Branded
Reaping and Sowing | Week 3
February 18, 2024 | By Jesse DeYoung
Are you ready to redefine your relationship with money in a way that aligns with God’s purpose? This weeks message takes us on a journey through biblical truths about financial stewardship, emphasizing that our approach to money affects much more than our finances—it impacts our relationships, jobs, and families. We dive into 2 Corinthians, where Paul teaches us about giving as both a test and a trade of faith, challenging us to embrace stewardship, firstfruits, and generous giving as key components of our Christian walk. Jesse's message is a call to action, inviting us to take bold steps towards generosity and to live a life of fulfillment, just as Jesus taught us.
SETLIST
"I Like It, I Love It" By Tim McGraw
"From Now On" By Flatirons Music, written by Sydney Peterson, Ryan Peterson, and Nate Manning
"Goodness Of God" By Bethel Music, Available on "Victory"
"Don't Think Jesus" By Morgan Wallen
"More Than Able" By Elevation Worship, Available on "More Than Able"
GROUP QUESTIONS
Reaping and Sowing
Jesse DeYoung
February 18th, 2024
// Bible References
2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 9:6-12; Matt 13:22; Mark 8:36; Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:8; Luke 21:1-4; Philippians 4:12
// Community Question: What part of this series has been the most eye opening and/or challenging to you? If you have taken a step of faith in giving this past week, please share your experience.
// Discussion Questions
- Read Matthew 13:22 In the sermon, Jesse reminded the congregation that Jesus didn’t say there was anything wrong with being rich, but because of money’s ability to deceive us it is hard to be rich. How could money prevent the gospel from taking root in our lives when it comes to self-security, self-worth, and the mindset of stewardship?
- Read 1 Cor 8:1-5. Jesse discussed Paul’s use of the word 'prove' in the context of the generosity of the churches in Macedonia. Why do you think Paul emphasized proving our priorities through generosity? How do your financial choices reflect what matters most to you?
- Jesse asked if Jesus would raise the bar for generosity, like He did with other aspects of the Old Testament law. What steps can you take to raise the bar in your own generosity in various areas of your life (Time, Money, Resources, etc.)?
- Jesse talked about the power of giving and trusting that God will provide and multiply what we sow. What does the concept of sowing and reaping teach us about God's provision and our role in being generous? Can you share an instance when you experienced God's provision because of your generosity?
- Jesse emphasized that biblical generosity is based on the understanding that God has already given us enough. How does understanding biblical generosity differ from the transactional mindset of the prosperity gospel? How can you identify and resist the influence of prosperity gospel in your life and choices?
// Challenge: What step of generosity are you willing to take? Is it going to the website and looking at resources on biblical generosity? Is it taking a step and testing God’s faithfulness by tithing possibly for the first time? Or if you have been giving for a while, is it looking into what sacrificial giving would look like?