Series: In God We Trust

Title: Give Because God is Worthy
Text: Mark 12:41-44
Series: In God We Trust

What is our response in giving to a God who did not hold back but gave us His all?

1) Give to God Without Being Known by Others (v41)

When we give, we could give with different motives. The rich at that time sought recognition and wanted to impress others through their giving. What about us – do you give to God? What is your motive for giving to God? Do you also sometimes seek man’s recognition and affirmation when you give? Does it matter that we give with the right motive? Why?

2) Give to God What God Has Blessed Us (v41b, 44a)

The Bible teaches us to give from what God has given to us. We should be mindful of ‘lifestyle creep’. This happens when we earn more and our spending increases, but our giving does not. Has your spending impeded your giving? If so, are there lifestyle changes that you can make so that you are able to give to God and the needs around you?

3) Give to God All That We Have (v42-43, 44b)

The poor widow was affirmed by Jesus for giving sacrificially. Reflect on your giving. is it transactional where you give hoping to get something in return? Or conditional where you give only if certain conditions are met? Or do you give sacrificially out of a loving relationship with God? Would you continue to give to God even when you would not receive anything in return, and even when you may experience lack?

Sacrificial giving flows out of sacrificial living. Sacrificial living is when we are willing to give up our comfort and convenience to live in our conviction in God. What are the areas or things that truly matters to you, considering our relationship with God? Are there areas that God is prompting you to surrender and trust your life to Him?

Title: Remain in God’s Provision
Text: Deut 8:6-18
Series: In God We Trust

Wealth is a double-edged sword, powerful if wielded correctly but deadly if mishandled. What should our perception of wealth be in light of God’s providence?

1) As God provides, remember to obey His commands

Discuss why do you think God accompanied the description of the Promised Land with the command to “obey His commands and walk in His ways” to the Israelites? As Christians, we have the Word of God to guide us in His ways. How is your obedience to the Word of God today?

How we view money can often reflect where our hearts and treasures are. How does the way we spend our money reveal the condition of our hearts? What is God doing in your heart through your giving habits and choices? Reflect how has our heart attitudes been towards setting aside a tithe to God.

2) As God Provides, Remember that Everything Comes From God

God’s people’s biggest pitfall is forgetting our story – who we were and whose we are. Remember to remember. Remember how we were when God first us? Why is it important for us to “not forget”? At the fringe of the Promised Land, why do you think the theme “Remember” dominated Moses’ parting words? How can we practice the habit of remembering?

The very reason for the Israelites’ complacency was the blessings God gave. Reflect on our own lives: was there any blessing that God provided became the reason of our complacency towards God? In the midst of enjoying what God has given, how much do we give to God and His people?