SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE

United in Generosity

OPENING PRAYER

Lord, as we gather today, open our hearts to examine our relationship with our resources. Help us to have honest conversations about generosity and discipleship. Show us where our treasure truly is, and align our hearts with Your kingdom purposes. May our discussion lead to transformation in how we view and use what You've entrusted to us. In Jesus' name, amen.

ICEBREAKER

Unexpected Gifts: Share about a time when someone's unexpected generosity made a significant impact on you. What made that act of generosity meaningful, and how did it affect you?

SCRIPTURE FOCUS

Have different group members read these passages aloud:

• Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
• Luke 14:33 - "In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."
• 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 - (Read the passage about the Macedonian churches and the grace of giving)

Quick Discussion: What initially stands out to you from these passages?

MAIN DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Heart Connection Pastor Scott emphasized that "our heart follows our treasure" rather than the other way around. How have you seen this principle at work in your own life? Where have your resources gone, and how has your heart followed?

2. The Lordship Question In the sermon, Pastor Scott demonstrated lordship using two chairs (one labeled "JESUS" and one labeled "MY LIFE"). He stated, "Lordship is revealed by what we won't move."

• What areas of your resources (time, money, possessions) are most difficult for you to surrender to Jesus' lordship?
• How does keeping control of these areas affect your discipleship journey?

3. The Transformation Test Pastor Scott shared how his and Lisa's journey of giving tested and grew their faith.

• Have you ever experienced a moment when giving stretched your faith? What happened?
• How has your attitude toward generosity changed throughout your spiritual journey?

4. The Grace of Giving The sermon described the Macedonian believers who, despite "extreme poverty," gave generously and even "urgently pleaded" for the "privilege" of giving.

• What does it mean to you that giving is described as a "grace" and a "privilege"?
• What's the difference between viewing generosity as a "budget line" versus a "spiritual posture"?

5. Unity Through Generosity Pastor Scott outlined three ways generosity creates unity: eliminating competition/comparison, creating a "we're all in this together" mindset, and aligning us with mission rather than personal comfort.

• Which of these three connections between generosity and unity resonates most with you right now? Why?
• How have you seen generosity create unity in your own experiences?

6. The Priority Question When financial pressure comes, what typically gets squeezed out first in your life? Your giving or something else? What does this reveal about priorities in your life?

7. The Joy Factor Acts 20:35 states that "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

• When have you experienced the unique joy that comes from giving?
• What obstacles prevent us from experiencing this joy more consistently?

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Take 3-5 minutes of quiet time for everyone to reflect individually on these questions:

1. If Jesus were to look at my bank statements, calendar, and priorities, what would He observe about where my treasure—and therefore my heart—truly is?
2. What is one specific step of growth in generosity that God might be inviting me to take?
3. How might increased generosity in my life contribute to greater unity in our church community?

GROUP ACTIVITY: "Treasure Mapping"

Materials: Paper and pens for everyone

Instructions:

1. Draw a simple heart in the middle of your paper.
2. Around the heart, write or draw 5-7 things where you currently invest significant resources (time, money, attention, energy).
3. Draw lines from each item to your heart, making the lines thicker for items that get more of your resources.
4. Take a moment to evaluate: Does this map reflect the priorities you want to have as a disciple of Jesus?
5. Now, draw a second heart. Around this one, create a "treasure map" that better reflects where you believe God wants your resources to go.
6. In pairs, share one insight from this exercise and one practical step you could take to move from your current "map" toward your ideal one.

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from You. Help us to hold our resources with open hands, ready to give as You direct. Transform our hearts to find joy in generosity rather than in accumulation. Unite us as a church through our shared commitment to kingdom priorities. Give us courage to take our next steps in generosity, trusting that You will provide all we need. May our generosity reflect Your character and advance Your mission in our community. In Jesus' name, amen.

TAKE-HOME CHALLENGE

Based on Pastor Scott's three challenges, choose the one that applies to your current situation:

1. If you've never given consistently: Start somewhere this week. Commit to a specific amount to give, even if it feels small.

2. If you give occasionally: Move toward consistency by setting up a recurring gift or creating a system to ensure regular giving.

3. If you're giving consistently: Have a conversation with God about your "next step" in generosity. Is there a specific need, ministry, or increase in your giving that He's calling you toward?

Bonus Challenge: Look for one unexpected opportunity to be generous this week (buying someone's coffee, helping with an unexpected expense, giving your time to someone in need). Notice how it affects your heart and your connection to others.

"We don't give to keep the lights on—we give to keep the mission moving."