Read 2 Corinthians 9:8-10 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- How does God provide?
- What does He provide?
- What does this produce within us?
Reflect
In the midst of teaching about generosity, Paul points to God’s character. Prior to these verses, Paul compares giving to farming, but the analogy falls flat without first realizing who provides our needs. All of our money and possessions were given to us by God. We’re simply stewards of them during our short time here on earth. Because of that, we can be generous, knowing that the God who provided before will provide again and again and again.
Many times people read these verses and think they’re about prosperity theology, which says that we give in order to receive. But God’s Word says the opposite. What we’ve already received is a blessing. So the question becomes, what will we do with that blessing?
God is the Provider. All of your time, talent, and treasure has been given to you by Him. He’s calling you to be generous with it, not for what you can get for yourself, but what you can give away. As you’re faithful to plant the seeds you’ve been given, God will continue to provide what you need. He wants to produce a “great harvest of generosity” in you. Are you letting Him?
Respond
- How have you seen God provide for you in the past? Have you thanked Him lately for everything He’s given you?
- Do you treat your money and possessions as yours to own or as blessings from God that you’ve been given to steward? What might need to change in your perspective or your actions?
- Do you give generously out of a response to what God has given you? How does today’s reading change the way you’ll give?
As you process these questions, use page 83 of your Awaken Guidebook to jot down any key reflections or next steps. Be sure to bring your guidebook to your group! Page 84 is a great place to write down things that you want to process together.