How to Stop Fear from Paralyzing Your Generosity

Sermon Discussion Guide

Read Read Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 8:36-38, reflecting on the themes of baptism, faith, and spontaneous acts of devotion.

Sermon Recap Review the sermon with your group, highlighting the following:

1. "Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, not works."
2. "Baptism is a public display of accepting God’s salvation and offering one’s heart in return."
3. "God’s intention in creating humans was to demonstrate His power through beings that are inferior to Satan but dependent on God, thus proving Satan's rebellion ineffective."
4. "Relationships often start with acts of mutual generosity; stewardship is essential in sustaining these relationships."
5. "Even though people might legally or financially own items, spiritually, everything is considered as belonging to God."

Group Discussion

1. Reflect on Simplicity: In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His followers to make disciples and baptize them. How does this passage emphasize the simplicity and obedience inherent in baptism?
2. Spontaneous Acts: Acts 8:36-38 describes an Ethiopian eunuch's spontaneous decision to be baptized. How do spontaneous acts of faithfulness, like those discussed in the sermon, illustrate the immediacy of God's call on our lives?
3. Mutual Generosity: Eric Dubach mentioned that mutual generosity often builds relationships. How does understanding spiritual stewardship influence your perspective on generosity within your community?
4. Authority and Stewardship: Discuss how Jesus’ death and resurrection, which restore our relationship with God, shift our view on stewardship and responsibility over what has been given to us.
5. God’s Ownership: In considering the concept that everything belongs to God as outlined in Psalms, how does this understanding impact our daily decisions and interactions with others?

Digging Deeper

1. Scripture Connection: Read Genesis 1:28-30 alongside Psalms 24:1. Reflect on how the creation narrative sets the stage for our role as stewards of God’s creation.
2. Spiritual Warfare: Consider Ephesians 6:10-18 and the context of spiritual warfare. Discuss how recognizing our dependence on God can fortify us against the enemy’s attempts to thwart our stewardship.
3. Generosity in Action: Explore 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 and talk about practical ways you can embody generosity within your family, church, and community.

Dig Deeper Prayer

Prayer Points:

1. Pray that we would have clarity and courage to respond immediately to the Holy Spirit’s calls on our lives, especially in acts of faith like baptism and generosity.
2. Ask God to deepen our understanding of stewardship, reminding us that everything we have is His and should be used for His glory.
3. Pray for a generous heart, reflecting God's own generosity towards us, and ask for opportunities to bless those in need around us.
4. Seek God’s strength to stand firm in our faith, demonstrating unwavering stewardship over God's creation and our responsibilities.
5. Thank God for the gift of salvation and for the opportunities to publicly profess our faith through acts like baptism, encouraging others on their spiritual journeys.

Guided Prayer: "Father, we thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Help us to live in the truth that everything we own is Yours. May we act in spontaneous faith and generosity, using our resources to glorify You and aid those in need. Teach us to be stewards who reflect Your love and provision, and give us the courage to follow Your calls without hesitation. We ask for Your guidance in all our responsibilities, aiming to lead lives that demonstrate Your power and faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen."