When six royal palms along a Miami street were vandalized, an anonymous donor not only paid for new trees but planted them himself, and only later did it come to light what he was really after. This story, from a sermon based on 2 Corinthians 8-9, shows that in generosity it is not the amount that counts but the motivation of the heart. You will hear about manna in the desert, about the Corinthians who forgot the promise they had made, and about Christ, who though He was rich became poor to make us rich. Listen and see what your attitude to money says about your faith.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Paul reminds the Corinthians of the help for the believers in Jerusalem they had promised a year earlier, and points them to the poor Macedonians as an example. What did their lack of generosity reveal about how deeply the gospel had changed them?
- Paul quotes the manna story from Exodus: "the one who gathered much did not have too much." What does this story teach about God's provision and about who really owns what we have?
- The sermon says that how we spend our money and time tests our claims of faith and love for others. What do your calendar and bank statement say about where your treasure is?
- The world says: you earned it, it's yours. How do you respond to the idea that everything you have, including your health, abilities and where you were born, comes from God's goodness?
- Paul describes generosity as freedom, joy, trust in God's care and blessing, and roots it in Jesus, who though rich became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9). Which of these is hardest for you, and why?
- What is one concrete step of generosity, done joyfully rather than under pressure, that you can take this week toward the church or someone in need?
