God gives me everything—including himself—so that I can spend everything—including myself—on him.

Notes And Next Steps

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 + Part 4 of the series “Living Generously"

How much of your wealth, income, savings, credit card transactions, mortgage, home, cars, clothes, cupboards, computers and all other possessions belongs to you, and how much of it belongs to God?

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. (Psalm 24:1)

We aren’t owners, but we are stewards.

God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able (2 Corinthians 9:7). Instead of your stuff owning you, God owns your stuff, and owns you.

“Well, I don’t have anything to give!”

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10,11)

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale. (Proverbs 18:10,11).

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP

What am I building, God’s kingdom or my own? “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Discussion Questions

1. Take out the hammer in your Living Generously gift pack. Keep it visible in your home this week. Ask yourself, “What am I building, God’s kingdom or my own?” Print out Matthew 6:33 and pray about Jesus’ command and promise in it.
2. As you recall today’s episode of “Living Generously,” what is this episode teaching us about money? about God? Focus on Re’s conversation with Frank as he speaks Proverbs 18:10,11 to him on the rooftop. 
3. How do you know if wealth, income or possessions are becoming your strong tower? How do you know when God is your strong tower? 
4. Abraham gave _____ % (Genesis 14:20). Zacchaeus gave ______% (Luke 19:1-10). Two widows gave ______% (1 Kings 17:7-16; Luke 21:1-4). Consider increasing your proportion, perhaps to 10%. Refer to the handout “Ten Reasons Why Tithing Matters.” What new insights do you find?