Study Questions – 100K Meals

Kyle Bartholic   -  

100K Meals

INTRODUCTION:  This morning (3/27) at the 100K Meals event, we had the opportunity to jump in and live out one of our Church’s values, radical generosity. The simple truth is this; we should be compelled to live radically generous lives because God was radically generous to us, first. His love for us, which was tangibly and profoundly expressed through his son, Jesus, is the most generous expression of love that we could ever experience. And it is out of the overflow of God’s love in our lives that we are to love and care for others. John says it this way in 1 Jn 4:19, “We love because he first loved us.” Or, as we see through the 100K Meals event, we are able to be generous because he was first generous to us. The beautiful thing about generosity is that it reorients our hearts to see God’s larger work in us and through us. As our hearts are reoriented, God builds resiliency in us.

So, what are we to be generous with? Namely, our time, talents, and treasure (physical and financial resources). This is something we see as a marker of the early Church (Acts 2:45). As they experienced the lavish and generous love of God through Jesus, they responded with radical care for each other. Let that same reality be true about us today, and more than anything, let our generosity reflect the Father above more and more.

 

GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time, talk about what it looks like in your life or in the life of someone you respect to be generous with your time, talents, and treasure? As you wrap up your group time, make sure you discuss specific application steps to grow in your generosity in these three areas.

 

IN THE WORD –   This week, look at the following passages, which reflect the reality that generosity is a normal thing for a Christian. How do they inform your perspective on generosity and its impact on our lives?

  • Genesis 12:1-3 – “I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing.”
  • Acts 2:45 “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”
  • Proverbs 11:25 – “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
  • Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Therefore be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
  • Matthew 25:23 – “His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’
  • Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasureis, there your heart will be also.

 

 

 

Apply: How can you take one step of growth in being generous with your time, talents, and treasure this week? Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?