STUDY WITH PASTOR

Wednesday evening Bible Study has returned. Faithful Stewards: Living the Life of Generous Discipleship. Meet us here this Wednesday at 6:30pm, in person and on phone/video conference.

PASTOR

SAINT ANDREWS UMC FTW

4/8/20264 min read

Meet Pastor Gibson for coffee this Wednesday,

at 6:30pm. This will be held in the Social Hall in-person and

on phone/video conference.

Sessions & Zoom Link here:

Zoom Link here:

Meeting in-person & on phone/video conference.

To join by computer or cell/smartphone click the link below:

https://zoom.us/j/95179169014?pwd=Y3c1Zk5kY1U0cUhSRnlpdWRyL082Zz09

Zoom Meeting ID: 951 7916 9014

Passcode: 906461

To join by phone conference, call 346-248-7799. When asked, enter the meeting ID 951 7916 9014 then "#." When asked, enter Passcode 906461, then "#." Please press *6 to mute your phone if you are not speaking.

If you have problems joining this meeting contact our SAUMC Media Ministry for assistance,

Elaine Miles at 817-999-0168 or Cheryl Bassett at 972-655-8388.

Session 1:

The Heart of Giving — Living the Life of Generous

Key Scriptures

Psalm 24:1 • Matthew 6:21 •

Luke 21:1–4

Session Overview

Christian generosity begins in the heart before it appears in the hand. In this session we explore three

biblical truths: God owns everything, our giving shapes our hearts, and generosity flows from trust in

God.

Scripture Reflection

Psalm 24:1 – What does it mean that everything belongs to God?

Matthew 6:21 – How does our giving shape our hearts?

Luke 21:1–4 – What does the widow teach us about generosity?

Discussion Questions

1. What messages about money shaped your growing up?

2. Do you view giving as obligation or worship? Why?

3. How might generosity deepen your faith?

Personal Reflection

• What does my giving reveal about my priorities?

• Where might God be inviting me to trust Him more deeply?

• How can generosity become an act of worship in my life this week?

Session 2:

Understanding the Tithe — Living the Life of Generous

Key Scriptures

Genesis 14:20 - Malachi 3:10 - 2 Corinthians 9:7

Session Overview

The tithe teaches believers to trust God as the true provider and to honor Him first with what we receive.

The First Biblical Tithe

Genesis 14:20 - Abraham gave a tenth of everything to God.

Why do you think Abraham gave the tithe?

What does this teach us about honoring God?

God’s Invitation to Trust

Malachi 3:10 calls believers to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse.

What promise does God make in this passage?

Why do you think God connects giving with trust?

The Heart Behind Giving

2 Corinthians 9:7 teaches that God loves a cheerful giver.

What does cheerful giving look like in real life?

What attitudes can make giving difficult?

Personal Reflection

How has your understanding of the tithe changed over time?

What fears or questions do you have about tithing?

Weekly Challenge

Pray this prayer each day this week:

"Lord, teach me to trust you as my provider and to give with a joyful heart."

Session 4:

Generosity & Justice— Living the Life of Generous Discipleship

Key Scriptures

Proverbs 19:17 - Acts 2:44–45 - Acts 4:34–35

Session Overview

Biblical generosity reflects God’s heart for justice and care for those in need.

Lending to the Lord

Proverbs 19:17 says whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.

What does this verse teach about how God views generosity?

How might helping the poor be an act of worship?

The Early Church Example

Acts 2:44–45 describes believers sharing their possessions.

What stands out to you about their generosity?

Why do you think the early church practiced this kind of sharing?

A Community Without Need

Acts 4:34 says there were no needy persons among them.

What would it look like for churches today to live this way?

Personal Reflection

Where do you see need in your community?

How might God be calling you to respond?

Weekly Challenge

Look for one opportunity to help someone in need this week.

What might that look like?

Session 3:

Stewardship & Commitment — Living the Life of Generous

Key Scriptures

Luke 16:10 - Philippians 4:19 - 1 Timothy 6:6–8

Session Overview

Stewardship means faithfully managing what God has entrusted to us.

Faithful in the Small Things

Luke 16:10 teaches that whoever is faithful in little will also be faithful in much.

What are some “small things” God entrusts to us?

Why is faithfulness in small matters important?

God Our Provider

Philippians 4:19 says God will supply all our needs.

What is the difference between needs and wants?

Needs:

Wants:

The Secret of Contentment

1 Timothy 6:6–8 teaches that godliness with contentment is great gain.

Why do you think contentment is difficult in our culture?

What practices help cultivate contentment?

Personal Reflection

What area of your life do you struggle to trust God with most?

Weekly Challenge

This week, take time to thank God daily for what you already have.

Write three things you are grateful for:

1.

2.

3.

Session 6:

Commitment Celebration— Living the Life of Generous

Key Scriptures

Joshua 24:15 - Acts 2:46 - 2 Corinthians 9:11

Session Overview

Faithful stewardship leads to joyful commitment and celebration of God’s goodness.

A Personal Decision

Joshua 24:15 says, “Choose this day whom you will serve.”

What does it mean to choose to serve the Lord?

What does that choice look like in daily life?

The Joy of Worship Together

Acts 2:46 describes believers worshiping with glad and sincere hearts.

Why do you think generosity leads to joy?

How does generosity strengthen Christian community?

Blessing Others

2 Corinthians 9:11 says God blesses us so we can be generous.

How have you experienced God’s provision in your life?

How might God use you to bless others?

Final Reflection

What has God taught you through this study about stewardship?

What commitment would you like to make moving forward?

Personal Commitment

My next step in faithful stewardship:

Closing Prayer

Lord, Everything we have comes from you. Teach us to trust you, give generously, and serve

faithfully. May our lives reflect your grace and generosity. Amen.

Session 5:

Giving & Discipleship— Living the Life of Generous Discipleship

Key Scriptures

Luke 12:34 - Romans 12:6–8 - 2 Corinthians 8:7

Session Overview

Giving is not just about money—it is an essential part of Christian discipleship.

Where Your Treasure Is

Luke 12:34 teaches that our hearts follow our treasure.

What do our spending habits reveal about our priorities?

How can giving shape our hearts toward God?

Using Our Gifts

Romans 12:6–8 speaks about different spiritual gifts.

Which gifts do you see in your life?

How can these gifts be used to serve others?

Excelling in the Grace of Giving

2 Corinthians 8:7 encourages believers to grow in generosity.

Why do you think giving is described as a grace?

Personal Reflection

In what ways do you already give to God’s work?

Where might God be inviting you to grow?

Weekly Challenge

Choose one way to give beyond money this week:

Time

Encouragement

Service

Prayer

Write your plan: