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?