Shadow of a Doubt Week 4 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea: When we give like God gives, we become united in purpose, experience gladness, sincerity of heart, and find true community.
Discussion Starter: What is the most special gift you have ever been given?
Introduction: In the last week of Shadow of a Doubt, we discuss generosity. As followers of Jesus, we are called to give generously because of God’s generosity. However, many of us have doubts about giving our time, talents, and treasure.
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:37, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:41-47, Jeremiah 29:11
Discussion Questions:
- How has God been generous to you?
- What is the hardest area for you to be generous? Time, talent, or treasure?
- What area do you think the enemy uses the most to keep you from being generous?
- How would it look to people outside the church if your group, your campus, and Faith Promise (as a whole) actually lived and acted like our brothers and sisters did in Acts 2?
- What is one area where you and your group can be generous this week?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Acts 2:44 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into dyads or triads for this section.
What is one way God can use the shared interest of your small group to be generous to other believers and those outside the church?
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: Read Acts 2:44 How can you and your group work to have “everything in common”?
Engaging in Community: Read Acts 2:45 Does God really mean for us to give to “anyone who has need”? Find people in your community who have needs and meet them. If you don’t know of anyone, pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you and provide an opportunity.
Engaging the World: This week’s ministry partner is The Timothy Initiative. Visit https://www.ttionline.org/give/ where just $300 can plant a church. Make a plan to see if your group can combine resources to give to TTI and plant a church.
Expand God’s Kingdom
Being generous with your time and talents are two of the biggest components for expanding God’s kingdom. God has gifted you with ability and availability to raise up other believers. If you are not currently using your time and talents for this purpose, who can you be generous with to expand God’s kingdom?
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
