Grow Guide | Oct 19 & 23

All Things New 

1 Corinthians 16:1-3

Connecting Questions

What did you learn about money and finances when you were young? (If your family didn’t talk about money, you learned it was something to keep secret.)

Who is the most generous person you’ve known? What have you learned about generosity from them?

Context

We’re starting a new 4-week worship series called “All Things New.” We’ll explore the ways God is doing new things at Easter, and how through our giving we are a part of it. This week we’re moving from the stories of the Old Testament to Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians in the New Testament. Paul lived out his mission after Jesus’ death and resurrection and was a pivotal figure in the early Christian movement. He started a Christian church in Corinth, and several years later wrote this letter to them to address their congregational conflict and encourage them to find unity. This letter still speaks powerfully to us today and reminds us that congregational conflict is not a new challenge!

Look at the Book

·      Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-3. What sticks out to you in these verses? What questions do you have after reading them?

·      Paul encourages the Corinthians to give regularly as a habit instead of waiting to be asked or for an emergency. When you were growing up, what were you taught about giving to the church? Did you notice any patterns?

·      What do you think about Paul’s direction to give once a week? Why do you think he recommends this practice? How might this practice help unite a congregation?

·      In verse 2, Paul asks them to give whatever “extra” they earn to the church. How do you define “extra” earnings in your life? Has this changed over time?

·      In what ways do you enjoy giving of your time and finances? What organizations (including and outside the church) do you support? What causes are important to you? How does your giving affect your life?

·      Paul also encourages the Corinthians to give to the church in Jerusalem, which unites them with the larger church and with people who live in a different region. Why do you think this was important to Paul? 

Taking it Home

·      Have you been putting off volunteering or giving a gift because you think your contribution won’t make a difference? Take a tiny step toward giving and have confidence that you’re doing something powerful.

·      Humans have a need to be generous. In what unique ways do you find joy in giving? How does your giving fulfill your need to be useful and contribute to the well-being and thriving of others and the world?