These studies are all taken from 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 which we are following at 9.00 am and 6.30 pm services. Money issues can run very deep and be very personal so do be aware of this.

Study 1
OVERFLOW OF GRACE
2 Corinthians 8:1-9

When everyone has done this, invite the group to share their earliest childhood memories of money: eg pocket money, paper round etc.

Then ask them how they feel about money now as adults: eg anxious, fearful, grateful etc.

Discuss why things might have changed between childhood and adulthood.

A song like You laid aside Your majesty is appropriate for this session.

Prayers thanking God for what he has given to us including our Saviour Jesus are also appropriate.

Read the passage.

Paul seems to identify three key motivations to encourage the Corinthians to give.

vv 1-4: the church in Macedonia was a 'poor' church and yet they were generous.

Have group members ever heard a story in church that has motivated them to give either to the church or a Christian charity? Eg a visit from 'Third world' Christians?

Has anyone visited another church and thought "If they can do this, so can we"?

Why is this kind of experience so powerful?

Could some people be put off by such comparisons? Discuss why this might be.

Vv 5-7: the church in Macedonia saw it as a privilege to give, they saw it as a ministry.

Do you agree with Paul that giving is just like any other form of ministry? (v 7)?

How do we see giving at St Luke's?

What does giving to St Luke's achieve? what does the ministry of St Luke's involve?

If we saw giving as sharing in the work of God, would that make a difference?

vv 8-9: our most important motivation to give is Jesus himself.

What does giving prove? (v 8).

How does having Jesus as an example to us in our giving make us feel: excited, nervous, scared, humbled?

Is it possible to give back to God?