Week 1

Connect

Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-8

Vs 1-2 — Paul highlights the generosity of the Macedonian churches despite their extreme poverty. What does this teach us about the nature of true generosity? How can we reconcile generosity with our own struggles or limitations?
Vs 2 — Paul attributes the Macedonians' generosity to the grace of God at work in them. How does God’s grace transform our hearts and motivations when it comes to giving? How can we see grace as the foundation for our acts of generosity?
Vs 4 — Why would the Macedonians consider giving to be a privilege?
Vs 5 — Why is it a natural outcome that when you give yourself to God, you also give yourself to His people?
Vs 5 — The church in Macedonia first gave of themselves to the Lord. When it comes to giving, what are you most inclined to prioritize first — your own safety, comfort, or pleasure?
What does it really look like to give yourself first to the Lord?
Vs 7 — Paul encourages the Corinthians to grow in their generosity and giving. Have you been challenged recently to grow in this area of your life?

So what?

Vs 8 — Paul doesn’t want the Corinthians giving from external pressure. He wants to address their heart because when the heart is right, giving becomes a natural act. Why does our giving reflect the sincerity of our love for God?
What does your current giving reveal about your love for God and His people?

Week 1

Week 2

Connect

Read 2 Corinthians 8:9-15

Growing up, what was your family’s relationship with money? How has that shaped the way you view money?
Why do some people get excited when it comes to generosity, while others become more sensitive?
Where do you fall on that spectrum? Why?
2 Corinthians 8:9 — Paul says that Jesus became poor so that we might become rich. What does it mean for you personally that Christ’s generosity has made you spiritually rich?
Has experiencing God’s grace made you a more generous person? Why or why not?
Scripture teaches that we should: Give first, save second, and then live on the rest. What makes this order hard to follow?
Read Proverbs 3:9. What does it mean to honor God with our first fruits?
What does it look like to give God leftovers? How are you tempted to give God the leftovers when it comes to your finances?
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Is there someone you know who exemplifies this statement? How do they view their money?
2 Corinthians 8:15 — What’s the difference between wise saving and fearful hoarding?
What excuses keep you from being more generous? (It could be a scarcity mindset, fear, a need for security, greed, or something else.)

Week 3

Connect

Take a moment and think about the faces in your life…people who have invested in you without getting anything in return. Who comes to mind, and how did their investment in you shape your faith, character, or perspective on life?

Read 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

Just like Paul and Titus had a heart for the Corinthian church, who has God placed on your heart to pursue, love, and invest in — even if they can do nothing for you in return?
- Why do you think we often hesitate to invest in people when there’s “nothing in it for us”?
Paul was driven by the heart of God to pursue the lost. On a scale from 1-10, how important is evangelism to you? Why did you choose that number?
- In what ways do you see our church community prioritizing making room for new people?
- How can we personally contribute to that mission?
Paul models financial accountability by having multiple people collect the money. Why do you think trust is such an important factor when it comes to giving?
- When can lack of trust be used as an excuse not to give?
2 Corinthians 8:24 encourages the church to give proof of their love. Thus far in your life, on what have you spent the most financial resources? How much of that is used for God’s Kingdom?
What am I intentionally doing right now to ensure that my children or others whom I influence around me are learning values of generosity?

Week 4

Connect

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-9

Verse 6 – “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” As you have taken care of God’s kingdom, in what ways have you been blessed in return?
Verse 7 – “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Generous people are intentional in their giving. Is there any necessary “reordering” in your life so that you can bring your first and best to God?
When you think about giving away a percentage of your money, which of the following financial obstacles comes to mind? Or is it something else? Identify one to share with the group:
- "It will take me longer to save (for a house, car, retirement, etc.)."
- "What if something happens and I need that money?"
- "That money belongs to me. I worked hard for it."
- "It will take me longer to pay off my debt."
- "I will give later (e.g., after I get that promotion or pay off my student loan)."
- "I have other things I want to do with my extra money."
- "I already give enough of my money away."
- "I need everything I have just to make ends meet."
When you consider the obstacle you identified above, what’s beneath it — a fear, an appetite, or your ego?
What we often view as a money issue is ultimately a trust issue. Why is it easier to trust God with our eternity than with our wealth?
What could it look like for you to transfer your trust in money to trust in God?

Week 5

Connect

Just for fun: If you had an unlimited supply of one thing (besides money), what would it be and why?
Throughout this series, what has stood out to you most about finances and generosity?
What have you begun to change in your life as a result of learning about generosity?

Read 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

Vs. 10 - We can sometimes take credit for what we have rather than recognizing God as the supplier. How have you fallen into this mindset at times?
Read Matthew 25:14-30 (Parable of the Talents). What does this teach us about stewardship and accountability?
Vs. 11 - Paul shares that we will be enriched in every way so that we can always be generous. Based on the way you currently steward resources, if you were God would you give you more money?
Martin Luther once said, “There are three conversions a person needs to experience: the conversion of the head, the conversion of the heart, and the conversion of the wallet.” Why are our wallets often the last thing to come under the Lordship of Christ? Have you found that to be difficult for you? Why or why not?
Have you had a giving experience that caused you to become closer to God? If so, please share.