Community Group Questions

“Spend Less/Give More” 12/9/18

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Scripture: Read- Mathew 2:1-12, Luke 12:13-21

Series: Recovering Christmas- Part 2 

Connecting the teaching and the worship: One of the songs that we sang this week was “Joy to the World”.  How does spending with Gospel Motives increase our joy and set us free to give joyfully?

1). Why is “Spending Less” a solid principle to live by- during the Advent Season and beyond? 

2). Why are things like telling people statistics about debt and the dangers of debt not enough to change the heart that causes over spending?

3). As we look at Luke 12, Jesus obviously does not take an issue with “savings”.  What was the heart issue that the parable was addressing? 

4.) Immediately following our passage in Luke 12 is a teaching on anxiety. If your practices on saving/spending are producing anxiety what might that reveal about where your security is found?

5).  In Luke 12, the man in the parable is called out on his covetousness- how can contentment be an antidote for covetousness?

6). How does spending less free us up to give more to the areas that God is leading us to be generous?

7). Generosity is something that is close to and demonstrated by the heart of God (2 Corinthians 8:9).  Is it possible to be generous but NOT in a Spirit led manner?

8). As we look at Christ’s giving in 2 Corinthians 8:9, how does the way that Jesus gives different than obligatory giving?

9). Often times this around this year people will give out of reciprocation.  How does “Grace” and “the Gospel” set us free from reciprocation?

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Application Questions from Sermon: 

1. Do you have a theology of celebration and feasting?  

2. We all know that saving is important and wise, but in all things we should examine our Scripture, our hearts and our motives.  What is your motivation for saving?

3. Is your security in Christ or in your savings?

4. One way to see where your security is- how’s your anxiety

5. Where do you invest your treasure? (How does saving help you invest in that treasure?)

6. The opposite of covetousness is contentment- Has Christ’s gift of salvation set you free to walk in Contentment? (Godliness is of great gain when coupled with contentment)

7. Has Christ’s generosity set your heart free to be generous because you lack NOTHING in Christ?

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