It is very difficult in a world that avalanches messages of discontent to not want just a little bit more, but it is that very thought that gets us into a lot of trouble and breaks down relationships. This week in The Flip-Side Series, we are looking at “Developing Generosity” by taking a hard look at envy, jealousy, theft, and greed.
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MESSAGE STUDY NOTES
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WARM UP
When you think of greedy people, who do you tend to think of? Why?
SCRIPTURES USED
Proverbs 14:30, 15:27, 23:17-18, 27:4, 28:25; Ecclesiastes 4:4; Matthew 27:18; Acts 5:16-18; Exodus 20:15, 22:1; Luke 12:15, Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5, I Corinthians 5:11, 6:9-10
Sin Lists:
Proverbs 6:16-19; Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21-23; Romans 1:29-32;
I Corinthians 5:10-11, 6:9-10; II Corinthians 12:20-21; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians :5, 8-9; I Timothy 1:9-11; I Peter 2:1, 4:3; Revelation 21:8, 22:15
MESSAGE POINTS
Envy: I want what is yours [solution: worship]
Jealousy: I want to keep what is mine [solution: thanksgiving]
Theft: I will take what is yours [solution: generosity]
Greed: I want more of ‘mine’ [solution: generosity]
Christian giving: international work (missions), church, the poor
GENERAL QUESTIONS
1. In your own words, describe how these four sins destroy relationships?
2. Which of these sins do you find most tempting? Why?
3. Over which of these sins has God given you the most victory? Describe the process.
APPLICATION QUESTION
How often do you exercise the “solutions?” Why?
MENTORING QUESTION
What would you say to a mentee who didn’t see a problem with taking things from work, describing them as “a nameless, faceless, unkind organization?”
