Saturday, December 26, 2015
Matthew 6:1-6 KJV
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did our Lord say about giving to the poor? (v.1-4)
2) What did Jesus say about praying with wrong motives? (v.5)
3) What is the correct way for believers to approach the Father in prayer and how will God reward us as a result? (v.6)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you, or anyone you know, ever given or prayed with wrong motives? If so, what if anything did you (or they) do to right your wrong?
LIFE LESSONS
5) Our Lord always knows the true motives for our giving, as well as for our praying,
Showing posts with label Giving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giving. Show all posts
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Share Resources with the Poor
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Romans 15:22-28 KJV
22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; 24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your [company]. 25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who was the Apostle Paul writing to and when did he intend to visit with them? (v.22-24,28)
2) Where did the apostle say that he would go first? (v.25)
3) What had the disciples in Macedonia and Achaia done for the poor saints in Jerusalem? (v.26-27)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What do you and/or your church family do for the poor in your vicinity?
5) What do you and/or your church family do for the poor within your congregation?
LIFE LESSONS
6) The Lord is ever mindful of those who are materially and spiritually impoverished.
7) The Lord meets the needs of the poor through His body.
Friday, February 6, 2015
The Widow Who Gave Her All
Friday, February 6, 2015
Luke 21:1-4 KJV
1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. 3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: 4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did our Lord see after He looked? (v.1-2)
2) What did Jesus tell his disciples concerning what He saw? (v.3)
3) Why did Jesus make this statement about the widow? (v.4)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) How concerned are you about the amount of your offerings (time, talent, and/or treasure) to the Lord? Please explain.
5) Do you believe that the Lord is please with your offerings to Him? Why, or why not?
LIFE LESSONS
6) What we give is not as important as the spirit in which we give.
7) Our Lord is not pleased with the quantity of what we give, but the quality.
8) The heart that gives out of its poverty is of greater value, to the Lord, than the heart the gives out of plenty.
Friday, August 29, 2014
God Loves a Cheerful Giver
Saturday, August 30. 2014
2 Corinthians 9:7-15
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal distribution unto them, and unto all [men];
14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What are the two ways that God wants us to give? (v.7)
2) What are the two ways that God does NOT want us to give? (v.7)
3) Who provides all that we need materially and why? (v.8)
4) Who do the righteous give to and why? (v.9)
5) In what four ways does God provide for givers? (v.10)
6) What causes us to be thankful to God? (v.11)
7) Who is blessed when the righteous give and how? (v.12)
8) In what ways should our obedience, in the area of giving, affect those we give to? (v.13-15)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Is it difficult, or easy, for you to give? Please explain.
10) When you give who determines what you give and how much you give?
11) Generally speaking, what is your motivation for giving your time, talent, and/or treasure?
PRINCIPLES
12) God enables us to give what He has purposed for us to give.
13) The Lord blesses those who give in faith.
14) A gift can only bless those whom God purposes to receive it.
2 Corinthians 9:7-15
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal distribution unto them, and unto all [men];
14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What are the two ways that God wants us to give? (v.7)
2) What are the two ways that God does NOT want us to give? (v.7)
3) Who provides all that we need materially and why? (v.8)
4) Who do the righteous give to and why? (v.9)
5) In what four ways does God provide for givers? (v.10)
6) What causes us to be thankful to God? (v.11)
7) Who is blessed when the righteous give and how? (v.12)
8) In what ways should our obedience, in the area of giving, affect those we give to? (v.13-15)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Is it difficult, or easy, for you to give? Please explain.
10) When you give who determines what you give and how much you give?
11) Generally speaking, what is your motivation for giving your time, talent, and/or treasure?
PRINCIPLES
12) God enables us to give what He has purposed for us to give.
13) The Lord blesses those who give in faith.
14) A gift can only bless those whom God purposes to receive it.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Sowing and Reaping Bountifully
Friday, August 29, 2014
2 Corinthians 9:1-6
1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. 3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as [a matter of] bounty, and not as [of] covetousness.
6 But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What "ministry to the saints" was the Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians about? (see previous lesson on 2 Corinthians 8).
2) What had the Apostle Paul boasted about concerning the church at Corinth? (v.2)
3) Why did the Apostle Paul send certain brethren to collect from the Corinthians? (v.3)
4) Who would be ashamed if the offering was not prepared? Why? (v.4)
5) How did Paul expect the gift to be given? Why? (v.5-6)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Have you ever considered your giving of tithes and offerings to the church to be a ministry? Why, or why not?
7) Have you ever given lavishly to the work of the Lord? If so, please explain how the Lord blessed you for doing so.
8) Have you ever harbored resentment toward, or refused to give to, a ministry or church fund raising activity? If so, please explain why.
PRINCIPLES
9) Giving is what God does because He loves. He expects His people to do the same.
10) Our giving must be done with cheerfulness of heart, not because we feel compelled to give.
11) No Christian can give more lavishly than the Lord has given to His people.
2 Corinthians 9:1-6
1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. 3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as [a matter of] bounty, and not as [of] covetousness.
6 But this [I say], He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What "ministry to the saints" was the Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians about? (see previous lesson on 2 Corinthians 8).
2) What had the Apostle Paul boasted about concerning the church at Corinth? (v.2)
3) Why did the Apostle Paul send certain brethren to collect from the Corinthians? (v.3)
4) Who would be ashamed if the offering was not prepared? Why? (v.4)
5) How did Paul expect the gift to be given? Why? (v.5-6)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Have you ever considered your giving of tithes and offerings to the church to be a ministry? Why, or why not?
7) Have you ever given lavishly to the work of the Lord? If so, please explain how the Lord blessed you for doing so.
8) Have you ever harbored resentment toward, or refused to give to, a ministry or church fund raising activity? If so, please explain why.
PRINCIPLES
9) Giving is what God does because He loves. He expects His people to do the same.
10) Our giving must be done with cheerfulness of heart, not because we feel compelled to give.
11) No Christian can give more lavishly than the Lord has given to His people.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Show Proof of your Love
Thursday, August 28, 2014
2 Corinthians 8:16-24
16 But thanks [be] to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches;
19 And not [that] only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and [declaration of] your ready mind:
20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which [I have] in you.
23 Whether [any do enquire] of Titus, [he is] my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren [be enquired of, they are] the messengers of the churches, [and] the glory of Christ.
24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is the Apostle Paul thanking God for in these verses? (v.16-17)
2) Who went with Titus to the Church at Corinth? (v.18a)
3) What was this person who was chosen by the churches to accompany Titus like? (v.18b)
4) Who else was he chosen to accompany as they took an offering to Jerusalem? (v.19)
5) What did the Apostle Paul and his traveling companions attempt to avoid, and to provide, as they delivered the offering to Christians in Jerusalem? (v.20-21)
6) What was the second brother like who accompanied the apostles to Jerusalem? (v.22)
7) How was the church at Corinth to respond if asked about Titus or the brothers who went to Jerusalem with the Apostle Paul? (v.23)
8) What would their response to the churches, concerning their brethren, prove? (v.24)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Have you ever been responsible for collecting and delivering a large sum of money to another believer, church, or ministry outside your own local church? If so, what if anything did you do to ensure that what you did was not called into question?
10) When placed in a position that could potentially tempt, or cause, you to sin what safeguards have (would) you put in place to "avoid the very appearance of evil"?
11) When dealing with sensitive issues, that could cast dispersion on you, or your church, what type of people would (do) you surround yourself with?
PRINCIPLES
12) Bad company corrupts good morals.
13) God is glorified when His people handle His business in ways that are above reproach.
14) Our love for the Lord is proven through our conduct, our conversation, and our character.
2 Corinthians 8:16-24
16 But thanks [be] to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is] in the gospel throughout all the churches;
19 And not [that] only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and [declaration of] your ready mind:
20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which [I have] in you.
23 Whether [any do enquire] of Titus, [he is] my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren [be enquired of, they are] the messengers of the churches, [and] the glory of Christ.
24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is the Apostle Paul thanking God for in these verses? (v.16-17)
2) Who went with Titus to the Church at Corinth? (v.18a)
3) What was this person who was chosen by the churches to accompany Titus like? (v.18b)
4) Who else was he chosen to accompany as they took an offering to Jerusalem? (v.19)
5) What did the Apostle Paul and his traveling companions attempt to avoid, and to provide, as they delivered the offering to Christians in Jerusalem? (v.20-21)
6) What was the second brother like who accompanied the apostles to Jerusalem? (v.22)
7) How was the church at Corinth to respond if asked about Titus or the brothers who went to Jerusalem with the Apostle Paul? (v.23)
8) What would their response to the churches, concerning their brethren, prove? (v.24)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Have you ever been responsible for collecting and delivering a large sum of money to another believer, church, or ministry outside your own local church? If so, what if anything did you do to ensure that what you did was not called into question?
10) When placed in a position that could potentially tempt, or cause, you to sin what safeguards have (would) you put in place to "avoid the very appearance of evil"?
11) When dealing with sensitive issues, that could cast dispersion on you, or your church, what type of people would (do) you surround yourself with?
PRINCIPLES
12) Bad company corrupts good morals.
13) God is glorified when His people handle His business in ways that are above reproach.
14) Our love for the Lord is proven through our conduct, our conversation, and our character.
Monday, August 25, 2014
The Measure of your Gift
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Luke 6:34-38
34 And if ye lend [to them] of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What should we hope for when we give to others? (v.34)
2) Whom should we give to, love, and be kind to? Why? (v.35)
3) Whom should we show mercy towards? Why? (v.36)
4) Why shouldn't we judge or condemn others? Why should we forgive? (v.37)
5) Why and how should we give? (v.38)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Have you ever given to someone in need without expecting to be repaid? If so, what happened?
7) When have you ever demonstrated divine love for someone you did not care for or for someone who wronged you? Please describe one such instance.
8) When you give to others, do you ever consider whether they are deserving of your gift, or not? Please describe a time when you gave to someone whom you judged to be undeserving of your gift. What happened as a result of your giving.
PRINCIPLES
9) God expects us to give to anyone in need.
10) We give with our time, treasure and/or talent.
11) God requires us to give whether the recipient deserves what we give, or not.
12) We will always reap what we sow and with the same measure that we sow.
Luke 6:34-38
34 And if ye lend [to them] of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What should we hope for when we give to others? (v.34)
2) Whom should we give to, love, and be kind to? Why? (v.35)
3) Whom should we show mercy towards? Why? (v.36)
4) Why shouldn't we judge or condemn others? Why should we forgive? (v.37)
5) Why and how should we give? (v.38)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Have you ever given to someone in need without expecting to be repaid? If so, what happened?
7) When have you ever demonstrated divine love for someone you did not care for or for someone who wronged you? Please describe one such instance.
8) When you give to others, do you ever consider whether they are deserving of your gift, or not? Please describe a time when you gave to someone whom you judged to be undeserving of your gift. What happened as a result of your giving.
PRINCIPLES
9) God expects us to give to anyone in need.
10) We give with our time, treasure and/or talent.
11) God requires us to give whether the recipient deserves what we give, or not.
12) We will always reap what we sow and with the same measure that we sow.
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