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LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE Wednesday Night, November 19, 2003 “Our Community: The Blessing of Giving” 5 Minutes Welcome & Prayer 10 Minutes OPEN Do you enjoy preparing a personal or family financial budget?
Why? What are the hard decisions you have to make in preparing such? 15-20 Minutes DIG Chuck mentioned in his sermon Sunday Night there are some 2,000 references in scripture regarding a person’s attitude toward money. What is the attitude that God wants for us to have toward money? Read Matthew 6:19-24. Jesus contrast two choices we each face –
Store up treasure on earth, or Store up treasure in heaven.
What did Jesus mean when he said, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”?
The Israelites practiced “tithing” (Gen. 14:20; 28:20-22; Luke 18:12; 2 Chronicles 31:5; Mal. 3:6-12; Proverbs 3:9-10). Why is the teaching of “first fruits” giving an important principle for Christians? How does this honor God?
We don’t talk much about money at church. As it should be, this is an intensely personal matter between the giver and the Lord. Your giving is really on the “honor system.” Having said this, this coming year as our elders prepare for the 2004 Financial Budget, our elders are faced with making tough financial decisions regarding funding new works and expanding our existing ministries. They desire to hear from you.
When did you first understand the principle, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”? How has this principle affected your charitable giving? Read Malachi 3:6-12. Have you ever tested God's readiness to bless your willingness to give? What was the result? If you have not, is it because you – ( ) Were scared ( ) Were selfish ( ) Lacked faith ( ) Lacked resources ( ) Have never been challenged ( ) Have no role model ( ) Thought church leaders misused the money donated 15 Minutes REFLECT Use the remaining time to allow everyone in your group to discuss their feelings and observations regarding the commitments this church has made to missions and ministry.
Be sure everyone in your group realizes the elders’ (1) desire to get your feedback on this important church family issue; and (2) appeal to have every family unit consider making a of $10 per week increase in their giving to cover the cost of these new and existing ministry initiatives. Highlight what a significant impact it will make if all our 696 family units make at least this $10 per week increase in their giving (696 X $10 = $6,960 per week). Some will do more.
What are some practical ways you are willing to save so you can give $10 more a week to the work of this church?
Not eating out once or twice a week; Cutting back on one entertainment expense; Saving your pocket change for giving Ironing your own laundry rather than using the cleaner Others: 10 Minutes PRAYER TIME Mention the empty chair. Be fishing!
Pray for God’s wisdom personally and for our elders in knowing how best to allocate funds this next year.
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