Living Generously – Part 1
When we make earthly things our treasure, we act as though we are citizens of this world. However, when we recognise God as our provider and understand that everything belongs to Him, we are citizens of heaven. Our focus is no longer on the things of this world, but our treasures and reward are in heaven. Whilst this should be the paradigm of every believer, many of us struggle to get the balance right. We still have one eye on comfort and security in our present life. Let’s look at what Jesus and Paul had to say about the difference being generous makes in the lives of believers.
Read: Matthew 6:19–21, 2 Corinthians 8:1–9, 2 Corinthians 9:11–12
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.- What does Matthew 6:19–21 mean for you? Note: the passage challenges us about what our treasure is, but also consider the emphasis on the word ‘storing’; it is a picture of dependency and security. If we are ‘storing’ (possibly hoarding), it prevents us from giving and sharing. What prevents you from sharing and giving? Where do you place your dependency and security, in practice? How can we ensure our heart is in the right place?
- Pastor Heather spoke of circumstances where the call of God on a person, or a Godly cause, is backed by those who are prepared to give into that space. This pattern was originally seen in Exodus when God caused the Egyptians to give their wealth to the Israelites (Exodus 12:36), who in turn gave towards the construction of the first Tabernacle (Exodus 25:1–8). So, what is the purpose of generosity among the godly? (see verse 8)
- Grace is described as underserved favour, mercy given when least expected or unwarranted. Read 2 Corinthians 8:1–2. Paul is writing to a wealthy church about the giving of a poorer church. How do we understand the grace of God in this passage?
- Generosity is not a burden or obligation but a gift of grace to be used as a blessing to others. Discuss the heart and motive of the Macedonian church described by Paul in verse 2. What needs to change in us to live with a similar paradigm? How does “overflowing joy and extreme poverty” produce rich generosity?
- Read 2 Corinthians 8:3–5 and describe what is happening in your own words. How would you explain to another person the attitude, heart, and faith needed to view giving to the Lord’s service as a privilege expressed with urgency, like that displayed by the Macedonians?
- Read 2 Corinthians 8:7. Paul suggests that generosity is something in which we can excel (‘abound’ in KJV). How is this possible within physical limitations? Is the faith needed for this something that is spasmodic, periodic, random, a process, or a lifestyle? How can we make it a lifestyle?
- Generosity is Christ-like. Read 2 Corinthians 8:8–9. How would an increasing tendency towards greater generosity do this?
Respond
Generosity is both a spiritual gift and a discipline. It reflects God’s heart and transforms us from selfishness to service. What is one way you could increase your generosity with a cheerful heart this week?
Download PDFLiving Generously – Part 2
When we make earthly things our treasure, we act as though we are citizens of this world. However, when we recognise God as our provider and understand that everything belongs to Him, we are citizens of heaven. Our focus is no longer on the things of this world, but our treasures and reward are in heaven. Whilst this should be the paradigm of every believer, many of us struggle to get the balance right. We still have one eye on comfort and security in our present life. Let’s look at what Jesus and Paul had to say about the difference being generous made to the lives of believers.
Read: Proverbs 3:9–10, 1 Timothy 6:17–18
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
- Have you ever stepped out in obedience by putting God first financially, even when it was costly, and later experienced His faithfulness in an unexpected way?
- Read Exodus 23:19, Leviticus 23:10. What does ‘first fruits’ mean in today’s context — our income, time, talents? Why do you think God asks for our first, not our leftovers?
- It is often assumed that tithing began with Moses, yet both Abraham and Isaac gave a tenth back to God (or His representative) (Genesis 14:20, Genesis 28:22). How did Jesus affirm tithing while also pointing to the heart behind it? (Matthew 23:23)
- Read Luke 12:13–21, the Parable of the Rich Fool. Why is it foolish to store up worldly riches and depend on them? Where should our true dependence lie?
- Jesus celebrated the widow’s gift, not because of the amount, but because of her heart and sacrifice (Mark 12:41–44). Why are many hesitant to give today? How might we lovingly respond to common excuses or fears around giving?
- Read Matthew 6:19–24. How does giving help shift our focus from earth to eternity? What kind of attitude does Jesus want us to have about money?
- Read 2 Corinthians 9:6–7. What promise is given to those who give cheerfully and generously?
Respond
Money is not inherently evil, it’s a tool, and God has entrusted us with the ability to earn, manage, and bless others with it. But money should serve us, not rule us. Ask yourself today:
- What holds me back from giving faithfully?
- Am I trusting God as my provider?
- What small adjustments can I make (budgeting, planning, praying) to begin giving with joy and purpose?
Take a moment to invite God into this area of your life. Let’s seek first His Kingdom and trust that everything else we need will follow.
Download Printable PDFSharing Generously
Pastor Sam confronted us with a challenge to examine ourselves honestly: “Am I a Pharisee?”. Jesus challenged the Pharisees for their neglect of justice, mercy, and faithfulness, and for only focusing on external holiness, ritual purity, and strict adherence to the law. Jesus spoke out against their hypocrisy, pride, neglect, and spiritual blindness. Jesus calls us to have a lived-out faith that is public and compassionate instead of private or hidden within the church’s walls. He calls us to bring the Kingdom of Heaven into our everyday spaces: our homes, neighbourhoods, and communities, by bringing shalom to them. Shalom is about restoring things to the way God meant them to be, in our relationship with Him, with others, and in the places we live. We should consider whether we’re truly present in our communities and living out our God-given assignments. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are called to be God’s forerunners—bringing His kingdom here on earth, just as it is in heaven.
Read: Matthew 23:1–28
Discuss
Leaders: Choose questions that spark meaningful conversation and discern where God is leading—no need to answer them all.
Am I a Pharisee?- Read Matthew 23:1–7. Jesus challenged the Pharisees for the way they lived out their faith. They were known for external holiness, ritual purity, and strict adherence to the law, but they neglected justice, mercy, and faithfulness. What catches your attention in how Jesus speaks to the Pharisees here? Does anything make you think about how we live out our faith day to day?
- Read Matthew 5:14–15. Jesus challenges us that Christian faith that is solely private is not fully realised, for faith should be profoundly public. Is there a difference between the faith you exercise at church and the faith people see in your everyday life?
- Read 1 John 3:16–18. John challenges us to “let us not love with just words or speech but with actions and in truth.” We all have the potential to be pharisaical. How might we guard against this?
- Read Isaiah 9:6–7. Replace “peace” with “shalom” as you read. If Jesus came to bring this kind of full, restoring peace (shalom), how should that shape the way you live out your faith every day?
- Read Micah 6:8. In this reading, we see the essence of God’s shalom. It is like a three-legged stool: God (Up), People (In), and Place (Out). What happens if one leg of the stool is missing? Which of these areas do you feel most naturally drawn to? Do you think you’re currently using your gifts in that space?
- Read Philippians 2:1–4. Paul writes that by the Holy Spirit we should do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. How can you live in such a way that others notice God’s love and peace through you?