Faith Talk - December 1, 2024

Sunday: December 1, 2024
Series: The Gift of Giving
Sermon: God's Grace: Give Because of God's Gift

Scripture

2 Corinthians 8:8-9 –  I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 

Summary

This week, we finish our series, The Gift of Giving. We have seen that we should give because 1) God commands our tithes and offerings, and 2) He invites us to participate in His mission in the world through sacrificial and generous giving. Today, we learned to give in response to the grace of God, the greatest gift He has given us in His Son, Jesus Christ.

What is your motivation to give? From our passage, Pastor Brian pointed out several observations and one powerful conviction, which is our true motivation. Our giving should reflect the genuineness of our love for God.

  • Giving is not about your power but God’s power.
  • Giving is not about problems but priorities.
  • Giving is not about wealth but willingness.
  • Giving is not about obligation but opportunity.
  • Giving is not about legalism but Lordship.
  • Giving is not about aspiration but action.
  • Giving is not about law but love.
  • Giving is a response to the grace of the gospel.

Discussion

  1. Share the observation from the list above that stands out to you most.
    • Is there one that encourages you, challenges you, or concerns you?
  2. Discuss the difference between giving simply because God commands it versus giving because it’s a genuine response to your love for God.
    • How does the gospel motivate you to give differently than the command to give?
  3. Share how this series on The Gift of Giving has convicted you or encouraged you in the spiritual discipline of giving.
    • Are you giving a full tithe back to God? What step can you take?
    • Are you planning an offering or contribution beyond the tithe? What should you give, and when will you act?
    • How does your giving impact the mission of God at Connection Point Church?

Pray Together

Father, thank You for the Gift of Giving, the power to give, and the love to give based on the grace of Your gift to us in Your Son Jesus Christ. I ask that You work in my heart to be fully motivated by Your love for me as demonstrated in the gospel and my love for You because of the gospel. We commit to genuinely love You, including how this is reflected in our act of giving. Show us the way, Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
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