INTRODUCTION THINK ABOUT IT COMMIT TO MEMORY

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November 10/11, 2012—One Sacrifice

INTRODUCTION Kids love to claim things as theirs. We’ve all walked the aisles of our local grocery store and overheard a child in a shopping cart shout, “Mine!” as they clutch a box of cookies. It’s almost ingrained in us from a very young age that we should cling tightly to our possessions. When our possessions are appropriately prioritized, we have open hearts, minds and schedules free to serve God. If we place too much time and attention on our possessions, they can take over our lives. Today, we’ll look at a time in David’s life when he valued his possessions properly and in turn, was empowered to serve God and the people of Israel.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What was the last thing you saw kids in your life fight over? What similarities do you see between their feelings toward their toys and your feelings toward your own possessions? 2. What are the differences between the world’s position on wealth and possessions and God’s? 3. Have someone read 1 Chronicles 29:10-11. What things do you consider yours? What would you find the most difficult to freely hand over to God? 4. Have someone read 1 Chronicles 29:12-16. What does David mean by the question posed in verse 14, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you?” 5. What are some practical ways you can use the things God has given you for his purposes? 6. Have someone read 1 Chronicles 29:17-20. What things most frequently keep our hearts from giving joyfully and faithfully? 7. What could be some of the results if everyone in our church joyfully and generously gave to God? 8. What sacrifices can we make as individuals and as a group to commit to following this calling in our lives?

THINK ABOUT IT Acknowledging that everything we have belongs to God is the first step in considering what we’re willing to sacrifice for his kingdom. If we are going to answer God’s calling as a church, as a small group, and as individuals, we have to remember that all we are doing is simply giving back what already belongs to him. David led the way by willingly offering his fortune to the construction of the temple. The people also gave willingly. Their hearts were right and their giving reflected it. They not only had the ability to give; they had the willingness to give.

COMMIT TO MEMORY “But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!” 1 Chronicles 29:14