MAIN POINT:

Move out of a spirit of Poverty and into a state of “blessibility” to live the abundant life.

ICEBREAKER:

Share a time when you gave someone the “perfect gift”. 

INTRODUCTION:

This weekend, Pastor Chris continued in our series, Poverty, by discussing the need to move past a spirit of poverty and find a new normal, where God is able to bless us abundantly. A spirit of poverty mindset infects us and creates a wilderness mentality- a phrase referring to an entire generation of Israelites settling in the desert and not grabbing hold of God’s promises because they lacked faith. This mindset blocks God’s blessings and causes us to settle for less. Of course, this is exactly what Satan intends for us because he comes to steal, kill and destroy. However, we at Faith Promise are challenged to move “past our past” in Jesus’ name! We can live a new normal, we can be blessed to be a blessing to others, and we can be a conduit for God to do Big Things in East Tennessee! We need to stop the blame game because Pastor shared an important Principle: “If you accept excuses, you will enable and empower the spirit of poverty to dominate you and keep you captive.” God is calling each of us to action in obedience and faith. A biblical action to pulverize poverty and lack of faith is generosity and obedience. We are challenged to consider tithing (giving 10%) and moving beyond that amount as an action of faith. Faith is a verb; it is an action. We need to do the word of God. Generosity is the heart of heaven. After all, God GAVE us His Son. 

ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH BIBLE STUDY:

Read John 10:10.
1. Who is the thief? What is he stealing? Discuss the abundant life that is on offer from Jesus.

Read Hebrews 11:1.
2. How is true Biblical faith more than blind optimism? 

Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.
3. Come up with a list of weapons of warfare for a believer. 
4. What fortresses or strongholds interfere with your relationship with God?

Read Hebrews 11:6.
5. God requires more than mere acknowledgement of His existence. Remember, the demons also believe (James 2:19). Discuss what God wants from us in relationship, and what should be expected from this type of relationship.

Read Luke 6:38.
6. What does this verse say about generosity? Do you know someone who is generous? How have you seen them blessed?

Read Malachi 3:8-12.
7. From where do all of your possessions come?
8. So when we refuse to tithe and give to God what he commanded, what are we doing?
9. Take time this week to consider what is holding you back from tithing and helping to advance God’s kingdom. 

Read Matthew 23:23.
10. It is possible to obey the details of the law but still be disobedient in our general behavior. We are called to do more than just tithe. What areas outside of tithing but within God’s directives need attention in your life? Why do you think you neglect these areas?

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 and 2 Corinthians 9:10-11.
11. Pastor shared a story about tithing his last $20 one week. We may hesitate to give generously to God when we worry about having enough money left over to meet our needs. How will you trust God to meet your every need this week? Don’t let a lack of faith keep you from giving freely and generously.
12. Can you share a time you gave in faith and God provided?
13. God gives us resources to use and invest for Him (remember the parable of the talents). What does God promise when you invest what he has given to you for His service?

Read Proverbs 11:25 and Proverbs 22:9.
14. The world says to hold on to as much as possible. How does God’s economy differ from this?

LEADER NOTES

1. Satan. Life. This life is abundantly richer and fuller. It is eternal, yet it begins immediately when you declare Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life. This life exceeds our imagination because of Jesus’ profound forgiveness, love, and guidance.
2. True Biblical faith is confident obedience to God’s Word in spite of circumstances and consequences. God speaks and we hear His Word. We trust His Word and act on it no matter what the circumstances or what the consequences may be. We obey God’s Word just the same and believe Him to do what is right and what is best. The unsaved world does not understand this.
3. Prayer, Faith, hope, love, God’s word, the Holy Spirit. 
5. God wants a personal, dynamic relationship with you. He assures us that those who honestly seek him will be rewarded.
6. If we treat others generously, graciously, and compassionately, these qualities will come back to us in full measure.
7. God
8. We are robbing God.
13. God promises he will provide us with even more to give in his service, and there will be a harvest of your righteousness.
14. God blesses those who give freely of their possessions, time and energy. When we give, God supplies us with more so that we can give more. Giving helps us gain a right perspective on our possessions. They are never really ours to begin with! Also, when we give, we gain freedom from enslavement to our possessions, the joy of helping others and God’s approval.