, communion and prayer, but they were also generous and “gave to anyone as he had need.” (Acts 2:45b) What powerful results attended these attitudes and behaviors (Acts 2:47)? How is your circle of believers doing with this last piece, sharing of time, talent, and material possessions?

5 -“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not,” (1 Corinthians 4:7)? Do you have anything that you did not receive from God? How about your accomplishments and success? What then should your attitude be towards your material possessions?

6 - 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?

7 - Can wrong motives corrupt material giving? Read Matt 6:1-4 and discuss any wrong reasons for giving that you can think of. What practically can you do to remedy wrong motives?

Moving Forward

Materialism hinders generosity and spiritual growth, yet our society bombards us daily with messages designed to stimulate a desire for things. The Apostle Paul said, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philip 4:12b)

1 - What do you think was Paul’s “secret of contentment”? (see Philip: 4:13)

2 - What times, places, media, or circumstances challenge you the most to maintain a balanced attitude toward food, clothing, shelter, toys, other material things? What strategies can you employ against materialistic temptations? (see 1 Timothy 6:6-8 and Luke 12:34)

3 - 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.

4 - Should you ever give more than you have, or borrow to give? Read 2 Corinthians 8:10-12. Is there such a thing as false guilt when it comes to giving? If so how you can know when a conviction to give is from God and when it might be false guilt.