Daring Faith - Week 8 Small Group Notes

Daring to be Generous

You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts. Your generosity will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 2 Corinthians 9:13 (NLT)

Every decision to be generous or giving brings with it at least 12 benefits: 1) it honors God; 2) it draws me closer to God; 3) it makes me more like Jesus; 4) it’s the cure for materialism; 5) it demonstrates my faith; 6) it reveals my character; 7) it brings God’s blessing; 8) it increases my happiness; 9) it increases my influence; 10) it multiplies my money; 11) it brings God’s protection; 12) it is multiplied in heaven. The Bible has more promises about giving than any other topic—even love. That’s because you can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving. Let’s take a closer look at six of the 12 benefits of giving.

If you are untrustworthy with worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? Luke 16:11 (NLT)

  1. Our natural condition is to be tempted by passion (what we desire), position (status), and possession (material wealth). The antidote is to develop a godly character through integrity, humility, and generosity. How do these godly qualities counteract our natural condition? Discuss with your small group the importance of developing a godly character.
  2. In doing a search of the Bible, the word “believe” is found 272 times, “pray” 371 times, “love” 714 times, and “give” 2162 times. What does it mean to give or to be generous? Why is giving so important? In what ways, besides money, can we give to others?

Your giving proves the reality of your faith….. 2 Corinthians 9:13 (Ph)

      3. We benefit when we are generous and when we receive the generosity of others. Share with your group a time when you were blessed by giving or by receiving a gift.

      4. How do you define materialism? Why is generosity the “cure” for materialism?


      5. Why does the state of our heart matter when we give of ourselves to others and how is the blessing returned to us?

The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy will get smaller and smaller. Proverbs 11:24 (Msg)

      6. One of God’s promises to us when we are generous is that our influence is expanded. What do you think that means? Talk about a few ways you may have seen influence expansion in action.

You will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NLT)

      7. God also promises that when we give, our resources will be multiplied. How is appropriating this promise a vital test of our faith?