Talk It Over: What it Means to Sacrifice

What it Means to Sacrifice

Review this week's message.

Key Thought:

What are some of the “opposing kingdoms” that we face when we try to live a life of sacrificial giving, and how can we overcome them?

Key Quote

“God will protect you and what you have when you're obediently giving to his House.” - Pastor Bil Cornelius

Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

What’s your favorite book or movie that you can watch over and over again?
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
What is your favortie Christmas memory?

Start thinking. Ask a thoughtful question.

In what ways can we prepare ourselves, like the wise men, to give with wisdom, obedience, and emotion, even when it feels challenging?
What does it mean to "give sacrificially," and how can we apply this concept in our everyday lives beyond financial giving?

Start sharing. Choose questions that create openness.

The wise men traveled for two years to find Jesus. What kind of dedication and sacrifice does it take to pursue God’s will in our lives with that level of commitment?
In what ways does God protect us and our resources when we step out in faith and obedience, like He did for the wise men?

Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.

The sermon mentions three levels of giving: inspired, obedient, and planned. How can we grow in each of these areas in our own lives and church community? What are some specific ways you can have a spirit of giving in your life and your community this week? Take a moment to thank God for all the things He's blessed you with to be able to bless others this Christmas season.

Scriptures

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 NLT

King Herod was deeply disturbed...He called a meeting of the leading priests..“Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” ..Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” Matthew 2:3-8 NLT

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:9-11 NLT

“when [the Samaritan]..saw him, he was moved with pity and sympathy for him. Luke 10:33 MSG

"Bring the full tithe… I will..pour down..a blessing until there is no more need.." Malachi 3:10 ESV

“But the generous person devises generous things, and his generosity will keep him standing.” Isaiah 32:8 CJB

When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. Matthew 2:12 NLT

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”  Proverbs 16:3 ESV

I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:11 ESV

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