Before diving into today’s reading, go to page 82 of your Awaken Guidebook and take a few minutes to complete the “Look Ahead” section.
Read 2 Corinthians 9:1-5 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- Why did Paul send “brothers” to the Corinthian church?
- What would cause them embarrassment?
- What type of gift did Paul want?
Reflect
Outside of Jesus, so much of our understanding on the theology of giving comes from Paul because he was constantly and unapologetically receiving offerings. In today’s verses, he reminded the Corinthian church of the commitment they’d made previously, then he sent Titus and two other believers to encourage them and hold them accountable. Paul didn’t want the Corinthian believers to give grudgingly. He wanted them to give willingly.
Like we’ve been learning throughout this series, God isn’t so much concerned with what or how much we give. He cares about our hearts. He wants us to trust Him and test Him. He wants us to give from hearts that are being changed by Him. When we do, we give Him the opportunity to move in powerful ways.
Whatever situation you find yourself in – with much or little, going through trial, eager to commit, struggling to commit, or hesitating to follow through, don’t disengage. Lean in and invite God into your finances. Ask Him to fill you with trust and to shape your heart to be willing to give. Pray for the faith to fulfill what He’s called you to commit, and pray that His power would be demonstrated in and through you.
Respond
- How would you describe your heart? Has it been changed by God? Where do you see an overflow from your heart into other areas of your life?
- Have you fully invited God into your finances? How have you engaged Him in this area? How could you engage Him more intentionally?
- When it comes to generosity, would you say you give “willing gifts,” or do you tend to give grudgingly? What is God stirring up within you in this area, and what would a next step look like?
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.