Live Generously – Living Generously
Concordadmin   -   July 31, 2022
Live Generously Workbook

Getting Started Notes

Sermon Series: “Live Generously”

(Matthew 6:21, Luke 16:13)

10 BIG IDEAS ABOUT MONEY

Here is a slate of key principles regarding understanding our money. These concepts are all the more critical during financial stress and inflation.

  1. Financial health follows the laws of the harvest. The results are not immediate, but they can be immense.
  2. Failing to plan with your generosity is planning to fail in generosity.
  3. Finances are not fair, but they are not fatalistic.
  4. You must be knowing where your money is going. Budget. (Boundaries with a budget bring about boldness in giving.)
  5. Financial health impacts your ability to be generous.
  6. The younger you are, the more powerful these principles are.
  7. Financial unhealth can look different. Some struggle with spending too much, and others struggle with hoarding too much.
  8. There is a generosity paradox. The more money you have, the more challenging it is to give the exact percentage away (and God is not concerned about amounts but percentages).
  9. The Bible says more about money than marriage, heaven, or raising children.
  10. You can’t honor God with your life if you don’t open this part of your life to God.

Two Tensions about Money from Jesus

1. Your money and your heart are tied together. (Matthew 6:21)

– Jesus knows the connection

– Jesus ultimately wants your

2. You can’t honor God and money. You must choose. (Luke 16:13)

– The battle for your affection for God is driven by money

– This tension will never fade

Application:

Commit to participate in these next six sermons

Set a goal for your Finances

  • Where do you want to be in five years?
  • What goals do you and your family have?

Discussion Questions

TALK IT OUT

  1. If you could change one thing about your financial situation, what would it be?
  2. What would you like to see happen to your personal finances at the end of this study?
  3. According to Pastor Rusty, the Bible has much to say about money. Why do you think Jesus talked about money so much?
  4. Pastor Rusty observes that according to Matthew 6:21, our money and heart are tied together. How have you observed this in your own life?
  5. In Luke 16:13, Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Why do so many people live for money?
  6. Pastor Rusty says, “this tension between God & money will never fade.” How do your money and stuff compete with your devotion to God?

LIVE IT OUT

  • Review the Living Generously Appendixes page 15. Use this tool (or another one) to track your spending.
  • Identify an area of spending competing for your affection and devotion to God’s ministry and the needs of others. How can you make a change in this area?
  • Would you commit today to participate in the following five sermons?
  • Where do you want to be in five years financially?
  • Pray as a family and ask God to help your family manage your finances well.

Take notes below