who is God week 12.indd

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Small Group Questions 1. Pastor Tom mentioned myths that some people have about money. Have you ever fallen for one of those myths? What do you believe now? 2. Jesus said that it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). What did He mean by that? Can you give a real example of how that is true? 3. Read Mark 12:38-44. What does it mean to give sacrificially? If someone were to ask you if you were sacrificial or generous, how would you answer? Explain. 4. Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. In what ways were the Macedonians excellent examples of generosity? 5. In 2 Corinthians 8:7 the Apostle Paul challenged the Corinthians to excel in the grace of giving. In what ways could you excel in giving? How does the word excel challenge your thinking about generosity? 6. List several principles about giving your money generously from 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. How do these principles change your attitude in giving? 7. Read 2 Corinthians 9:10-14. What benefits does giving produce in ourselves and others? 8. Many have said that tithing both “reveals” and “shapes” your heart. How do you think those two statements are true in your life?

Message by Pastor Tom Mercer Part 12 of 12 :: March 23-24, 2013 :: I Am A Giver Message by Pastor Tim Kuhl :: Part 8 of 9 September 1 Timothy 6:17-19 22-23, 2012 :: Love God, Love Others

Where have you placed your hope? God

Economy

Matthew 6:24

TEST: 1—What do you give? The Bible says that’s probably why you’re broke.

2—What do you save?

9. Read Proverbs 3:9-10. Do you honor the Lord with your wealth? How does someone dishonor the Lord with their wealth?

The Bible says that’s probably why you’re stressed.

10. Read Malachi 3:6-12. Why does God instruct us to bring the full tithe into the storehouse? How should we apply this principle in our individual lives today?

3—What do you spend?

11. On your own, read Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19-24. Read them slowly to meditate thoughtfully on His meaning. Now restate (paraphrase) what Jesus said in your own words and share your thoughts with the group.

COMMON MONEY MYTHS:

Benefits of the Law of the Harvest:

1—You are not rich.

1—It frees you to follow Christ.

God wrote the Bible the way He did because He knew that He was going to provide you with more than you would really need.

Every time you are generous, you are releasing more of your dependence on a false sense of security.

2—Declares God’s glory to the world. 2—Money is a sign of God’s level of love.

Our generosity illuminates the provisionary quality of God’s character.

Money is a tool and that’s all.

3—Discipleship requires a vow of poverty.

3—Allows you to live a full life. 2 Corinthians 9:11 Presently

Money isn’t content to be used—it wants to be loved.

0 % 12 %

4—HDC needs your money.

0 % 88 %

Never confuse whether your church needs your gift with whether you ought to give it.



The Law of the Harvest: You will reap what you sow.

Proverbs 3:9

Proverbs 3:9-10, Malachi 3:10, Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 9:6



Skill Goal

Give (be generous) Pay (your taxes) Save (for the future) Provide (for your family) Grow (in your faith) Enjoy (your oikos) Replenish (your strength)

10 % 12 % 15 % 63 %

When God calls you to play the “Let’s See Who Can Outgive Who” game, just know that it is a game you will never win— which is exactly why you should play!