Gifts
SUMMARY
This week's sermon focuses on the IMPACT of giving. The sermon explores the biblical principle of generous giving through the story of the widow's mite from Mark 12. Pastor Raigan emphasizes that we serve a generous God who gave His best - His only Son - so that we might have an abundant life. The message challenges believers to examine whether their giving reflects their identity as children of the King of Kings. Using the contrast between the
widow's sacrificial gift and the Pharisees' self-serving behavior, the sermon teaches that giving is not about the amount but about the attitude of the heart behind it. Raigan explains the biblical concept of tithing (10% of income) as God's minimum expectation, referencing Malachi 3, where God invites us to test Him in our faithfulness to give.
The sermon concludes with three key aspects of biblical giving: it demonstrates trust in God's provision, makes God a priority in our lives, and should be done with an attitude of pleasure rather than obligation. Through personal stories and illustrations, including the missionary Oswald Gottler's sacrificial generosity, the message emphasizes that we give not to earn God's love but as a response to the extravagant generosity we have already received from Him.
INTRO PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts, acknowledging that everything we have comes from your generous hand. As we gather to study your Word and discuss what it means to live generously, we ask that you open our hearts and minds to what you want to teach us today. Help us to be honest about our own attitudes toward giving and possessions. Remove
any barriers of fear, selfishness, or doubt that might prevent us from fully embracing your call to generosity. Holy Spirit, guide our conversation and help us to encourage one another as we seek to grow in faithfulness. May our time together draw us closer to you and to each other. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
ICE BREAKER
What's the most thoughtful or generous gift you've ever received from someone, and what made it so special to you?
QUESTIONS
In the story of the widow's mite, Jesus said she gave more than all the wealthy donors. What do you think He meant by this, and how does this challenge our understanding of generous giving?
Raigan mentioned that God's generosity to us isn't meant to be hoarded but to flow through us to others. How have you experienced being a 'conduct of blessing' to someone else?
What's the difference between giving out of our surplus versus giving sacrificially? Can you think of a time when you've done either?
The sermon contrasts the widow's heart with the Pharisees' behavior. How can we guard against giving for show or recognition rather than from a genuine heart?
Malachi 3:10 is the only place in Scripture where God invites us to 'test Him.' What do you think it means to test God in our giving, and why might God invite this?
Raigan shared that tithing (10%) should be given as 'first fruits' before other expenses. What practical challenges might someone face in implementing this, and how could they overcome them?
How does our giving reflect where our heart and priorities truly are? What would your current giving patterns say about your relationship with God?
LIFE APPLICATION
This week, take an honest assessment of your current giving patterns. If you're not currently tithing 10% of your income, prayerfully consider taking a step toward that goal - whether it's starting with 1%, 5%, or whatever amount represents a step of faith for you. Additionally, look for one specific opportunity to be generous to someone in need this week, whether through your time, resources, or encouragement. Remember, it's not about the amount but about the heart attitude behind your giving.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
We serve a generous God who gave His best (His Son) for us, and our giving should reflect our identity as children of the King
Biblical giving is not about the amount but about the heart attitude - God looks at our willingness to give sacrificially
Tithing (10%) is God's biblical minimum expectation and should be given as 'first fruits' before other expenses
Generous giving demonstrates three things: trust in God's provision, prioritizing God, and giving with an attitude of joy rather than obligation.
ENDING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for this time of discussion and reflection on your call to generous living. We are humbled by your incredible generosity toward us - giving your very life so that we might have eternal life. Help us to respond to your love not out of guilt or obligation, but with hearts full of gratitude and joy. For those who are taking steps toward tithing, give them courage and faith to trust in your provision. For those who are already giving faithfully, help them to continue growing in generosity and to be an encouragement to others. May our giving be a reflection of our love for you and our desire to see your kingdom advance in this world. Use our
gifts, both large and small, to make an eternal impact on your glory. In your precious name we pray, Amen.
