Greetings Church,
We are continuing with our theme of “BOLD”. This week we talked about Bold Generosity.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-15.
1. The Motivation for Bold Generosity
The Macedonian church was an impoverished church that still gave generously and boldly to the church in Jerusalem. We can see in 2 Corinthians 8 that they were not motivated by guilt or fear, but by grace. What motivates your giving? Is it guilt? Duty? Is your giving motivated by grace?
For our giving to motivated by grace, we must be convinced that God’s grace will supply everything that we NEED. Read 2 Corinthians 9:7-8. Do these verses describe you? What might need to change for these verses to describe you?
2. The Impact of Bold Generosity
Bold generosity meets physical needs, but also opens the door for the meeting of spiritual needs. In what ways have you seen your church meeting both physical needs and spiritual needs?
Read 2 Corinthians 8:8. How does giving demonstrate love? Do you see your giving this way- as an act and a proof of your love for others?
3. The Power for Bold Giving
Read 2 Corinthians 8:9. How does Paul connect our giving to the Gospel? Does this connection make sense to you? Does Christ’s giving empower your giving? How?
Pastor Mark said that generous giving is the way to show that your money doesn’t control you (that it is not your idol). Do you agree with this? How has contentment with Christ and the gospel freed you from the love of money?
For families:
Talk to your children about giving. Go over 2 Corinthians 8 with them. Help them to see Christ as the greatest giver.
If your children earn an allowance or earn money through chores etc. this is a great opportunity to teach them about giving generously. Talk to them about setting aside money for giving to their church and to those in need.
What can your family do this month to be generous? What can you give up in order to bless others- what sacrifice can you make. Hold a family meeting and decide some ways that you can give up a comfort in order to bless others throughout this year.
Fighter Verse Questions for Groups and Families
2 Corinthians 9:7. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Have you purposed in your heart to give? Talk through your giving with your group. You don’t need to necessarily share numbers, but you can hold each other accountable in this area. Are you a group that gives individually? How can you be generous as a group?
Are you a cheerful giver? If not, what do you think is preventing you from giving cheerfully? Spend some time confessing this to God.
