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February 9, 2025
Why We Give & Serve
In this week 6's "It's Who We Are" series message, Pastor Chip talks about the significance of what happens when we give and serve.
General:
- When talking about giving or generosity, what feelings or thoughts come to mind?
- How does this culture point, “Contagiously Outrageous,” align with your life? (Your marriage? Your home? Your priorities? Your career? Your relationships? Etc.)
- Based on the passage in Philippians, what would you say is a biblical definition of generosity? How does it differ from how the world defines generosity?
- Why do you think generosity was such a key characteristic of the early church in Philippi?
- How can generosity extend beyond individuals to become a defining characteristic of the Church? What would it look like if Christians were known more for radical generosity than anything else?
- Pastor Chip shared that we have to begin somewhere if we desire to reach a goal (e.g., his ski example of needing to get down the slope). If you tithe, how did you begin? If you are not yet tithing, what would be a good first step for you?
- What is one tangible way you can practice generosity this week—financially or otherwise?
Take Home 1: Giving and generosity shouldn't be a tough topic (Phil. 4:10)
- Some people assume that “the church just wants my money.” Where does this perception come from, and how can the church change the conversation around generosity?
- Why do you think God cares about generosity? What does it reveal about our hearts?
- How does understanding God’s extreme generosity toward us shape the way we live and give?
Take Home 2: We are stewards of what we have, not owners
- What’s the difference between being an owner and being a steward? How does this change the way we think about money and possessions?
- Is there an area of your life (time, talent, or treasure) where you could be more generous?
Take Home 3: Tithing and offerings are not the same thing
- What is the difference between a tithe and an offering? Why do you think it’s important to distinguish between the two?
- Prior to hearing this message, did you think that tithing is a New Testament principle, an Old Testament law, or something else? How has this message challenged your understanding?
- Do you see tithing as a financial transaction, an act of obedience, or an act of worship? How does that perspective impact your attitude toward giving?
Take Home 4: Understanding the reciprocal nature of giving and receiving (Phil. 4:17)
- Paul isn’t focused on the financial help itself but on what it means for the Philippians spiritually. What does this reveal about the purpose of giving?
- How do we guard our hearts against treating generosity as a transaction with God rather than an act of worship?
- In Luke 6, Jesus says, “Give and it will be given to you.” How should we interpret this verse in light of biblical generosity? How does it differ from a “give to get” mentality?
- How do we reconcile the biblical principle that generosity leads to blessing with the reality that some faithful givers still experience difficulty?
Message Series
It's Who We AreMessage Tags
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Teacher
Dr. Chip Bennett
Senior Pastor/Teaching Elder
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