CONNECT:  What are some opportunities that you can take up to further grow in 2020?

WARM-UP  Question  

1. Why do you think money is such a potentially sensitive topic in churches? Was it for Jesus?
2. Is financial giving the only way in which we serve God’s church? Why then is it still important?

READ 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

1. What had the Corinthians promised to do? How did they compare to the Macedonians?
2. How is it evident that our giving is voluntary? How keen were the Macedonians to give?
3. Do you think cheerful giving is possible? Can you think of people who are examples of cheerful giving?
4. Which best describes how you approach giving (don’t feel pressured to share!): Eagerly? With pleasure and in gratitude? Willingly? As a moral obligation? Rather reluctantly?
5. What do you think is the difference between making a donation and making a sacrifice? Are there some practical ways that you could spend less in order to give more?
6. Does the old system of a 10% tithe have relevance today? How are we discern what we are to give?
7. Read 1 Corinthians 16:2. How often were the Corinthians instructed to put aside money for giving? What is the benefit both for us and the local church when our giving is regular?

READ 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

1. In what was is giving ‘sowing’? How is the promise of a harvest not grounds for expecting that God will make us ‘healthy and wealthy’? What’s the difference between having sufficient versus having surplus?
2. How is our giving an expression of gratitude to God for his generosity? Do you see grace, gratitude, and generosity working together?
3. How can greed be quite hidden in our culture in our lives? What is the real problem with greed? How is generosity a great antidote for greed?
4. Why (think culturally and personally) is it sometimes so hard to give away our money? Why is it sometimes easier to have tight fists rather than open hands?
5. How is our giving to God an investment in a bigger vision? What are some of the ways that our church could be transformed by an even greater generosity than what people give now?

APPLY: How can you excel more in generosity?

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On Your Frontline This Week: How would you like to grow as a disciple on one (or more) of your frontlines this year?

Listen:          

• LISTEN: Christian Generosity” by Philip Jensen
• LISTEN: “How do we find true security in an uncertain world?
• WATCH: “Jesus and Money”
• WATCH: “Generosity” from the Bible Project  

Read:          

• “How the Gospel Makes Us Generous” by Zach Nielsen:
• “Materialism is Easy to Decry and Hard to Avoid” by Kathy Keller:
• “4 Money Principles for Millennials” by Ron Blue and Michael Blue:

Other Helpful Resources (For Series):  

• Information of giving financially at St Bart’s

• Information on how to get involved at St Bart’s
  

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