Generous Living (Week Two)

We may want to be generous but don’t know what this looks like practically in our particular culture and context.

KEY VERSES

Philippians 4:15-16 (NASB)

15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.

Matthew 14:14-21 (NASB)

14 When He came ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick. 15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is secluded and the hour is already past to eat; send the crowds away, so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go; you give them something to eat!” 17 They said to Him, “We have nothing here except five loaves and two fish.” 18 And He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 And ordering the crowds to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looked up toward heaven. He blessed the food and breaking the loaves, He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces: twelve full baskets. 21 There were about five thousand men who ate, besides women and children.

Proverbs 11:24-25 (NASB)

24 There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in poverty. 25 A generous person will be prosperous,and one who gives others plenty of water will himself be given plenty.


UNDERSTANDING

  • To begin this week’s message, Pastor Jeff shared real-life examples of generosity. Do you know a real life story of generosity that you can share?

  • Pastor Jeff shared the following four observations by Timothy Smith about generous people: Generous people give when the need is not met by anyone or anything else. Generous people give in response to a great cause. Generous people give more than just their money. Generous people give to see the impossible become possible. Which of these four statements challenges you the most? Why?

  • What are some reasons why well-meaning believers sometimes fail to be generous?

  • For what purpose did the Philippians offer financial support to Paul?

  • When it comes to giving generously, what are some things we might be concerned about (i.e. personal motive, how the gift is used, etc.)?

  • What was the responsibility of the Philippians in their support of Paul? What was Paul’s responsibility in receiving the support of the Philippians?

  • What was Paul’s motive for thanking the Philippians for their partnership in his ministry?

  • Why might the fact that only the Philippians supported Paul in this way say more about the believers at Philippi than it says about the believers in other places?

  • Aside from the fact that Paul may not have accepted their help, what are some other reasons that might explain why no other church supported Paul in this way?

  • What are some great causes our church gives in response to? How might knowing the places money given to Low Country goes help members be more generous?

  • Besides Low Country, what ministry or person in ministry would you be excited to enter into partnership with through financial giving?

  • In this passage, where do you see application of the following two points about generous people: generous people give more than just their money and generous people give to see the impossible become possible?

  • Besides money, what resources do you have to generously give to the Lord and people?

  • What circumstances has God used in your life lately to stretch your faith in Him?

  • What paradox about giving is described in these verses? When have you seen this true in your own life?

  • In what ways can a person who gives generously be enriched?

APPLICATION

  • Can a person be a Christ-follower and not be generous? Explain.

  • What is something impossible that God could make possible if Low Country became a more generous church?

  • What is something impossible that God could make possible if you became a more generous person?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

GIVING

Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.

LowCountry Community ChurchGenerous Living