Next Steps--Lesson 26--The Laws of Giving-- II Corinthians 8 + Various Passages

Discussion Questions:

1.  What typically happens when one violates or ignores the laws of nature?  In what ways have you seen the spiritual realm governed by Laws of Nature (God’s nature)?  Should we expect the same if we ignore the laws of His nature?   

2.  How is going against God’s ways like “kicking against the goads”?  How does this imagery help you understand the purpose of God’s laws?

3.  In what ways have you seen sin entangle people so they cannot operate in the way they were designed to?  What does this teach you about sin being its own punishment?  Why is it important for us to realize that sin brings its own punishment?

4.  In what ways is serving God and money a temptation to you?  How have you seen our culture influence us to try to serve both?

5.  What stokes the fires of generosity, moving you to give more to help others or to see the Kingdom built?  What kinds of things has God provided in your life to be grateful for?  How have you seen gratitude produce more contentment?

6.  How was Zacchaeus changed by salvation?  How has salvation moved you from being mastered by a spirit of accumulation to being mastered by a spirit of generosity?

7.  How has God’s “overflowing generosity” influenced you?  What helps you remember the generous things God has placed in your life?

8.  Why do you think when Paul writes to the Corinthian church about the collection for the Jerusalem churches who are in need he never uses the word “money” but instead emphasizes the grace of God compared to their act of grace?

9.  How is giving passing on the momentum of what we have received?  How does this show that the laws of God when it comes to giving are working? 

Next Steps--Lesson 25--Being a Good Steward--Matthew 25

Discussion Questions:

1.  How does the way we use money provide insight into the level of character we have?  In what ways did Jesus show a connection between character and the use of money?

2.  What does it mean to be a steward versus an owner?  What are some of the things God has placed in your hands asking you to be a good steward with them?  Why does it matter that we not consider ourselves owners instead of stewards?

3.  What does it mean that God has an investment mentality?  In what ways has He invested in your life and your eternity?  Since you are created in His image, what kinds of things does He want you to invest in?

4.  What observations do you have from the way the glow sticks were used or not used?  What lessons do we learn about being prepared to act with what the LORD has provided when opportunity arises?  What kinds of things distract you from being a good steward with the things God has placed in your hands?

5.  How does being alert for a task help with focus and concentration on what the LORD says or does around us?  What are some ways to be more intentional about fulfilling the tasks of the Kingdom as good stewards of the things He has blessed us with?

6.  What purpose do you have within the Kingdom of God?  How does being a steward help you recognize purpose?

7.  What temptation is there to act like the Fed Ex driver who kept the packages for himself with the things God has placed in your care?

8.  What is the opposite of “steal, kill and destroy”?  How does focusing on these opposites help you be a better steward?

Next Steps--Lesson 24--Controlling the Tongue--James 3

Discussion Questions:

1.  What are some ways God has demonstrated the power of speech?  How much of that power has God given to us?  How have you seen speech build up and give life or tear down and destroy?

2.  How is the tongue like a fire?  Is this a good or bad thing? 

3.  How is our speech connected to our character?  What does the things we say show about what is in our heart?   

4.  How is using our speech in healthy ways a sign of maturity?  If control of our speech is untamable but also a sign of spiritual maturity, how does one achieve maturity?

5.  What are some practical ways to gain control over our tongue?  What kinds of things move you towards being out of control?

6.  Why is it difficult to let God hold the reins or the rudder of our life?  How is the use of speech a reflection of His control, or lack thereof?

7.  Are there any changes in your speech that need to be made?  Who do you trust to assist you and hold you accountable?

8.  Why do teachers incur a stricter judgment?  Who should be a teacher of the ways of God?  What does this tell us about being intentional about growth in the relationship we have with the LORD?