For Sunday, August 22, 2010

Reading selections and questions for Sunday, August 22, 2010

1) 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Describe the Macedonian churches’ offering. According to verse 5, what was the order of their gifts? What happens when we get this out of order? To what extent does Jesus’ example of extravagant love and grace motivate your giving? How did Paul say the acceptableness of the gift is judged?

2) 2 Corinthians 9:1-5; Romans 15:25-28
What else do we learn about their offering in these passages? What kinds of promises had the Corinthian church made? What were Paul’s concerns? From the Romans passage, can you (at least somewhat) trace Paul’s journey during this trip?

3) 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
What have you learned about cheerful giving in the past year? Which do you give most easily: your time, talents, energy, finances or what? Which is more difficult? How does truly believing the message of verse 8 make you a better giver? How well does verse 11 describe your life?

4) 2 Corinthians 9:12-15; 8:9
What are some of the positive results of being a cheerful giver? How is giving a demonstration of your faith? How does God’s indescribable gift to us motivate us to be better givers? In 8:9, how does Jesus’ example in giving motivate us to be better givers?