SERMON RECAP
In this sermon, Pastor Justin Kendrick explored the theme of generosity, highlighting how we participate in God's redemptive story through our giving. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9, he delved into the reasons that Christians give sacrificially. Instead of obligation or coercion, we give because of the blessing. We also have a confidence that sustains us, because God promises to provide and is Himself a giver. Thirdly, we have a story that inspires us, because we get to be part of eternity. Pastor Justin concluded with an invitation to participate in the annual expansion offering, being a part of moving God’s mission forward.
HOW TO USE THIS DISCUSSION GUIDE
Ice Breaker Option:
If you unexpectedly found $50 today, what fun and meaningful thing would you do with it?
HEAD: Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
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What does Paul encourage the Corinthians to do and what promise is attached to this action?
- Unpack the agricultural references in this text. How does this help us understand the heart posture that Paul is looking for in his readers?
- What results from generosity according to this passage?
- What does this text reveal about God's actions, character, and purpose?
HEART
Motivation That Drives Us: Not obligation, not coercion, but a great desire.
- When you think about your own giving habits, do they tend to be 'sparing' or 'bountiful' according to Paul's definition? Where do you see yourself in your desire to give and where are you challenged?
Confidence That Sustains Us: God promises to provide.
- How have you experienced God as a giver? What keeps us from fully trusting God as a giver when we face challenges?
A Story That Inspires Us: We get to be part of eternity.
- Respond to the statement: ‘God invites us to be part of His mission.’ How does seeing the impact of the gospel on individuals’ lives impact your faith to give?
HANDS — Go Deeper Together
(Choose one or two practices below)
“Our giving actually works like a seed. Seeds don't do any good if they stay in the bag, right? You have to take it out of the bag and you have to cast it. You have to release it, you have to bury it so you can't even see it anymore. And that's what giving does. It forces us to release, to trust God, to give him control.”
1. Practice Generosity Awareness — Moving From ‘Sparing’ to ‘Bountiful’ Giving
- Personal Reflection:
Spend a couple of quiet minutes reviewing the motivation chart from the sermon.
Ask yourself:
Which motivations most often shape my giving?
Where do I see God inviting me into deeper trust and freedom
- Action Step:
Identify one practical shift you can make this week toward bountiful giving. It may be:
- Increasing regular generosity
- Choosing to give spontaneously when prompted
- Letting go of the fear that keeps your hand closed.
- Group Option:
Invite two or three people to briefly share what area of motivation God highlighted.
- Pray together: “Jesus, reshape our hearts so that we give as You give—freely, joyfully, abundantly.”
2. Practice Trust — Seeing God as the Sustainer of Generosity
Scripture
- Reflection: Invite someone to reread 2 Corinthians 9:8. Allow a moment of reflective silence.
- Personal Exercise:
Write down one moment in your life when you experienced God as a giver—perhaps through financial provision, relational support, or unexpected grace.
- Reflection Questions:
How did that experience grow your confidence to live generously?
What fear or worry about giving do you need to entrust to God this week?
- Action Step:
Choose one area where you feel financial or emotional pressure. Commit to prayer in the week ahead. “God, I trust You to resupply what I give. Help me trust you in stepping out with boldness in living with generosity."
- Group Prayer: As a group, pray for one another’s areas of worry or lack, asking God to abundantly provide in ways that strengthen our confidence in living a life that reflects the Giver.
3. Practice Story-Sharing — Let Generosity Fuel Mission
- Personal Reflection:
Think of one person whose life has been changed by the gospel—someone in your church, small group, family, or past
- .Group Exercise:
Break into pairs and have each person share a short story (1–2 minutes) of an individual transformed by Jesus.
- Group Discussion: As a group, discuss together:
How do these stories stir faith to give generously?
How might our giving open the door for more stories like these?
- Action Step
Set aside time as a group to pray specifically for the expansion of the gospel across New England, praying that God would move powerfully “to see New England changed from the least-churched region in the U.S. to the most spiritually vibrant place on earth.”
- Invite group members to name regions, specific cities, or people groups they long to see transformed by Christ.
Option: Provide paper and ask everyone to fold into four sections. In each section, each person should write a specific request for a named area. Encourage doodling – sketches, phrases, coloring.
- Ask God to multiply the impact of your generosity so that more stories of redemption are written in the year ahead.
Close by thanking God for the stories He’s already written and asking Him to multiply the impact of your generosity “so that thanksgiving may overflow to God” (2 Cor. 9:12).
PRAYER
- Pray for the courage to live generously and to sow seeds of generosity in your community.
- Ask God to help you see your resources as belonging to Him and to give you wisdom in using them for His glory.
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Pray for the ministries mentioned in the sermon that are doing impactful work in spreading the Gospel and reaching those in need.
- Thank God for His indescribable gift of grace and ask for a heart that reflects His love to others.