Faith for a New Year | January 15, 2023

 

+ Read Scripture

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Talk Sheet Questions

  1. Do you think money, financial goals, and giving are things people should talk about or not? Where do you think the taboos come from?

  2. 1. What kind of decision might someone make in his/her heart (7) to make them a cheerful giver?

  3. Does the sowing and reaping language in this passage mean that God is obligated to bless me if I “sow?” Explain.

  4. Count the “all,” “every,” and “always” type words. How many did you get? Does it make God sound generous or stingy? Explain.

  5. Write a few words of financial advice to yourself based on this text.

Prayer

Pray that we would trust God enough to be generous.

 
 
Scott Reavely