Huddle 2.20.22
Intro Question
- Who is a fictional character that was known for being greedy?
- How were they treated in the story or movie?
- If they had a change of heart, what caused it?
Lesson Intro
We are continuing our Excel series this week as we look at some hang-ups people may have about giving. Often it is easier to see the fault in others, than to see the fault in ourselves.
Bible Engagement 1 Samuel 2:12-17 CSB
12 Eli’s sons were wicked men; they did not respect the Lord 13 or the priests’ share of the sacrifices from the people. When anyone offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling 14 and plunge it into the container, kettle, cauldron, or cooking pot. The priest would claim for himself whatever the meat fork brought up. This is the way they treated all the Israelites who came there to Shiloh. 15 Even before the fat was burned, the priest’s servant would come and say to the one who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast, because he won’t accept boiled meat from you—only raw.” 16 If that person said to him, “The fat must be burned first; then you can take whatever you want for yourself,” the servant would reply, “No, I insist that you hand it over right now. If you don’t, I’ll take it by force!” 17 So the servants’ sin was very severe in the presence of the Lord, because the men treated the Lord’s offering with contempt.
- What stands out from this text?
- What questions does it raise?
- What do you learn about the Lord (His practices, priorities, personality, etc.)?
- Why might people have been skeptical about giving their sacrifices, offerings, and money to the temple?
Topic Questions
- How have some Christian leaders handled people’s resources in a way that has made some people skeptical of giving to the church?
- Where are you on the skepticism meter when it comes to trusting your church with your resources?
- What is one thing that you could do to help you with your skepticism?
- What is one thing the church could do?
- What is a way skepticism can be healthy?
- What is a way skepticism can be harmful?
2 Corinthians 8:7
Bible Engagement Luke 12:13-15 CSB
13 Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
14 “Friend,” he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”
- What stands out from this text?
- What questions does it raise?
- What do you learn about the Lord (His practices, priorities, personality, etc.)?
- When Jesus says “all greed” (or “all forms of greed” in some other Bible translations), what are some other kinds of greed He may be talking about?
- Why does Jesus warn against greed?
Topic Questions
- How could someone be greedy and not know it?
- What areas in your life might you be greedy in (money, time, relationships, etc)?
- How can you fight against greed in your life?
Challenge Question
- What one step can you take this week to become more trusting and less greedy in the things the Lord is calling you to do?
Closing prayer
Lord, what do you want to do through me for your church?