The Grace of Giving
An Abundance Mentality

Pastor Kirk, Nov 24^th, 2019

Scripture: 2 Cor 9:6-9:15

Summary: God has given you everything you need and enough to share.

Main Thought: When we give generously, we sow seeds of goodness that transform lives and our world.

Getting to Know Each Other (Start Here): 

• Are you a Gardner? Do you have any stories of growing plants?

Going Deeper: 

1. Can generosity be a spiritual discipline like reading your Bible and praying? How does it draw us closer to Jesus?
2. Who in your life has modeled the kind of open handed generosity described in 2 Cor. 9:6 and Philemon 1:6?
3. Is it easier to live a generous life with a little or a lot of resources? How would you teach generosity to a kid?
4. Read Acts 20:35 – How has God proven this? What does it mean for our lives?
5. What would you say is the root motivation for giving? (If your group is having troubles read John 3:16-20 and ask the question again).
6. Read Eph. 2:10 – God has created us for good works that he has prepared. Do you think that people living outside the will of God are doing the good works that are prepared for them? How does the abundance mentality that Pastor Kirk talked about connected with scripture about God’s plans for us?
7. How does the sufficiency of Christ interplay with our generosity, God’s providence and need in the world?
8. What do you think about the statement, “we can have as much of Jesus as we are willing to give?”
9. Jesus lived a life of overflowing generosity. What comes to mind when you think of His generosity? How does your experience of Jesus connect with your generosity?

Apply it:

• Evaluate what you have, where do you have an abundance? Ask the Holy Spirit, ‘does my life declare an abundance mentality and trust in Christ?”

Pray without ceasing:

              Since we have been talking about generosity, let’s spend time praying for those who will be impacted by our Compassion project. Pray that the testimony of generosity will direct them to God’s great love. Pray that the kids who receive presents at Arcola Community School will be blessed. Pray for the staff of Arcola School that they will feel supported and cared for as educators and mentors to their kids.

Community Reading Plan: 2 Corinthians 5 – 2 Corinthians 13

This week add 2 Corinthians 5 to 2 Corinthians 13 to your devotions. Read a chapter a day up to and including chapter 13. Look at the relationships that are present in these chapters and keep two questions in mind.

• What do I need to know from this chapter (a truth about my reality or God or a life lesson)?
• What do I need to grow (Is there something God is trying to teach me through His Word)?

Keep a journal nearby and write down any questions or thoughts you can share with your Community Group. Remind and encourage each other to participate in this group devotion.