| Following Jesus . . . Leads to Generosity
Luke 16:14-15, 19-31
The questions below are to be used for your small group meeting that relates to this sermon.
1. How is God changing your life?
2. The destitute may not literally sleep on your doorstep, but what are some of the ways that modern technology has increased both an awareness of needs in the world and the ability to meet them? Consider the disaster in Haiti.
OBSERVE
3. Before interpreting a parable, it is important to understand who Jesus is addressing. What do you learn about Jesus’ listeners from vs. 14-15?
4. Make a chart contrasting the rich man and Lazarus. According to vs. 19-21, how are their lives different? According to vs. 22-26, how are their lives after death different?
5. The love of money can have a grip on our hearts that is very hard to break. How does Jesus indicate this truth in vs. 27-31?
OBSERVE
6. In what ways do you experience the seductive nature of money?
7. What are some of the fears that stand between you and abundant generosity?
8. Understanding that Jesus’ audience is Pharisees who love money and believe that their wealth is evidence that God approves of them, how would you sum up Jesus’ message to them through this parable?
9. The Pharisees were experts in the laws of the Old Testament, but their study of scripture did not make them truly generous people. Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-9. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is encouraging the Corinthian Christians to give generously to the needy church members in Jerusalem. He doesn’t order them to be generous. Instead he invites them to reflect on the grace they have received through Jesus Christ. What are some of the reasons that an experience of God’s grace leads to generosity?
ACT
10. Identify one person or group of people for whom you have stirrings of compassion. What is keeping you from moving from inaction to generous giving?
11. What is your next step in following Jesus?
12. Who could you help to take their next step in following Jesus?
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