Your money is God’s money; you’re just managing it. So budget it the way he says to do it – starting with your giving.
Talking Points:
- Giving is a commandment for every believer, not the spiritual gifting of a select few. You don’t have to be wealthy to be a giver – just look at the church in Macedonia! They gave out of their poverty, and the result was joy. 2 Corinthians 8:1-3
- Your budget is a litmus test for your heart. The Macedonians “gave themselves to God” – and it was reflected in their giving. 2 Corinthians 8:4-5, Matthew 6:21
- Leverage the power of habit for God’s purposes, not your pleasure. Make a habit of giving a small percentage each month, and try to grow it every year. Budget your giving in three categories: church, ministries and gifts. Use a simple budget spreadsheet to keep track of it all. 1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How did your family view charitable giving in your home growing up?
- Share a time someone was generous to you. Share a time you were generous toward someone else. How did those situations affect you?
- Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-3. What was the source of joy the Macedonians experienced? Why do you think their joy translated to generosity with money?
- Read 2 Corinthians 8:4-5. What do you think it looks like to give yourself fully to the Lord? How would that change the way you view your lifestyle and your money as a whole?
- Read 1 Corinthians 16:2 and 2 Corinthians 8:7. How could you set aside an amount from each paycheck to go towards giving back to God? How would that habit impact your spending habits? What is your future goal for charitable giving and how can you work towards that now?
- Why is it important to give to your local church? What other ministries or organizations do you want to support?
- Read 2 Corinthians 8:6-8. What do you think it looks like to be a cheerful giver? What does Paul say happens when we give generously?
- Make a copy of our budget spreadsheet and start filling out your budget as you prepare for the weeks ahead.
