Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

SERMON SUMMARY

This week, we continue our short series on cultivating a gospel-motivated lifestyle of generosity. As you study the Scriptures, you see over and over that they emphasize the significance of viewing money and possessions as spiritual matters, stressing aligning one’s perspective on wealth with God’s priorities. Generosity reflects the heart of the gospel and God’s grace; therefore, our generosity should be motivated by the gospel and God’s grace.

In 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, we read the Apostle Paul’s instructions for the Church of Corinth in regards to giving and generosity. They had the opportunity to be generous towards the Church in Jerusalem and Paul encourages consistent, intentional, and proportional giving, involving everyone in the church, and per usual, the gospel was his motivation. 

From a practical standpoint, there are a few things we can consider and apply if we desire to grow in gospel-motivated generosity. If you think of each of these like a continuum, where are you currently, and how would the Spirit of God, through the Word of God, desire to keep growing you?

Intentional or Reactive Giver

Consistent or Occasional Giver

First or Last Giver

Sacrificial or Minimal Giver

Joyful or Guilty Giver

*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.

SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS                  

Remember, these are “suggested” questions. You do not have to go through every single one of them. In fact, some of these questions may prompt other questions that may be important to group members. So, feel free to explore other questions as long as they don’t become “rabbit trails.

1. How does growing in generosity as a discipleship opportunity challenge or affirm your current perspective on giving?
2. What does it mean to you that “money is always a spiritual issue before it’s a financial issue,” as mentioned in the message? How does this align with your personal experience?
3. Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 16:2, how can we become more intentional and consistent in our giving? What practical steps might you take to put aside a portion regularly?
4. The Church of Corinth’s generosity had the opportunity to show unity in the body of Christ (e.g., the Jewish and Gentile churches supporting one another). How might your generosity help create or demonstrate unity within the church or community?
5. What does “giving the first and the best” look like in your life? Are there any challenges you face in prioritizing generosity?
6. Paul connects the gospel to generosity by highlighting Jesus’ sacrificial giving in 2 Corinthians 8:9. How does understanding Jesus’ generosity towards you shape how you approach giving?
7. Which of the six contrasts (e.g., intentional vs. reactive, consistent vs. occasional, first vs. last, etc.) do you resonate with most in your giving journey? What steps could you take to grow in these areas?
8. The message encouraged joyful giving. Do you currently find joy in giving, or does it feel more like an obligation? How can reflecting on God’s grace help you experience joy in being generous?
9. Read 2 Cor9:6-11 — What is the” law of the harvest”? How is this passage inviting us to trust God with our finances?
10. What is your biggest takeaway from this message?