Prayer
Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
Opening Question
What did you think when you heard the final total of our Live Big offering?
The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously.– Psalm 37:21
[The righteous] are always generous and lend freely; Their children will be a blessing.
– Psalm 37:26
Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
m who conduct their affairs with justice.– Psalm 112:5
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
– Proverbs 11:25
The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
– Proverbs 22:9
But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.
– Luke 11:41
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
– 2 Corinthians 9:6
Myths about Generosity
In the sermon, Pastor Morgan named 5 myths about generosity:
Myth #1: Generosity is emotion based
“I’ll give when I feel moved to be generous emotionally.”
Myth #2: Generosity is Always Spirit-led
“I’ll give when the Holy Spirit specifically directs me to be generous.”
Myth #3: Generosity is determined by cash flow
“I’ll give when I have extra money readily available.”
Myth #4: The amount is what counts
“Giving is only worthwhile if I can give a large amount of money.”
Myth #5: Rich People are Generous
“Generosity is only for people who have a lot to give.”
Why do you think we so easily believe myths like these?
Which of these myths tends to sneak into your view of generosity?
Truths
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
– Matthew 6:31-33
In the sermon, Pastor Morgan said that our generosity is determined by our trust in God. Trust-based, Jesus shaped generosity is:
Pre-Meditated
You have a plan to be generous.
How do you plan your budget for the month/year? Is budgeting something you enjoy, endure, or avoid?
Do you plan your charitable giving? If you do, what kind of thinking and strategizing goes into that plan?
What does it feel like to plan to be generous? How does this make us more like Christ?
Calculated
Pre-Decide an amount based on percentage.
How does percentage-based giving simplify making a plan to be generous? How could it require more trust in God than deciding what to give after you receive your income?
Does your giving plan include percentage based giving? How do you find that idea helpful or challenging?
Designated
We designate by giving from a grateful heart (towards things like the local church which have blessed us somehow) and a broken heart (what moves us in the world).
How do you practice generosity toward people and places that have blessed you?
How do you practice generosity toward issues and places where the suffering is heartbreaking?
Liberated
If you don’t “free” your money, you’re not free from money.
What kinds of fear cause us to hold our money back? How can fear keep us in a kind of bondage to our money and career?
When has practicing generosity freed you from greed or selfishness?
How does the freedom to be generous open the door to God’s love?
How does choosing freely to be generous make us more like Christ?
Closing Thought
In your final moments together, share any needs you may have and take some time to pray for one another.