Chapter Three

What's In It For Me?

God, Outdo Me In Generosity

Starting Off:	To Memorize: Jesus said, “ Give and it will be given to you, full measure, pressed down, running so much over that men will heap it into your arms. (Luke 6:38) What an extravagant promise! Here is a place where God can truly show you that He exists. He is absolutely faithful to this promise of provision when you give freely to the needy and to Godly causes that need your help. Anthony says: God will never be outdone in generosity! When you become a serious giver, God will bless you with generous provision—but it will be yours for a purpose: He wants you to become part of His wonderful circle of blessing! Here's how it works: as you give generously to people in need, God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others….Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. (See 2 Corinthians 9: 8-13.) When God finds a giving heart, He will pour out generously too, because He knows He has found someone who will help Him fix our broken world; someone who will become the Gospel in action and bring honor and thanks to God. The blessing circle goes on as your sacrifices are richly rewarded so that you can continue to give freely and without fear. If you asked God to make you an instrument during the last session, the chances are good that at some point between then and now He has used your pocketbook to bless somebody else! Maybe that wasn't exactly what you expected, but, you know what? He's probably going to do that over and over. Is that a little scary? Once you realize that giving is going to be part of your job as God's instrument, you'll be happy to learn that He is going to provide the means for you to do it. This session is meant to explain how all this works.
Reconnecting:	Think over your time since the last session. As you asked God to make you an instrument, what has happened? What opportunities—large or small—has He given you? Were you watching for it? What did you do? Share this with the Group. Did you read the third, God, Outdo Me In Generosity, write down your comments and answer the questions in the Study Guide? Then it's time to…
Talk About This:	Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you.” (Luke 6:38) •  Knowing that God's generosity flows in proportion to our own, would you seriously ask God to outdo you in generosity? What do you think it might cost you? What priorities might it change? Is it a little intimidating? •  If we really want to experience God's provision, consider this: Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Might that Scripture give you a new slant on life and a new connection to God's provision? •  Why is money dangerous? How can it separate us from God? (Page 42) Anthony says: Money will be a blessing to you only if you view it as a gift from God. •  Do you remember to be grateful to God by sharing the gifts he has given you? Could you do better? •  Have you taken God's challenge about His promise to pour out blessings if you tithe? If you haven't done it yet, what is keeping you from “proving” God in this way? •  In addition to money, what are other ways to show your generosity, and receive in kind from the Lord? (Page 49) •  What God-given financial responsibilities do you have first , before you begin giving to strangers? Is it possible to do both? Will you try? (Page 54) Anthony says: God will never be outdone in generosity.
Action:	For some in the Group the thought of giving right now may be a huge leap in the dark. Pray with them to have courage to go ahead and leap anyway, so that God has a chance to prove his amazing faithfulness! This is the time for everyone to pray, “God, outdo me in generosity.” Along with the prayers from the first sessions, pray this every day. Write down the results to remind yourself of your answered prayers, and to share with the Group. Remember to look first for the needs in your own family. They may need financial help, or they may need a generous amount of your time for sympathy, advice, or counsel. Or they may just need your company and your love. One caveat here: remember, we live in a fallen world, and there are some people and groups who will eagerly attempt to squander your money and drain your energy. They may even attempt to take advantage of your generosity for purely selfish reasons. The Lord does NOT expect you to be manipulated! In such cases, simply ask God to show you when to say a firm but loving no to these requests.
Closing Prayer:	Lord, You said You will live within us both to will and to do Your good pleasure. Help us to be Your hand of blessing to a desperately needy world. Help us to be the Gospel with skin on…Good News to the destitute and hopeless. Set us free from greed and selfishness. We truly want to be able to share without thinking, lend without calculating, and give without counting the costs. Help us to do it when we have plenty and it's easy, and when we have little and it's hard. As we assimilate the wonderful truths of your circle of blessing, help us to be your most joyful givers possible. We love You, Lord. We want to be instruments that help You bless our families, our neighbors and our world. Fill us with Your generous, giving Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Assignment:	Read Chapter 4. Memorize the Scripture. Be ready to share your notes and your answers to the Talk About This section. Keep praying the prayers from the last sessions, too, and be ready to share the answers.