Generosity That Doesn't Make Sense Group Guide

Discussion Questions

Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.

1. What was your favorite subject in high school, and why? And what did you think about math?
   
   
2. Jeff opened with the idea of strange math and how Jesus’ way of seeing life often runs completely opposite to our world’s logic. In what ways does our world teach that “life consists in an abundance of possessions”?
   
   
3. Read Luke 12:13-21. What phrases stand out to you in this passage?
   
   
4. In verses 17-19, the rich man used up to thirteen “I” or “my” statements. How can wealth or success subtly shift our focus toward self instead of God?
   
   
5. Jeff said, “Greed, or consumption, or more, is not the answer. It will never be satisfied.” Where do you see that truth play out in everyday life?
   
   
6. Read Luke 12:22-34. Jesus invites us to “seek first his kingdom.” What might it look like for someone in your season of life to make that kingdom shift and let God’s purposes drive your decisions?
   
   
7. Jeff said divine math looks like 100-50 = 1000x. In your own words, what does that mean? And how have you seen generosity multiply joy or blessing in unexpected ways?
   
   
8. Jeff described five results of a generosity-driven life: purpose, provision, peace, reward, and spiritual growth. Which of these stands out to you the most right now, and why?
   
   
9. In light of Jesus’ strange math, what is one way you personally can make a generosity shift? (Consider any of the practices listed in the Put It into Practice section.)
   
   
10. Take turns sharing prayer requests and praying together for a heart that trusts God’s provision more than possessions, freedom from anxiety about money, and opportunities this week to live rich toward God.

Verses to meditate on and memorize this week:

But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. -- Luke 12:31

Put it into practice (between meetings)

1. Life Does Not Consist of Possessions - Each morning, pause for 60 seconds and pray: “God, remind me that my life does not consist in the abundance of possessions, but in you.” Then, before checking your phone or thinking about tasks, thank God for one way that you see him working in your life.
   
   
2. Practice Generosity - Choose one intentional act of generosity this week: give to someone in need, pay for a stranger’s meal or coffee, share your time or skill freely, encourage or support someone who can’t repay you. Afterward, journal how it felt and what you noticed in yourself.
   
   
3. God Owns it All - Take inventory of your financial life. Look at your spending or giving from the last month and ask: “What story is my money telling about what I value most?” Then pray, “God, everything I have is yours. Teach me how to steward it for you.”
   
   
4. Do Not Worry - Once this week, take a no worry walk. As you walk, breathe deeply and repeat slowly: “You feed the birds. You clothe the flowers. You will care for me.”
   
   
5. Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also - Give or invest in something that connects directly to God’s kingdom: our church, a missionary, or a person in need. Then, intentionally pray for that person or ministry every day this week.