Growing Together: Part 2 - 'The Indescribible Gift' 

This Sunday, Rob Lea brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
The talk will be available via live stream at 9.30am on Sunday 9th October, on our YouTube channel.
 
Once you have listened, here are some questions to consider:

Readings:
 
Maththew chapter 6 verses 19 - 21

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
 
 
Luke chapter 16 verse 13

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
 
 
Mark chapter 12 verses 41 - 44

‘She gave out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.’ ‘Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 

As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 

Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!’



Prayer and Reflection:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your indescribable gift, when Jesus died for us on the cross at calvary. We confess that we are often ungrateful for this ultimate act of generosity. And that while we say that giving generously is about faith not money, we often don’t live in a way that reflects that truth. Please forgive us.
 
Lord God, we thank you that collectively, as the body of Christ, we have been able to serve many people through social activities both locally and in other countries. We also thank you that we have be able to share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
 
Father God, our desire is to do more, much more. So, we pray that in response to your grace we will give more and serve more. And that we would do this not reluctantly or under compulsion, but gratefully and cheerfully, for your word tells us that you love a cheerful giver.
 
We pray these things in the name of the one who set the standard for love, generosity and giving – our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen


 
Questions to Consider:

1. Can you think of a person who you know personally that you would describe as very generous? Why do you describe them so?
2. Do you agree that we are not naturally grateful? If yes, why is that, and can you give some examples? If no, give some examples of gratitude.
3. What examples can you give of EBC blessing people?
4. What do you think should be more important for the church: social action or evangelism?
5. Why do you think that Jesus talked so much about money and wealth?
6. Do you agree that giving is really about faith, not money?
7. The apostle Paul wrote that ‘God loves a cheerful giver.’ Why do you think that he wrote that?
8. Paul also said that giving generously was a service. What do you think that he meant by that?
9. Explain in your own words, ‘God’s indescribable gift’. What is it?

10. Is tithing (10% of income) the ultimate standard of giving in the bible?
11. On a ‘generosity scale’ (0 = Not generous at all; 10 = Extravagantly generous) where would you place yourself? What is your evidence.