Group Time | February 25

Difference Makers: To Serve is to Give
February 25, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

For some, sharing your resources to help others is easy; for others—it can be very hard. Can you reveal the ways your heart responds to needs, and how you handle it?

Today we finish the series “Difference Makers.” This has been a time to learn ways to love people, and make a difference in their lives. We found that God commands that we give of our time, our talents, and the treasures we hold dear, so that we meet the needs of others. Sharing what we have, helping fill a need, or giving where our heart leads is each a part of giving, and we want to learn how to do it cheerfully and in abundance.

Focal Passages: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9; 9:6-9.

Recap from last week, Galatians 5:

Serving is an antidote to selfishness: You can’t be selfish while serving Serving is a picture of God’s command: Meeting the needs of others is a must Serving keeps us together: Serving someone leaves no room for animosity

Before we begin the last half of last week’s sermon, we’ll look at Biblical references for giving from Genesis through Malachi. Please read them at home (to save time):

Genesis 14:17-20: Abraham gives Melchizedek one-tenth of all he has;
Leviticus 27:30: 400 years later: A tithe is one-tenth, and belongs to God;
Deut. 14:22-29: 40 years later, Moses reminds the people of the tithe;
Malachi 3:6-12: 1,000 years later: Robbing God of tithes brings consequences;
1 Corinthians 16:1-2: On the first day of the week, set aside your tithe to give.

Therefore, the New Testament picture of giving reinforces the Old Testament.

Discuss:

FIRST:

  1. Read 2 Cor. 9:7-8. What is the first verb Paul uses in these verses for you to have a “Step 1” to follow for tithing?
  2. Was he speaking of money, talents, time or all three here?
  3. Go back to 1 Cor. 16: 2. Why should God want your gift set aside on the first day of the week? Does He mean the first DAY, or the first thing that should be taken out of the paycheck?

INTENTIONAL:

  1. How do you decide how much you can give? What is your guide concerning your tithe?
  2. How much faith do you have that if you make a commitment to begin tithing, God will provide for your needs?
  3. Read Malachi 3:10. What does God promise, if you give your tithe? What does “floodgates” (NIV) mean?
  4. If you are intentional about giving, what does Paul call that? How many other things in your life are you intentional concerning? Do you waver on those, and why not?

PROPORTIONAL:

  1. If you gave back to the Lord in proportion to what He has given you, how would you decide the amount to give? List some of your priceless treasures.
  2. How does God (through Paul) tell you to give? Does anyone know the Greek word for cheerful? (Hilarious). Do you give like this?
  3. What would you be doing in service or serving, if you tithed a tenth of your hours to God, or a tenth of your talents? What are some talents used for the good of others?

 Close

There was a couple many years ago whose bills were taking every penny that came in as wages. The husband figured their outgo (needs, not wants), and looked at his income. He calculated that he owed God $250 per month if they had the courage to begin tithing and believed that God would honor His promise in Malachi 3:10. The next pay period was followed by a weekend, and on Sunday they put their check in the offering plate. When he went to work the next day, his boss called him into his office. He was given a $250.00 per month raise, not anticipated. God is faithful!

Hopefully you have been motivated to make a difference in the life of someone—or more—during 2018. You may be well on your way, or it may be that you desire to do so but have fears. Go back and re-listen to the sermons, taking notes. Seek out Life Groups who will guide you through ideas, opportunities, or steps. The staff always knows of needs, whether it is for salvation, taking food to new families, inviting those who move into your area to church, or “owning your neighborhood” by doing all those things. God will be with you every step of the way, and there are always others who will go with you until you are comfortable alone. Test Him and see if He will not open the floodgates and pour out blessings on you!

Key Verse: 2 Cor. 8:9: For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor that you, through His poverty, might become rich. (NKJV)

 

 

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