The Miracle of Generosity

’For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.’
2 Corinthians 8:9

‘Money has taken on a mystical, Lord of the Rings-ish quality, where the only way to escape its power is not to have any.’
The Guardian

The bible talks a lot about money. This isn’t because God is particularly interested in money, after all he created the whole universe! Rather, he cares about our hearts. Money is one of the biggest competitors to God in our attitudes, affections and actions.

Join us for a two-part series where we explore key principles about handling money that truly set us free. And, along the way we’ll discover how rich we really are!

• 31 May · Handling money with your hands

  Generosity isn't an idea, it's something you can hold in your hands. It shows itself in budgets, bank accounts, decisions, and priorities.

  In 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul paints a picture of people whose lives were so shaped by God's grace that it changed what they did with their resources. Their generosity wasn't spontaneous or reluctant; it was deliberate, joyful, and deeply practical.

  Because the gospel doesn't just change our beliefs - it changes our actions.

  Bible passage: 2 Corinthians 8-9

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  Study questions

  1. Who has had the greatest positive influence on your faith, and what specifically did they do that shaped you?

     Read 2 Corinthians 8–9.

  2. Paul founded the church in Corinth and clearly encourages generous giving. Why do you think he appeals to grace, love, and willingness rather than imposing a fixed financial requirement?

  3. Read 2 Corinthians 8:9 again. Jesus became poor for our sake so that we might become rich in Him. What kind of "riches" is Paul talking about, and what implications does that have for how Christians live?

  4. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6. How would you respond to someone who says, "If I give more money, God will make me financially richer"? What do you think Paul is actually teaching?

  5. According to 2 Corinthians 9:8-11, in what ways does God enrich His people? Which of those forms of enrichment do we most easily overlook?

  6. Paul repeatedly emphasises willingness and cheerfulness in giving. What influences - both good and bad - tend to shape our attitudes towards money and generosity?

  7. Read Deuteronomy 8:18. Our culture often celebrates hard work, talent, education, or opportunity as the source of wealth. How does Moses challenge that perspective?

  8. What is the difference between thinking of money as something we earn and give versus something we steward? How might that change our spending, saving, and giving decisions?

  9. Spend some time asking God: "What would you like me to do with the resources You have entrusted to me?"

     Pray for wisdom, freedom from fear, and a heart that reflects His generosity.

• 7 June · Handling money with your heart

  Some idols are easy to spot. Others sit quietly in our bank accounts, our ambitions, and our sense of security.

  Jesus' warning in Luke 12 isn't aimed at the obviously greedy - it is aimed at anyone tempted to find life, worth, or safety in what they possess. The rich fool had plenty of wealth, but he trusted it to do something it could never do.

  Money is useful. Necessary, even. But it was never meant to sit on the throne of our hearts.

  Bible Passage: Luke 12:15-21 and 1 John 5:21

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  Study questions

  1. What is one of your most treasured possessions, and why does it matter so much to you?

     Read Luke 12:15–21.

  2. Verse 15 warns against "all kinds of greed." What different forms can greed take besides simply wanting more money?

  3. Why does God call the rich man a fool? What assumptions had he made about life, wealth, and the future?

  4. In verse 21, what does it mean to be "rich toward God"? How might that look in practice?

  5. Are these verses warning Christians against saving for retirement or a pension? Why or why not?

  6. Do you think it is generally more virtuous to spend, save, or give? Why?

  7. Which do you find hardest to surrender to God: your time, your money, your abilities, or something else?

  8. If God looked at your calendar and bank statement, what would He say you are really investing your life in?

  9. PRAY: Ask God to reveal any forms of greed in your life and to help you become increasingly "rich toward Him."