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Week 1 - We Give

Day 1 - 7

Day 1 - we give

When it comes to living generously, we follow the example of Jesus, who offered His own life on our behalf - the ultimate example of radical generosity. READ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 REFLECT -What does it mean for Jesus to “become poor” on our behalf? -How does this display His grace for us? -In what ways has His poverty led to our becoming rich? -What does it look like for us to follow Jesus’ example of sacrificial generosity? We GIVE in 3 places: the home, the church, and our city. We will spend the next 6 days looking at giving in each of these contexts.

Day 2 - we give...at home

Gospel-centered generosity should never be motivated by obligation. In fact, it is because we have received God’s generous grace freely that we can in turn give willingly and joyfully. This starts with those in our home. READ Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 REFLECT -On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the least cheerful and 10 being the most cheerful, how would you rate yourself as a “cheerful giver?” -Does generosity in your home feel like a joy or a burden to you? -Is it easier or harder to be generous with the people closest to you: those who share a home with you?

Day 3 - we give...at home

It can become easy to take those we live with for granted. But we are called to love the image-bearers who share our home with sacrificial, radical generosity. READ Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Romans 12:9-13 REFLECT -What does it look like to “outdo one another in showing honor” at home? -Generosity can take multiple forms. What are some ways we can be generous with our attention? Our patience? -Where do you need to invite God’s grace to help you as you grow in cheerful generosity toward your spouse, children, etc?

Day 4 - we give...at church

Living outward is made genuine when our generosity is driven by love. Practicing hospitality and caring for the needs of others is one of the most practical ways we can demonstrate the love of Christ in our church. READ And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47 REFLECT -What does it look like for me to intentionally create margin in my life - my schedule, my budget, etc - so I can be generous with those in my church? -What is the difference between biblical hospitality and simply entertaining? -Am I in close relational community with others in my church family, to the point where I am aware of real needs as they arise? -Where is the Holy Spirit leading me to contribute towards the needs of others in my church? If finances are tight, how can I get creative with generosity?

Day 5 - we give...at church

One of the simplest - although not necessarily easiest! - ways we can practice living generously is regular, sacrificial giving to the church. God invites His people to participate in Kingdom-building work through financial giving. READ Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. Malachi 3:10 REFLECT -Do I believe that my financial generosity is making a real difference in the kingdom of God? -A tithe is 10%. Am I giving at least 10% of my income to my church? If not, why? -Why do you think God invites us to test him in the realm of generosity? -Do I trust that God will provide everything that I need when I trust Him with my finances?

Day 6 - we give...in the city

In many ways, the credibility of the church’s witness is tied to our generosity. Before the world will ever listen to us tell them about Jesus’ generous love, often they must see it lived out first - through us. READ By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18 REFLECT -What is my first response when I see someone in need? Compassion? Or something else? -What do you think is meant by loving “in deed and in truth?” -What are some of the biggest needs in my city? My neighborhood? -What is one thing God has uniquely blessed me with that I can share with others?

Day 7 - we give...in the city

Followers of Jesus understand that confidence placed in earthly riches is false and fleeting. But living outward through generosity is one of the means God uses to shape the foundation of our life’s hope. READ As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 REFLECT -Do I live my life in such a way that my neighbors, coworkers, fellow students, etc would describe me as “rich in good works?” -Do I trust that good works are a better investment than accumulating financial or material wealth? -How much is the certainty of my hope based on earthly “riches”? -How am I contributing toward a culture of generosity in my neighborhood, workplace, and school?