Discussion Questions

1. Read Genesis 14. Melchizedek is a foreshadowing of Jesus. Who initiates the action between him and Abraham after the battle? What is Abraham’s response and what is his posture towards the material goods he won?
2. Read Genesis 28:10–22. How did Jacob’s interactions with God change his posture toward wealth? Who initiated the giving? How have you seen this in your own life?
3. Read Micah 6:1–8. When the people of God responded to God’s generosity with greed and self-centeredness how did He correct them? What are some ways we as a church can live out the kind of offering to God articulated in Micah 6:8?
4. Read Luke 21:1–4 and Matthew 6:19–24. How are these passages related? What do you think Jesus is asking of us in relation to giving of our financial resources? How does this lifestyle bless us?

Confession

Gracious God, we confess that we have struggled with sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in our thoughts, words, and actions. By what we have done and not done. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbor as ourselves. Because of your Son, Jesus, forgive us, renew us, and lead us so that we can reflect your generosity to the world. Amen.