A Year of Giving Dangerously

Sermon Notes Short Review January 1, 2017 Acts 20:33-35 Briefly summarize the message. Look for the following main points: a. What does it mean to be blessed b. How this is true for all people c. Examples of how we can ‘live a year of giving dangerously’ Some Questions for Discussion 1. What do people usually have in mind when they say, “I am so blessed?” 2. Paul said that he lived by Jesus’ promise that those who give are more blessed than those who receive – see verses 20:35 a. What was his life like? Read verses 19, 22-23 b. What does this tell us about what it does NOT mean to be blessed? c. What then DOES it mean to be blessed? 3. Is God a giver or a taker? a. Read and discuss Luke 6:32-35 b. How does this affect how we live? 4. Have you met people who are more ‘takers’ than ‘givers?’ a. How did that affect the workplace, family, school (or other situation) where you interacted with them? b. Do ‘takers’ sometimes seem to be happier? What then do Jesus’ words mean? 5. Paul purposely served as an example – “I showed you” (vs. 35). What can we learn from his example of ways that we can be givers? a. Gifts: Are there people who are ‘takers’ and not ‘givers?’ How can we be givers with our spiritual gifts? b. Gospel: How can we be ‘givers’ with the gospel? c. Money: What does Scripture teach about being ‘givers’ with our money? d. Love: How is ‘giving’ an essential part of building relationships? 6. Why is living a life of giving a bit threatening to many people? 7. What are ways that you think you could ‘give beyond your comfort zone’ – make this a “year of giving dangerously?’