LIFE, MONEY, HOPE: PRINCIPLE OF THE FIRST (WEEK 4)
Preacher: Daniel Erasmus
Worship: For worship, listen to “Worthy of it All” by CeCe Winans. We’ve heard in week 1 that God owns everything. And the lyrics of this song just echo this truth. It says God is worthy of it all, that from Him are all things and to Him are all things, He deserves the glory. As you sing in union, acknowledge God as your Provider and Guide. Humbly bow before Him, letting your worship arise like incense.
Check-in: For check-in, let each member share how the message of generosity has impacted their week. Has there been a change in the way they view giving? Did they manage to bestow a RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS on their colleague this week? Allow everyone to share on any of these points.
Bible Readings: Exodus 13: 1-2; 12-13; Exodus 13:13; Psalm 50:1; Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthian 5:21; Malachi 3:11; Psalm 18:25; Proverbs 3:9-10; Exodus 23:19; Genesis 4:3-5; Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30; Colossians 1:15; 1 Corinthians 20: Romans 5:8; Matthew 6:21
Preparation and Discussion for Group Time:
In this week’s sermon we heard that if God is first in our lives, then everything will come into order. Ps Daniel shared three principles of the first.
- The principle of the First Born – the first belongs to God (Colossians 1:15)
- The principle of the First Fruits – the first fruits belongs to God ((1 Corinthians 20)
- The principle of the First Ten Percent – the tithe belongs to God (Leviticus 27:30)
- All that we have belongs to God, but He only requires us to give Him 10% back in the form of our tithe. Discuss why all we have belongs to God and why a tithe is so important to Him.
- Share what type of fears and concerns, if any, you wrestle with most when thinking about the principle of first? Discuss why it’s sometimes easier to believe that we are saved by faith than it is to believe by faith that God will bless us and care for our needs?
- Proverbs 3:9-10 says that we are to honour the Lord with our possessions and with the first fruits of all our increase. Take a minute to reflect on a time that you gave your time, talents, tithe, or offering. It could be big or little. Share how you felt about yourself when you gave.
CHECK OUT:
As we continue to show “Random Act of Kindness”, let’s also share how we can put God first in the various areas of our lives. Commit to changing one thing in your life during this upcoming week.
Leaders encourage your group to practice the act of generosity by considering to support one of the following Edge Partnerships:
- U-Turn: Buy a pack of “MiChange” vouchers for R50 for someone to receive basic services which incl. food, clothing, a shower and a bed.
- Aslan: purchase one of 500 bibles (R60 ea) to be handed out during mission week
- Organ Donation: Sign up
Prayer: In closing, commit each other’s concerns to God in prayer.
Love God:
- Meditate on Matthew 6:21 (NLT) “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
- Resources:
Visit the church website for additional resources to assist you in using money God’s way.
Love People: Another way of being generous is by sharing your TIME, TALENT, and TREASURE.
- TIME: During the Christmas Season at Edge Church and beyond we need volunteers to serve in various areas.
- TALENT: We’re also looking for actors/dancers to participate in our church’s Christmas Spectacular.
- TREASURE: Prepare your hearts for giving as we take up a special offering on Sunday the 26th of November.
To sign up for any of these, for upcoming next steps, or more info, visit Church Center/ the website.
