October 13th, 2023
Let’s read & reflect on the book of Acts, Chapter 20.
BACKGROUND –
This chapter focuses on the apostle Paul’s farewell to leaders and disciples from Ephesus where he had imparted the Gospel and his life. Paul quotes Jesus’ words in Vs. 35. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” He encouraged them to “remember” these words. Jesus’ teaching is counter-culture. The culture is all about ‘getting’; but Jesus’ kingdom is all about ‘giving.’
PAUSE & REFLECT -
Recall a time when you have given to help someone in a time of need. How did that make you feel? Did you experience Jesus’ promise of “being blessed?”
Pray and ask the Lord to show Who could benefit from your generosity.
“Abba Father, as I consider the blessing of living generously, empower me by Your Spirit to give to __________________, for I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen!”
Relationships are built and deepened as giving takes place with a grateful attitude.
Taking Initiative to Give First
Complete the sentence below then discuss this principle of giving first and how you have seen it help bring about positive change in others.
A time when I shared ___________________________ with a family member/colleague/friend and it seemed to encourage them to _____ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________.
Pray for tonight’s Anne Wilson Concert at our church. May we be gracious hosts to the many guests who will attend.
BACKGROUND –
This chapter focuses on the apostle Paul’s farewell to leaders and disciples from Ephesus where he had imparted the Gospel and his life. Paul quotes Jesus’ words in Vs. 35. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” He encouraged them to “remember” these words. Jesus’ teaching is counter-culture. The culture is all about ‘getting’; but Jesus’ kingdom is all about ‘giving.’
PAUSE & REFLECT -
Recall a time when you have given to help someone in a time of need. How did that make you feel? Did you experience Jesus’ promise of “being blessed?”
Pray and ask the Lord to show Who could benefit from your generosity.
“Abba Father, as I consider the blessing of living generously, empower me by Your Spirit to give to __________________, for I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen!”
Relationships are built and deepened as giving takes place with a grateful attitude.
- Giving First to others motivates—not with fear or self-interest, but with gratitude
- Giving to others guards you from self-interest and prompts gratitude.
- Giving a greeting to visitors out of duty and obligation—just because it’s on my job description lacks genuineness and can often be sensed by the visitors
- Being friendly under pressure and fear of being reported by others—can’t possibly be friendly!
Taking Initiative to Give First
Complete the sentence below then discuss this principle of giving first and how you have seen it help bring about positive change in others.
A time when I shared ___________________________ with a family member/colleague/friend and it seemed to encourage them to _____ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________.
Pray for tonight’s Anne Wilson Concert at our church. May we be gracious hosts to the many guests who will attend.
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