SESSION 09 · LESSON 9

Living Generously

H Helping the World

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Lesson 9 introduction · Pastor Jeff

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Big Idea: Generosity is the overflow of a heart that trusts the Father. We give because He first gave, and in His kingdom, what we give away in love multiplies.
Memory Verse: Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Action Step: Decide on a planned, regular giving step and set it up this week.
Outcome: I’ve set a planned giving rhythm and practiced one spontaneous act of generosity.

Open-handed living in a scarcity world

The Way of JesusRead before you meet · about 5 minutes

The most generous person who ever lived

Jesus gave Himself: His time, His attention, His touch, His meals, and finally His life. “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Generosity isn’t a fundraising strategy. It’s what happens when God’s grace flows through us to others.

Scarcity story vs. gospel story

Our world runs on a scarcity story: There won’t be enough. Hold on tight. Protect what’s yours. Jesus tells a different story: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). Then He adds, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34).

Notice the order. Your heart follows your treasure. If you want to care more about God’s kingdom, start putting your treasure there.

More than money

Generosity includes money, but it’s bigger: time, attention, skills, your home, and your table. The early church shared so freely that “there were no needy ones among them” (Acts 4:34).

The generosity triad

Planned. Decide ahead of time what you’ll give, and give it first, not from leftovers. Many Christians use the tithe (10 percent) as a benchmark. If that feels far away, choose a percentage and take a step toward it.
Spontaneous. Keep a “mercy margin”: a little money or time set aside so you’re ready when a need appears.
Relational. Share a meal, open your home, and give your time to a real person with a real need.

You can’t out-give God. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

When You Meetabout 60 minutes

Who leads: The disciple opens in prayer, leads Connect, and leads Read. The discipler leads Practice and Pray & Plan.

Connect· 10 min

Tell about a time someone was generous to you. How did it affect you?
How is your Freedom Plan going? What needs adjusting?

Read· 20–25 min

Read aloud: Luke 12:13–34 and 2 Corinthians 9:6–11

What did the rich fool get wrong (Luke 12:16–21)?
What worries make it hard to live with open hands (vv. 22–31)? What does Jesus say about the Father?
What does Paul promise about sowing and reaping? What does “cheerful” giving look like?
What most tempts you to grasp: time, money, or control?

Practice· 15 min

Generosity inventory. Look at four areas and ask, “Where is God inviting me to open my hands?”
Time: Who could use an hour of my week?
Talents: What skill could I offer?
Treasure: What would planned, first-fruits giving look like for me?
Table: Who could I welcome into my home for a meal?
Then each decide on your planned giving step. Write it down. You don’t need to share the number.

Pray & Plan· 10 min

Pray for open hands and trusting hearts.
Confirm your planned step and your spontaneous act for the week.

For disciplers: Share your own journey with giving: what’s been hard, and how God has provided. Stories open hands faster than rules.

For groups: Never ask anyone to share giving amounts. Consider a group generosity project this month: meet a real need together.

Live ItThis week's action step

Decide on a planned, regular giving rhythm (a percentage or amount, given first) and set it up this week, through Colonial, another ministry, or both.

My planned giving step

I’ll set it up by

Go deeper (optional): Set aside a “mercy margin” in your budget or calendar this month so you’re ready when a need appears.

Pass It Onwithin 48 hours

Do one spontaneous act of generosity for someone on your BLESS list: buy a coffee, share a meal, or meet a practical need.

Five Days with Jesus10–15 minutes a day

Use R³ each day: Read, Reflect, Respond.

Day 1 · 2 Corinthians 9:6–11

What seed will I sow this week?

Day 2 · Luke 12:32–34

Where is my treasure? What’s one step I can take toward the kingdom?

Day 3 · Acts 2:44–47

What can I share this week: space, stuff, or skills?

Day 4 · Proverbs 11:24–25

Who needs refreshing through me?

Day 5 · John 6:1–14

What “loaves and fish” can I put in Jesus’ hands?

Awareness: Scarcity Story vs. Gospel Story

When you hear the whisper, “There won’t be enough,” answer it out loud: “My Father knows what I need. I will seek His kingdom first” (Luke 12:30–31).

Ready to Move On?

I’ve decided on a regular, planned giving rhythm.

I practiced one spontaneous act of generosity.

I can tell one story of God’s provision.

When you and your discipler agree these are true, move on to the next session. If not, take another week. That’s growth too.