Next Steps--Lesson 30--Giving Beyond Your Ability

Discussion Questions:

1.     What is the connection between God having your heart and the way you handle your money and possessions?  How difficult do you find it to live as a spiritual being in a material world?

2.     What do you think Jesus was trying to say when He said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”?  What are the things you treasure most in your life?  How is it clear to others what you treasure most?

3.     Do you ever wonder, like the Rich Young Ruler did, what you lack in your life?  Are there things Jesus might tell you to sell or get rid of so you can better follow Him?

4.     What is opportunity cost?  How did Jesus offer opportunity and experience to the Rich Young Ruler?  Why is it more valuable to fill your life with good experiences instead of more things?

5.     Have you ever had a situation that felt like you were on a giant tower that called you to take a step of faith and that brought great hesitation?  How did you take that step of faith?  Who or what helped you reach a point of moving forward?

6.     What did you learn from the Cutting Corners Activity?  How have you seen God supply more than you could give away?

7.     What is “uncomfortable giving”?  What commitment will you make to practice some “uncomfortable giving” this week?

8.     Does it make a difference that the widow’s gift did not go unnoticed by Jesus?  How has her gift been multiplied over the years?  How is the multiplication of her gift like handing Jesus 5 loaves and 2 fish?

Next Steps --Lesson 29--The Haves & the Have-Nots

Discussion Questions:

1.     When are some times or what are some ways that God’s Kingdom has not made sense to you?  How does perspective or focus upon a specific stage or time play into this?   (Like the drawing of a tree)

2.     How much struggle do you have with comparing yourself or your situations to others?  How does seeing that we never travel the same path assist in recognizing why comparing is futile?

3.     What did Peter, Andrew, James & John’s dropping of their nets mean?  What did it not mean? 

4.     How significant is it that these first disciples were not told to sell all their possessions and give them to the poor?  Why was the Rich Young Ruler told to do this? 

5.     Why is it important for the Kingdom of God that there be the Haves and the Have-nots?  Is it possible to play both roles at different stages or situations of your life?

6.     How did the sponge and water Illustration help you understand the importance of being a conduit of the blessings God provides in your life?  What struggles do you have with being more focused upon your standard of giving over your standard of living?

7.     Why is it important to focus on the present problems instead of saving up for possible future ones?  What are some ways God has shown you He will provide for the present issues you face?  Will He not continue to do the same in the future? (Discuss the implications of this).

Next Steps--Lesson 28--The Purpose of Tithing

Discussion Questions:

1.     How is tithing a tool to help one set priorities and learn discipline in the area of finances?  How did God use tithing in the Old Testament as training wheels to help mankind understand the importance of maintaining a spiritual focus in a material world? 

2.     How does tithing help one learn to revere the LORD God always? (Deuteronomy 14:23)

3.     How does tithing and offering our first fruits go together?  What would the first fruits be in your life?  Is it fair to say God gave us His first and best to redeem us?

4.     Why would God require tithing in the Old Testament, but say nothing about it being required in the New Testament?  How would living according to grace require less than what God required under the Law?     

5.     How was Abraham’s and Jacob’s responses to God to give a tithe an act of worship?  What connection is there between generosity and a sense of awe and gratitude for what God has done?

6.     Why do you suppose the Israelites, who whined and complained through their travels in the wilderness, gave so freely to the building of the Tabernacle and then the Temple?  What brought about such joyful and sacrificial giving?

7.     Is there anything about tithing that causes you fear or anxiety?  Why or why not?