Discussion Guide
This past Sunday, guest speaker Joe Sangl challenged us to think differently about money, generosity, and what it means to move forward in obedience to God. This is about more than money, it’s about what we are investing in. So many times, we know what we should do financially, spiritually, or relationally, but we never make the decision to move forward and do it. God is always asking us to obey Him. It may be becoming more generous, getting serious about a budget, dealing with debt, learning to save, changing our attitude about money, or trusting Him more. What might be your next step?
What you will need: A Bible or Bible app, a notebook, a pen, and a highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
What is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever convinced yourself you needed to buy?
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6:
What stood out to you about the idea that what we sow affects what we harvest?
Why do you think the Bible talks so much about money?
When you think about your finances right now, what are you intentionally investing in?
(This could be family, your future, generosity, experiences, possessions, God’s Kingdom, or something else.)
What is one habit that, if you continued it for the next five years, could produce a very different result in your life?
Read 2 Corinthians 9:7-8:
Why do you think generosity can be difficult, even when we know it is something God values?
What do you notice about God’s ability to provide?
What does being a “cheerful giver” mean to you?
What do you notice about the purpose of God’s provision in this verse?
Read 2 Corinthians 9:10–14:
Think about a time someone was generous toward you. What did their generosity communicate to you?
What are some ways we can be generous that don’t involve money?
Can someone be wealthy but spiritually poor—or have little money yet be spiritually rich? What makes the difference?
Why do you think generosity has the potential to impact someone spiritually, not just financially?
ACTION STEP
Take a minute and finish this sentence without sharing out loud:
“I believe God may be asking me to move from __________ to __________.”
What is ONE small, practical step you can take toward that this week?
If your financial life became more aligned with God’s heart over the next year, what would you hope looked different?
OPTIONAL DEEPER DIVE
Read Matthew:14:22-33:
What does Peter’s willingness to step out of the boat teach us about trusting God when we don’t know what the outcome will be?