Lean In // 5 minutes
Would you rather receive an Oscar or a Grammy? Why?
Leader note: We love awards so much that we even like to watch people receive awards. Use this question to transition into the Look Down section and highlight how people think the only thing better than receiving an award is receiving a public reward!
Look Down // 10 minutes
What do you learn about the generosity of the Scribes and Pharisees?
Sample answers may include…
- It was for show
- Desired honor from others
- Wanted the immediate reward
- Gave them prestige
- Looked to be celebrated
- Tooted their own horn
- It was hypocritical
What does Jesus say about practicing generosity?
Sample answers may include…
- God’s reward is now and in the future
- The Pharisees and Scribes’ reward was simply the praise of the people
- The Disciple’s generosity received God’s reward
- Giving is for the audience of God—Give in secret (v. 4)
- Generosity is a when and not an if—When you give…(vv. 2-3)
- Generosity is a practice from a changed heart (v. 1)
Commentary: The challenge with the Scribes and Pharisee’s giving was that it was to be seen by others rather than focusing their giving for God to be seen. As a result, Jesus refers to them as hypocrites (v. 2). The image of a hypocrite is an actor with a script that is playing to an audience. Jesus highlighted the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees because they were giving to be seen as generous rather than giving as a response from a changed and generous heart.
Look Out // 10 minutes
What does a life of generosity look like? What does a life not lived generously look like?
Leader Note: This question is designed to get your group thinking about how the biblical principal of generosity works in our world today. Invite your group to share stories where they’ve seen generosity displayed through someone they know and likewise where they may have seen the effects of greed. Let your group know that their examples don’t just have to be about money… i.e time, gifts ect.
Look In // 15 minutes
What holds you back from giving generously?
Sample answers may include…
- Fear that I won’t have enough
- The desire to keep more of my money
- I want recognition for my giving
- My small amount doesn’t matter
- The Church doesn’t need my money
- I want to control how my giving is used
What steps do you need to take to move at generosity?
Sample answers may include…
- Believe that God is good and trustworthy
- Realize that my money really belongs to God
- Take a step of faith:
- Give for the first time
- Give regularly rather than randomly
- Give generously and sacrificially
Where have you experienced God’s rewards through your giving?
Leader Note: There are people in your group that have experienced God’s goodness through their giving. This is a good opportunity to share stories and hear how God has moved in their lives. It’s not so they can be seen but rather to inspire the faith of others.
Live It Out // 5 minutes
What would change in our community and relationships if we became more generous?
Key Verse(s): Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. – Matthew 6:4
Key Thought: Take the journey to generosity.
Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities
Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.