The Power and Purpose Behind Financial Giving

Life Group Announcements:

Normal church service will continue on Sunday, December 23rd (8:30/10:30 AM) and then Christmas Eve service will be held on Monday, December 24^th at 4 PM.

Life Group Questions:

Preacher: Pastor Julian Malotti
Sermon Series: Joy!
Title: The Power and Purpose Behind Financial Giving

In the beginning of the sermon, we learned that it is a responsibility/honor to sponsor the Kingdom of God here on Earth as Christians. Even though there is no command for a required, specific amount to give, the very act of financial giving (tithes/offerings) is a biblical act to be obeyed.

How have you viewed financial giving to God (whether to your church, a ministry, etc.)? Is it a biblical, healthy perspective? Do you see the importance of it?

Pastor Julian taught us that the gap between expectation and reality is frustration. Sometimes, as children of God, we give to God but it’s with the motive to receive; we then become frustrated with God because sometimes we don’t receive back the way we think we deserve according to how much we just gave financially.

What are some dangers to having this selfish mindset? Although God promises to bless us, why is it wrong to give ONLY to receive back? Discuss some ways that you can practice a healthy perspective while financially giving to God’s Kingdom on Earth (consider reading Matthew 6:6 and/or Colossians 3:23-24).

The Bible teaches that while we do receive physical/spiritual blessings here on Earth when we give financially, the majority of our rewards will be in Heaven.

Do you find yourself a little let down by this promise? Isn’t it tempting to want all the blessings here and now? Practice encouraging yourself and others that your rewards in Heaven are far greater than on Earth because no bugs, rust, or thieves can destroy them; they are eternal (Matthew 6:19).

We were encouraged by Pastor Julian to do everything unto God as a sweet-smelling aroma that is pleasing to Him, not to get in return or to promote ourselves. In other words, everything is done as worship to God.

What does this look like to you in your life? If you are comfortable, share some personal testimonies of how you have learned to graduate from selfish motives to godly ones. What do you think are some common obstacles that get in the way of our perspective while giving (consider current circumstances, hurting for money, status, power, control, etc.)?

Lastly, we should treat our spouses as God’s children, not as our property. We should remember that our possessions, to include our children, belong to God as well and we are simply managing them.

How does this truth shift your way of treating your spouse, child/children, job, and/or material possessions?

Bible Verses Read Sunday: