Lesson 11: Does the Bible Challenge People to Give Beyond Their Comfort Level? Student Handout

Theme: Exploring sacrificial giving in Scripture and aligning generosity with faith and wisdom.

Key Scripture Passages:

• 1 Kings 17:8-16: The widow of Zarephath’s act of obedience in providing for Elijah.

• 2 Corinthians 8:1-5: The Macedonian churches’ generosity in extreme poverty.

• Mark 12:41-44: The widow’s offering of all she had.

Teaching Highlights:

1. The Call to Sacrificial Giving:

   • God sometimes calls believers to give sacrificially, trusting in His provision.

   • Biblical examples like the widow of Zarephath and the Macedonians highlight faith and obedience in giving.

2. Critiquing Hyper-prosperity Theology:

   • Hyper-prosperity theology distorts sacrificial giving, presenting it as a formula for guaranteed financial rewards.

   • The Bible emphasizes the heart behind giving rather than the promise of material return.

3. Biblical Giving in Context:

   • True biblical giving reflects trust in God, gratitude for His blessings, and a desire to serve His purposes.

   • Sacrificial giving should be Spirit-led and balanced with wisdom, avoiding reckless decisions.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the widow’s offering challenge our view of generosity?

2. What are the risks of giving recklessly versus giving by faith?

3. How can we discern God’s leading in opportunities for sacrificial giving?

Reflection and Application:

1. Pray for Guidance: Seek God’s direction in identifying opportunities for sacrificial giving.

2. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness: Consider how God has provided for you in the past, especially in times of obedience and generosity.

3. Take Action: Commit to an act of sacrificial giving this week, whether financially, with your time, or through service to others.

Memory Verse: Mark 12:44 "They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

Session Objective:

By the end of this session, participants will:

1. Understand biblical principles of sacrificial giving and its spiritual significance.

2. Recognize the difference between Spirit-led giving and reckless financial decisions.

3. Commit to giving as an act of faith and trust in God’s provision.