FBS 15 Giving with Purpose/bg

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Praise
Read a scripture and practice a worship song.


 * Example: Hebrews 4:14-16 and sing songs


 * (optional) Use a Statement of Faith about Jesus like Philippians 2:11b + 1 Timothy 2:4-6a

Care
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer, biblical counsel and encouragement.


 * Ask each person to tell one highlight and explain one challenge they experienced this week.


 * Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you this week?” Pray for each other’s needs.

Celebrate Faithfulness
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus


 * Ask, “What happened as you trusted God with your goals and I will statements?”

Motivation and Encouragement
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or what God can do through them.

Example: One day Jesus sent out His followers to minister to people in the surrounding villages. When they returned they were so excited about all that God had done through them, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” After Jesus celebrated with them, He gave them this perspective: “But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20) Jesus reminds us that our joy is not found in results but that we know Him!



Context
The early church was committed to one another. They were meeting together regularly and many new people were coming to Christ. After a time of persecution, they prayed for boldness and the Lord helped them speak the gospel boldly. This story about the believers in Jerusalem shows their commitment to one another.

Read

 * Read or watch Acts 4:32-5:11 2-3 times as others listen.

Discovery Discussion

 * Everyone tells what caught their attention (or what they like best) and why.


 * Why do you think this story is important?


 * How can we live differently now that we know this story (passage)?

Tell and Correct

 * Practice the story by having someone tell the story and ask the group to correct if necessary.

Summary
Even from the beginning of the church, the believers cared for one another’s needs by giving. We learn from this story that we should give willingly, not under compulsion. This is clearly stated in 2 Corinthians 9:7. Read Acts 11:27-29. The early church also gave to believers in other churches. This shows us that our giving can be used for needs outside of our own church. Read Luke 8:1-3. This story shows us that giving is also used for taking the gospel to other places and spread God’s message. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul encourages people to practice giving each week to be used for these purposes.



Preparing for the Mission

 * Discuss how giving will be handled.


 * Identify needs where your giving can be used.


 * Remember Jesus’ sacrifice through communion if appropriate.


 * Practice any skill or topic from previous lessons to help prepare to minister to others.

Going on the Mission

 * Identify 5 people from your Network List with whom you will take the initiative to minister to this week.


 * Write “I will by when” statements and tell them to your small group.

Praying for the Mission
Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to start a movement of disciple-makers.