ICEBREAKER
Have you ever owned something that suddenly made you EVERYBODY'S favorite person?
Maybe you bought a pickup truck and became the neighborhood moving company. Maybe you own a pool, a trailer, a pressure washer, or you're the only person in the family who knows how to fix a computer!
Bonus: What's the funniest favor someone has ever asked you to do?
TRANSITION
Last week, we learned that God is the OWNER, and we are the MANAGERS.
This week, we're taking it a step further. God hasn't blessed us simply so we can enjoy what we have. He's also blessed us so we can make a difference in someone else's life.
Here's a question worth thinking about: What if the blessing in YOUR hands is the answer to a prayer in SOMEBODY ELSE'S heart?
DISCUSS
READ Genesis 12:2
“I will bless you… And you shall be a blessing.”
God's promise to Abraham reminds us that His blessings have a purpose beyond ourselves.
1. Why do you think it's so easy to focus on what God has given us rather than what He wants to do THROUGH us?
2. What changes when we begin viewing ourselves as channels of God's goodness rather than reservoirs of it?
READ 1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith…”
Sometimes we're willing to serve everybody else while overlooking the people closest to us.
3. What are some ways we can bless our families that have nothing to do with money?
4. How can we make sure the people closest to us receive our best attention rather than what's left over?
The message says, “An inheritance is more than what we leave IN their HANDS. It's also what we leave IN their HEARTS.”
Think about the people who have made the greatest difference in your life.
5. What did they give you that money couldn't buy?
6. What kind of spiritual legacy do you hope to leave for the people around you?
GET PERSONAL:
READ 2 Corinthians 9:7
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
God isn't simply interested in what we give. He's interested in the heart behind our giving.
7. What's the difference between giving out of obligation and giving out of genuine love?
8. How can generosity help us grow in our trust and dependence on God?
The message reminds us that sometimes we're the ones who NEED the meal, the ride, the encouragement, or the helping hand.
9. How can allowing someone to bless us actually strengthen relationships and build the body of Christ?
READ James 2:15–16
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
Prayer matters, but sometimes God has already given us the ability to do something about the need in front of us.
10. Can you share a time when someone's practical act of kindness made a difference in your life?
GET PRACTICAL
READ Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all…”
The message reminds us that some of our greatest opportunities to represent Jesus come disguised as interruptions.
11. How can we become more aware of opportunities to bless people in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and everyday routines?
12. What's one simple act of generosity that could make a big difference to someone this week?
What would happen if every person in our church began asking, “Lord, what can YOU do through ME?”
THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE — BE A BLESSING!
This week, LOOK FOR SOMEONE TO BLESS! Generosity is not God getting something FROM you. It's God doing something THROUGH you!
PRAYER
Open our eyes to the needs around us, give us generous hearts, and help us recognize opportunities to share His love through practical acts of kindness.