God calls us to move beyond scarcity and live generously with our time, talent and treasure.
Lean In
- When you hear the word “generosity,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
- Can you think of a time when someone’s generosity (of time, talent, or treasure) impacted your life? What did that reveal to you about God’s character?
- Where do you personally find it hardest to be generous—with your time, your talents, or your finances? Why?
Look Up
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6–15 aloud as a group.
Observation — What does the text say?
- What do you notice in this passage? What words, phrases, or ideas stand out to you?
- Paul uses farming language like “sowing” and “reaping.” What does that image communicate about generosity?
- What repeated words or patterns do you see in verses 8–11? Why might Paul emphasize these?
Interpretation — What does the text mean?
- What do we learn about God’s character from this passage?
- What do we learn about human nature or the way we tend to view giving?
- Why do you think Paul connects generosity with joy (“God loves a cheerful giver”)?
- How does this passage challenge the idea of a scarcity mindset?
- What might “God’s abundance” look like in everyday life—not just financially, but spiritually or relationally?
Application — How should we respond?
- How are you personally encouraged, challenged, or convicted by this passage?
- What would it look like to “sow generously” in your current season of life?
- Where is God inviting you to trust His abundance more deeply—with your time, your talent, or your treasure?
- What practical step of generosity could you take this week as an act of faith?
Reflect + Relate
- In what areas of your life do you tend to operate from fear of not having enough rather than faith in God’s provision?
- How might generosity help you grow spiritually and emotionally—making you more like Jesus?
- Read Luke 6:38 and Proverbs 11:24–25. How do these verses reinforce Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 9?
- What kind of community could we become if everyone in our group lived out this kind of generosity?
Further Study
- 2 Corinthians 9:6–15 – Generosity and God’s abundance
- Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you…”
- Proverbs 11:24–25 – “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer…”
- James 1:17 – Every good and perfect gift is from above
Prayer
“Father, thank You for being our generous Provider.
Everything we have comes from You.
Help us move beyond fear and live in Your abundance.
Show us how to give freely—our time, our gifts, our resources—so that others may see Your goodness and give You glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Practice (Step Out)
Here are a few ways to walk out what we’ve learned this week:
- Generosity Challenge: Choose one area—time, talent, or treasure—and take one intentional step of generosity this week.
- Encourage Someone: Write a note, text, or call someone to thank them for their generosity and how it’s impacted you.
- Pray a more “dangerous” prayer each morning this week: “God, help me see where I can sow generously today, AND help me to take a step toward acting on what I see.”