Introduction

It might not always feel like it, but you’ve been given a lot. And when followers of Jesus love him with whatever they have – unique influence, resources, insight, etc. amazing things happen. Throughout this series, we’re exploring what it means to love God with all our strength and discovering just how much God can accomplish through us when we do. In week 2, Pastor Jesse taught us how we can love God with all our financial strength.

Discussion

1. We are living in a time when basic costs of living are continuing to cost us more. In past three years, cereal is +21%, milk is +14%, bread is +23%, and household energy is 23%. How has this reality impacted you (not just financially), but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually?

2. Revisit and read Deuteronomy 14:22-29. The most basic reason to tithe is because Dad (God) said so.

• To care for the people who are doing his work as their job (and they also tithe.)
• To play your part in enjoying together what God has provided.
• To care for those in need.

Is the concept of tithing (giving 10% of your income to the church) a new concept to you? What’s your first reaction to this practice? If you have (or are), share your experience.

3. Revisit and read Luke 19:1-8. We also tithe because of what Dad (God) did for us. Jesus loved Zacchaeus while he was still a sinner. And when he receives this grace from Jesus, he gives back. We give because of what God has given to us through Jesus and his church. Take a moment to share what God has given you. When you stop to remember these good gifts, does it motivate you to respond in some way? Why or why not?

4. Pastor Jesse shared that he and his wife give because they want to be like Dad (God) for their kids. Rather than making sure they’re in or at all the things, it’s better to focus on modeling the right things. In what ways did your family model generosity for you growing up? What might your generosity model for your family now?

5. Giving sacrificially and in obedience has the opportunity to bring us joy and make an eternal impact (remember the 260 Faith Lines over the past five months.) Have you ever experienced joy as you’ve been generous to someone financially? Why was it worth it to you?

Application

• If you’re not giving, start. Prayerfully consider this step of obedience in your life. You don’t have to start with a tithe, but God is going to work and move in you when you start.
• If your giving has become an action in the background, increase your generosity. As you give, it’s easy for it to become another routine. Revisit your current rhythm and ask God what generosity looks like for you in this next season. How might an increase make you more present to God and his work?
• If you’re giving already, consider tithing. God has asked us to give our first 10% to him and his mission first. He has consistently met and provided for generations as they’ve taken this step of obedience with him. Put him to the test (Malachi 3:8-10.)