GIVING TO GOD CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE
Giving first to God won’t kill you, and actually—by his grace—it may just save your life.
Notes And Next Steps
1 Kings 17:7-16 + Part 3 of the series “Living Generously"
Right in the heart of Baal worship God exerts his power.
“Don’t be afraid … make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land’.” (1 Kings 17:13, 14)
“A ___________ is for feeding yourself. A ___________ is for serving others.”
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 through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Sooner or later God is going to ask something of you that you do not want to give or don’t think it’s possible for you to give. This is a defining moment of faith for you.
SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP
What are 7 key considerations for firstfruits, proportionate giving? Read 1 Corinthians 16:2.
Discussion Questions
- What are 7 key considerations for firstfruits, proportionate giving? Read 1 Corinthians 16:2. Share your experience and ideas about each.
- For families/groups: Retell the Living Generously episode. Go into your Living Generously gift pack and talk about the ladle. How does it feel to be poor in our society? Does Frank become poor? Did Jesus? Will you? Read 2 Corinthians 8:8-9 for answers.
- A single mom with two children who made $40,000 last year. She gave $2,400 in offerings. A two-income family with two children who made $130,000 gave $13,000. Who gave more?
- “A spoon is for feeding yourself. A ladle is for serving others.” Based on this truth, what are some options for finishing this statement, “When I serve, there is more _____________.”
- Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. In what ways are the rich tempted to sin? What can God do that riches cannot? Recall and discuss the story about kids and phones.