Prepared for Sabbath School class on September 12.
Photograph by William Earnhardt
Key Text: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9, NKJV).
Read in Class: 2 Corinthians 8:9.
Study: What does this passage tell us about the example of Jesus?
Apply: How should the sacrifices Christ made for us influence us and the sacrifices we make for others?
Share: Your friend says that when the church talks about giving, it’s usually about money. What are some other ways we can give besides money? What do you tell your friend? See The Most Precious Gift of all.
Read in Class: 2 Corinthians 8:1, 5, and 2 Corinthians 9:7, 9, 13, 15
Study: What are these passages telling us about giving and helping to spread the Gospel?
Apply: How generous are you? In light of the Cross, how much do you give in contrast to what you could give?
Share: What are some extraordinary examples of giving that you have seen?
Read in Class: 2 Corinthians 9:7.
Study: What does this passage say about the act of offering?
Apply: Regardless of what our bank accounts look like, how dedicated are we to honoring God with our resources? What excuses do we make to keep our wallets closed when we know we could do more?
Share: Your friend says that God loves a cheerful giver and asks if we should still give grudgingly as though God actually needs our money, which he doesn’t! What do you tell your friend? See Expressing our Love for Christ.
Read in Class: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.
Study: What possible reason could have been behind the Macedonians’ willingness to give their offerings with such generosity?
Apply: 2 Corinthians 8:5 says they gave themselves to the Lord. What does it mean to give ourselves to the Lord, and how may that affect our attitude towards what remains in our pockets after we have returned our tithes and offerings? How might that affect our attitude towards our time, even after we have already “put in our time” at work and church?
Share: Read Romans 15:26-27. Share how foreign and even domestic mission projects have generated unity in your church.
Mission: Is there a need or project in your church that your Sabbath School Class members would like to adopt and dedicate to helping with as a class?
