Uncommon Life | July 17, 2022 | Generosity
Generosity is one of the easiest ways to identify if somebody is a follower of Jesus. The earliest disciples modeled what it means to live generous lives by sharing everything they had and giving to those in need. But why is generosity so important for followers of Jesus? As followers of Jesus, the answer to "Why we give?" is best answered by looking at whose kingdom you are building with your generosity. When you live a generous life, your life and actions are not just for yourself. They are building up the kingdom and pointing people in the direction of Jesus!
KEY VERSES
Luke 8:1-3 NLT - 1 Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, 2 along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; 3 Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.
Acts 2:43-47 NLT- 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Acts 6:1 NLT - 1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
Matthew 6:24 NLT - 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
Matthew 6:31-33 NLT - 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
HEARING WHAT GOD IS SAYING
One of the best ways to hear what God is saying right now is to look at what He has said in the Bible with a few friends. Discovery Bible Study is an easy-to-use way to hear from God, make good changes in our lives, and share with others what God is up to. Grab some friends, pick a verse or story from above and dive in deeper to this week’s message.
Recap
+ Reconnect
To begin the study, each person answers these questions:
- What are you thankful for?
- What is causing stress for our neighbors and people around us?
- What can we as individuals or as a group do to help?
+ Recap
- Have someone retell the story from your previous meeting.
- Did you live out your response from last week?
- Did you tell anyone else about the story from last week?
Discovering What God Is Saying
+ Read and Retell the Bible Story
- One person reads the story out loud to the group.
- Someone else in the group retells the story in their own words as they remember it, and others fill in what’s missing.
+ Read and Look
- Read the passage again (different version if possible)
- What does this passage say about God, Jesus, or His plan?
+ Read and Look Again
- Have 1-2 more people retell the story as if they were telling a neighbor outside their home.
- What does this passage say about people in general?
Doing What God Is Saying
+ Consider
- What in me needs to change to better DO what God is showing me today?
- How will you respond to/obey this passage in a tangible, perhaps even costly ways in the next 48-72 hours?
- Have someone record these for prayer time, and for the beginning of the next meeting.
Sharing what God is saying
+ Praying Together
- Take prayer requests
- Pray together
+ Share
- Who in your life needs to hear this story?
- Who could you invite to study the Bible like this?
GIVING
Everything that happens at Canyon Ridge is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through Canyon Ridge, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and making a difference for the people of Las Vegas and around the world!