WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS . . .
2 Corinthians 9:6-15

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6).

1. Giving is an act of worship.

Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on’” (Matthew 12:41-44)

2. Giving tells me where your heart is.

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:17).

3. Giving is an indicator of how much do I trust God.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews11:6).

QUESTIONS FOR MEDITATION

1.   If someone who did not know you looked at your check book and charge card account, what would they assume about what was important in your life?

2.   Read Leviticus 27:30. What was the Old Testament Standard of giving? How were the Israelites told to think of this part of their possessions?

3.  Read Malachi 3:10. What was God’s promise? Can we put God to the test like this today?

4.   Read Matthew 19:21. What is the New Testament standard of stewardship? What implications does this have for your life?

5.   Read Mark 12:41-44. Studies tell us that the less a person has the more they give proportionally. Why is this so? What other lessons are there in this story?

6.   Read Matthew 6:19-21. Where do most people in our country spend their treasure? What does this say about our values?

7.   Read Luke 18:28-30. Like the Old Testament, the New Testament gives promises based on how we give. What is the promise here? Why are we not placing more of what we value on these things?

8.   What is the danger of materialism? After discussing it, read Matthew 6:24.

9.   Read 1 Timothy 6:9-10. The love of money displays itself in two ways: overspending and hoarding. Which is worse?