Giving Back to God
Further devotional thoughts from the sermon:
Heart of Generosity: Consider the state of your heart when it comes to giving. Are you giving out of obligation or with a joyful spirit? Reflect on Paul's emphasis on cheerful giving and consider how you can cultivate a heart of generosity in your own life.
Proportionate Giving: Reflect on the principle of giving proportionately to what God has blessed you with. Are you willing to give sacrificially, according to your means, to support the work of ministry, care for the poor, and advance the kingdom of God?
Freedom in Giving: Explore the concept of freedom in giving. Reflect on Paul's emphasis on willingness and freedom rather than strict adherence to rules. Consider how you can embrace the freedom to give generously, trusting in God's provision and faithfulness.
Testing God in Giving: Reflect on God's invitation to test Him in the area of giving. Consider stepping out in faith and trusting God to bless you as you faithfully give back to Him. Remember that giving is not only an act of obedience but also an opportunity to experience God's abundant blessings in your life.
Turning Away from the Love of Money: Examine your attitude toward money and possessions. Are you allowing the love of money to control your life, or are you prioritizing your love for God above all else? Reflect on Malachi's call to turn our hearts away from the love of money and toward God, trusting Him as our ultimate provider.
Blessings of Generosity: Consider the blessings that come from living a life of generosity. Reflect on God's promise to bless those who faithfully give back to Him and trust in His provision. Remember that true fulfillment and joy come from giving selflessly and generously to others in need.
As you reflect on these devotional thoughts, prayerfully consider how you can apply these principles to your own life and grow deeper in your relationship with God through faithful giving and generosity.
Discussion Questions from the Sermon:
Reflecting on the sermon's introduction, have you ever experienced resistance or discomfort when the topic of giving or tithing was discussed in your church or community? How did you respond to those feelings?
Consider the biblical principles discussed regarding tithing and giving in the Old and New Testaments. How do Jesus' teachings and Paul's writings inform our understanding of generosity and proportionate giving in the context of the church today?
Rev. Smith emphasizes the urgency of supporting evangelistic efforts, particularly in reaching out to the "de-churched" and their children who are considered "unreached" for the gospel. How can we as individuals and as a church community engage in evangelism and outreach in our own context?
Explore the reasons why Paul didn't explicitly command the tithe. How does Paul's emphasis on willingness, generosity, and freedom in giving challenge our understanding of giving in today's church culture?
Reflect on the concept of testing God in giving, as discussed in Malachi 3:8-10. What does it mean to test God in the area of giving, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives?
Consider the potential pitfalls of self-righteousness and self-indulgence in giving, as highlighted in the sermon. How can we guard against these attitudes and cultivate a spirit of humility, generosity, and trust in God's provision?
Reflect on your own attitude toward money and possessions. Are there areas where you struggle to prioritize your love for God above the love of money? How can you turn your heart away from the love of money and toward God in your daily life?
Consider the blessings that come from living a life of generosity and faithful stewardship. How have you experienced God's provision and blessings as you have given back to Him and to others in need?
As a group, discuss practical ways you can cultivate a culture of generosity and proportionate giving within your church community. How can you support and encourage one another in your journey toward faithful stewardship?
Reflect on how you can apply the principles discussed in the sermon to your own life and relationship with God. What steps can you take to grow deeper in your commitment to faithful giving and stewardship?