The Valuables – Eternal Investments / Small Group Discussion Guide
Week5

Starting ScripturesPsalm 90:12 “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

1 Timothy 6:17-19“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Reflection
Generosity is a virtue that is as central to the gospel message as salvation. After all, “God so loved the world that He [Himself] gave.” Through the generous gift of His Son, God not only provided for our sin and shame, but modeled the perfect example of how extravagant generosity should look. God did not simply give to get something from us. Rather, God gave His Son to us because He loves and values us above all of creation. Still today, His lavish gift yields a rich return – a harvest of sons and daughters, far and wide.
Generosity is never a money issue. Instead, itis always a heart issue. And because it’s a heart issue, it’s an eternal issue. The things of most importance are the things that matter most for eternity. It is true that God promises an abundant return on all that we give. This is His Word and our reward. However, the returns are better than any mere temporal gain. However, our motivation should not flow from a give-to-get attitude. Instead, it should spring from our love for what He loves, our value for what He values, and our desire to live with eternity in view.
Discussion Questions
1.What was the most generous gift a friend or family member has ever given you?(Leaders: A truly generous gift is not always defined by its monetary value or its size, but it can also be measured by the way it impacted the recipient.)
2.In what ways have you seen someone else’s generosity impact another person? How did his/her generosity impact you as well?
3.Describe a time when you felt challenged or stretched to be generous towards another person. What did you learn from that experience?
4.How have you seen God’s blessing and return (physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally) on your own generosity? How have you seen it in the lives of those around you who live generously?
5.Go deeper today! Review the Goals of Generosity section below. Consider selecting one of the goals below or create a goal of your own. Share with the group which goal you will be intentionally working on this week.
Going Deeper
Setting Goals of Generosity
Most of us set goals for all sorts of things. We set dieting goals when we just want to lose that elusive 20 pounds. We also set goals for our relationships, our careers, for retirement, and even for our debts to be paid off. These are good goals.However, Jesus encourages us to set goals with heaven in mind. He teaches us to “store up”[make a plan] riches in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy.
Below are a few recommendations on generosity goals you can start on today. Pray about which one God may want for you in this season. As you begin, trust Him for the eternal treasures you have yet to see unfold, and expect Him to show Himself faithful to His promises in providing you with all that you need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:2-4 NKJV)
  • Begin tithing.
Take a 90-day challenge of tithing.Commit to tithing for 90 days, no matter what. Let your trust and your faith grow as you commit to bring to God what is His, and watch and see if He doesn’t take care of you through it all. If you can’t do the 10%, then set a goal to give whatever percent you can consistentlyas your faith and ability grows.
  • Give something to someone who cannot pay you back this month.
Be intentional about this. Use prayer and planning as you set your heart to do this.Pray and trust the Lord to lead you in WHAT to give and WHO to give it to.
  • Have your family begin saving together now for a special Christmas offering.
Create a special jar in order to begin saving for an annual Christmas offering. Watching your generosity impact the world in a big way and that can take some time, so start today!
(See next page)
  • Be the one who “picks up the check.”
On Sunday, Pastor Dave shared a story about his father-in-law, a generous man who often picked up the check when out to eat with friends and family. It may not be practical for most of us to pick up the check every time, but try setting a goal to do it ONE time in the next six months. Do it with joy and watch your joy be multiplied.
Additional Scriptures
Malachi 3:10 “Bring the whole titheinto the storehouse,that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LordAlmighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgatesof heaven and pour outso much blessingthat there will not be room enough to store it.”
Leviticus 27:30 “‘A titheof everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to theLord; it is holyto theLord.”
Luke 6:37-38 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
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