GIVE - Giving is Ministry
Generosity accomplishes ministry; it also encourages ministry.
Pastor Frank talked about that feeling of relief when you’re up against it financially and someone comes to your aid. If you have a story like that share it with your small group.
Read and Review: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
At the end of his first letter to the Corinthians Paul gave them instructions about taking a collection for Christians in Jerusalem. What observations do you have about his instructions?
Read: 2 Corinthians 9:1-5
Frank identified four characteristics of giving the Corinthians exhibited that we should follow: eagerness, enthusiasm, willingness, and planned giving. Which of those resonates most with you? Why?
How are the characteristics above different from giving that is motivated by guilt or fear?
Frank said that our giving ministers to others, but it also motivates them to minister to others. How does that work?
Read: Acts 5:1-11
Acts tells a story from the early church of giving gone wrong. When you think about this story in light of the four principles above, what went wrong?
How can you make sure you give eagerly, enthusiastically, willingly and with a plan and not like Ananias and Sapphira?
Prayer: Pray that God will show what changes you need to make (if any) to give the way he wants.