INTRO

We are so excited about the opportunities and the vision God has has given us.

The next two years will be full of faith & sacrifice to see this vision come to be.

We hope that everyone in our church, at both campuses, joins the call to pray, give, and watch what the Lord will do. 

If you like, start your group time by re-watching the 10 minute vision video together on our Invest in the Next homepage.

What was your first impression of the Invest In The Next Generosity Initiative?  

Philippians 1:5-6

You have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

In this passage, God promises to continue His work in us. 
What does that promise mean to you?

How does God use a Christian’s generosity to continue His work?  

Who have you looked up to in generosity and why?

What was a time where you followed a generous impulse and it grew your faith or helped you become more like Jesus?  

God promised to continue His work until Jesus returns.  He has been doing so generation after generation.  How will God’s work in our lives bless generations to come, even after we are called home to Heaven? 

How has thinking, discussing, and praying about Invest In The Next been for you so far?

Which of the three projects has you the most excited? 

Read 2 Corinthians 9:11-13

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.

What does it mean to you that we are enriched SO THAT we can be generous?

How are you at realizing your giving is ministry? 

And how can realizing that giving is a ministry help you be a cheerful giver?

Paul says that other people noticed the Corinthians’ generosity and it proved their faith. How can our church’s generosity impact people in our community?

Opening: Before we jump in, what stood out to you from the message? 

Scripture: Read 2 Corinthians 8:1–15 together. 

Pastor Arol noted that, outside of the Kingdom of God, Jesus spoke about money more than any other subject in the Gospels (approximately 15% of His teaching). Why do you think He focused so heavily on this topic? 

What challenges does a new Christian face when trying to view money from God’s perspective and ordering their life accordingly? 

Verse 2 says, “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” Circumstantially, the Macedonians could have justified not giving, yet their generosity was not dictated by their situation. What is your biggest takeaway from their actions? 

Paul shared the account of Macedonian generosity to encourage the Corinthian church to give in the same way. Who in your life has modeled biblical generosity and inspired you to follow suit? 

Jesus’ teachings on money are often linked to the promise of eternal rewards for those who align their lives with His mission. How often do heavenly rewards factor into your daily decision-making? 

Paul records that the Macedonians “urgently pleaded... for the privilege of sharing in this service” and were filled with “overflowing joy.” In what ways can you see God using the next two years of sacrificial giving to produce that same kind of joy in your life?

Before we jump in, what stood out to you from the message?

Read together: Philippians 4:10-20

Share a time where you noticed that God was providing for you.

Erik taught that GROWTH FOLLOWS GIVING.  

What does that mean to you?

Share a way that you have grown through giving.

Erik taught that FAITH INVITES GOD’S FAVOR.  

What does that mean to you?

What has God’s favor looked like in your life?

Why is it that trusting God and honoring Him with our finances is often so difficult?

What pushbacks or excuses have you’ve ever had against giving?

David ran toward the battle.  When you face hard things, do you normally want to run at them or run away from them?  Fight or Flight, share some examples with each other. 

We know that David was not on that battlefield by chance; this was a divine appointment.  Since there are no coincidences with God, how does it make you feel to realize that God has you here now – at Mission Bible Church at this particular time?

We trust that God is going to grow our faith over the next two years of intentional generosity. In what ways have you already seen God grow your faith during our study on biblical generosity over the last month?

David wanted God to get the credit for the win and he called that out before a stone was thrown.  Why is it important to give God the credit when we see awesome things take place in our lives and through our church?

After David holds up Goliath’s severed head… THEN the rest of the army is filled with faith and joins the battle.  

Who is someone who God used to spark faith and action in your life?

Who is someone you are praying receives a spark of faith and action by your example?

Close by praying, not only for each other, but for our church… 

-That God will provide all we need, and more!  

-That God will bless every person who gives in all the ways that He knows best.  

-That God will protect our church with unity and health as we build and grow.

-That God will work powerfully through our gifts and this initiative to bring forgiveness, freedom, and family to many through faith in Jesus.