Annual Growth: Trusting God with Your Money

Read Malachi 3:7-10

Introduction:

What do you think is most people's perspective of money?

Our culture's strategy on money is simple: Make more money --> get more stuff --> do more things. But what if our finances were more than just about growing our money? What if part of God's design was for our money to help grow us instead of just growing our money?

1. In scripture, "giving" is mentioned 2,162 times. Jesus taught about it, oftentimes warning "rich people" that money is a huge stumbling block to them getting into the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus was also clear when he said, "You cannot worship both God and money" (Matthew 6:24) and that "the love of money is the root of all evil." (1 Timothy 6:10).

So why do you think so many people struggle with giving their finances to God?

Why does growth tend to stop when "giving" is mentioned?
(Trust issues, lack of faith, believe that our money is "mine", don't think it's important to give.)

2. Reread Malachi 3:7-10. God lists 2 ways in which we give: tithes and offerings. The "full tithe" is to be brought to God's house (the church), while other offerings/gifts can be made to charities and other needs.

A. Why is it so important for God's people to be generous through the local church? Is giving your tithes/offerings at a local church the same as giving a homeless man some cash or an autograft to United Way through your paycheck?

B. What is the main difference in a non-profit charity meeting a need and the local church meeting a need in our city?
(Think on the lines of "who gets the credit." Think about the message that is delivered along with meeting the need.)

C. In verse 10, God say BRING the tithe to God's house, not GIVE. What is the difference between "give" and "bring"? How does this understanding shift the idea around generosity, joy, and your finances? Why is every gift a regift to God?

3. Read 2 Corinthians 9:7.

A. Scripture commands each person to give "as he has decided in his heart." It doesn't tell exact amounts. How do you decide how much to give? What process do you go through in your heart before you give online or on a Sunday morning? Do you pray, give when you feel led, start with a baseline amount, or use some other method?

B. What does being a "cheerful giver" even mean? does it mean you should smile when you put an envelope in the basket? Be happy when you give?

C. What difference does it make to God whether you're cheerful or not? Doesn't He just want my money?
(Talk about the attitude of giving, the desire behind it, and why the heart trumps the amount/frequency that you give).

4. Read 2 Corinthians 8:7.

What is your definition of "excelling" in gracious generosity? What would it look like for your rGroup to excel in this area?

Personal Reflection Time:

A. Give yourself a grade. Have you done a good job trusting God with what He has entrusted with you? Have you grown spiritually through your giving?

B. What are the steps you need to take NOW to ensure you're trusting God in this area?
(Automate your giving so you won't be tempted to "rob God," tweak your budget to reflect an attitude of generosity, or maybe just spend some time asking God what He would like for you to regift to Him).