Oct 19 2023 From Thought to Action: Chapter 7
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Before we begin, remember…making disciples can be as easy as reading a chapter of The Four Priorities and discussing it with someone else. This blog series is designed to supplement your journey. Feel free to take what you need and leave the rest! And remember, please share this post with your disciple so they can subscribe, too!
KEY QUOTES from Chapter 7: Why Do I Need To Give?
“Giving is never about money, time, or possessions; it’s always a matter of the heart.”
“When we view what we have as something we’ve inherited from something else, the power of possession loses its grip on us. As a result, we loosen our grip on it.”
“When you develop a pattern of giving, you make an investment in tomorrow.”
REFLECT:
- Everyone could stand to give away more, but do you think God considers you a generous person? Examine your discretionary spending (entertainment, dining out, hobbies, etc) and compare that amount to your giving. How much of your net income goes to each?
- What might God be asking you to give this week? Give financially? Give through your time? Give of yourself?
PRAY: We have a tendency to overcomplicate things – especially our prayers! One way to simplify your prayer life is to pick two phrases or truths from scripture and attach them to your breath pattern. As you inhale, internally say the 1st phrase. As you exhale, say the 2nd phrase.
INHALE: Let the way I give
EXHALE: be an example of all You’ve given
MEMORIZE: Take this week to memorize 2 Corinthians 9:7 with your household. Write it on a sticky note to place on your car dashboard, your bathroom mirror, or wherever you will view it often.
2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
WORSHIP: Listen to this song called I’ll Give Thanks by Housefires
TABLE TALK:
- What does it mean to give? Why do you think we need to give?
- Tell me about a time when someone gave to you!
TEACH:
- Object lesson: Show a picture of General Sherman, the tallest tree in the world. It is located in Sequoia National Park. It is 102 feet around and 275 feel tall. It started as a simple seed that was planted in the ground years ago. (Hold up a small seed and show the kids). When you give your offering, it’s like planting a seed. It will grow into big things and make a big impact in people’s lives.
PLAY:
- Object lesson: Have the kids read Matthew 6:33a with you – “Seek the kingdom of God first.” Hold up two apples – one whole and one half-eaten. Explain that we should put God first with our money (hold up the whole apple). When we don’t give Him our tithe (10%) or we give Him whatever is left over after we finish spending on things we want, it’s like we are giving him the leftovers (hold up the half-eaten apple). Put God first in your giving.
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- Read and review these Scriptures about giving and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to respond: 2 Samuel 24:24; Luke 6:38; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 16:1-13; Matthew 6:21; Matthew 16:26; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Proverbs 3:9; Psalm 24:1
- When considering a giving opportunity, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I really believe there is a need? How will it further the message of Christ?
- Am I responding out of pressure or because I really care?
- Is my gift an appropriate expression of my income or is it a last-minute, unplanned “get it over with” act of giving?
- Have I prayed about this? Or is this impulse giving?
- Is joy prompting me? Am I genuinely thrilled about what God is going to do in and through my life as I give this gift?
- Does generosity characterize my life?
That’s it for Chapter 7!
Now…go! And make disciples!