Introduction
Behold Our Generous God.
The Bible teaches us that every disciple of Jesus Christ is a worshiper, family member, servant, steward, and witness. And every disciple of Jesus is constantly growing in each of these five identities. The primary purpose of this reflection guide is to help us discern how God is calling us to grow as faithful stewards of his resources in this season—resources like time, talent, and treasure.
The following is a collection of five studies for guided reflection and prayer, working together to reinforce some foundational principles regarding ownership, stewardship, and generosity in the Bible. These biblical principles are:
- God owns it all.
- God calls each of us to steward what he has given to us.
- God calls us to give him our first and our best.
- God calls us to be generous because he is generous.
- We demonstrate faith in God’s provision by responding with generosity.
Approach these studies one day at a time, and within each day, work through the guide according to the pattern provided:
- Read: What does God’s Word tell us about how to live as his disciples and his stewards?
- Reflect: How might we apply these biblical passages to our context today?
- Respond in Prayer: How might God be inviting us to grow as stewards in this season?
While God can meet with us anywhere at any time, we encourage you to set aside a dedicated time and place where you can meet God and hear from him without distraction. If possible, find somewhere quiet where you can be alone and silence your devices. You'll want a Bible and something to take notes with so you can read the Word and write down any thoughts, answers, or prayers.
This guide will challenge us to consider how we manage all of God’s resources, and it will speak directly to how we steward the finances that God has entrusted to each of us. This focus is intentional. God doesn’t ask us to give because he needs our financial support. As we’ll see through our study, he already owns everything. God asks us to give, in part, because giving reveals what’s inside our hearts. As Jesus himself once taught, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).
This guide seeks to help us evaluate where our treasure truly is so that we can love God with even more of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Just as you are committing to this study, go ahead and commit to beginning again with Jesus—commit to putting him first in your life and to moving forward in whatever steps of obedience God calls you to in the days to come.