Central Christian Church
Pastor: Doug Reed
Acts 20:35 NIV
John 3:16 NIV
Giving is a loving act of worthship; as well as an acknowledgment of who we trust and believe in–God Himself!
Life has less to do with how rich we are OR become BUT more with how we give and use our riches for God!
Romans 14:12 NLT
Three Questions to Answer:
1) Where did it all go?
2) What did I spend it on?
3) What has been accomplished for eternity through my use of all this wealth?
Luke 16:11 NLT
We look at God and say, “Can I trust you with my finances?” God looks at us and says, “Can I trust you with mine?”
It’s NOT what we want from you but what we want for you that counts! A deeper and generous relationship with Jesus!
What is ‘The Blessing Test?’
Deuteronomy 14:23 NLT
1 Chronicles 29:14 NIV
Goal: Being Jesus! Generously living and giving like He gave!
The Blessing Test
Malachi 3:6-10 NIV
Tithing Truth # 1: If we’ve turned away from God, return to Him!
Malachi 3:6-7 NIV
Tithing Truth # 2: By tithing, we give God what’s already His!
Malachi 3:8 NIV
Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV
Malachi 1:8 NIV
Malachi 1:13-14 NIV
Tithing Truth # 3: By tithing, we position ourselves to be blessed!
Malachi 3:9-10 NIV
Tithing Truth # 4: So, test God! Go ahead, try the tithing challenge!
Take the ‘Tithing Challenge!’
1st Step: Basic Level Giving
2nd Step: Obedience Level Giving
3rd Step: Sacrificial Level Giving
2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV
‘The Blessing Test’ all comes downs to total trust in God rather than our self!
THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE:
“But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV’84
REFLECT
Questions to reflect on in your personal quiet time, with the family and/or in your Life Group.
1) What one point personally stood out from the message and why?
2) Read 2 Cor. 8:7. Can we name someone who exhibits a life and heart of generosity? What stands out and why?
3) Discuss: Giving is a loving act of worthship; an acknowledgment of who we trust and believe in–God Himself!
4) Discuss: Life has less to do with how rich we are OR become BUT more with how we give and use our riches for God!
5) Read Malachi 3:6-10. Discuss and apply the ‘Four Tithing Truths’.
6) Challenge each other to the ‘Tithing Challenge’! Do we trust God or not?
RESPOND
What personal response and/or possible life change do you have to what you have heard?
REACH OUT
In regards to what has been revealed to you, what intentional action can you take this week to impact someone else for Christ?
RETELL
Share how God has worked in you and through you with someone else – in personal conversation, in your Life Group or at c3ocala.com/retell.