Offerings Week 1- The 4th Big Story

Didn't get to hear the teaching conversation on Sunday? No problem, you can join in via our PODCAST.

Scriptures From Sunday: Genesis 4:1-8, Matthew 6:19-24

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

What do you go all out for? Who gets your best in life?

What are your feelings about churches talking about offerings and giving? What kinds of experiences have you had with this?

Why do you think most faiths include some element of giving to God? Why did Cain and Abel bring offerings to God?

Cain and Abel saw the world a bit differently than we do. What were some things they “knew” that might have prompted them to give offerings?

Can we ever give God something that doesn’t already belong to him? If not- what’s the point of giving Him anything?

Cain and Abel brought offerings from what they had. Do you think God expects us to give Him things we don’t have/can’t afford?

God was pleased with one offering and not with the other. What do you think made the difference?

Abel brought the best and first part of what He had to God. Cain didn’t. What do you think Cain did with his best and first instead? Does that give you any insight into who or what Cain valued the most highly?

What would this story say to the idea that God just wants us to give SOMETHING- and that the specifics of the gift don’t matter?

In light of what Jesus says in Matthew 6:19-24, do you think God can fully have our hearts if we hold back our money and things from Him? Is it possible to separate the two?

Cain’s offering prompted God to warn him about the direction his heart was heading. What would God say to you about the direction you are heading lately?

God wanted Cain to “do well and be accepted”. Do you believe He wants the same for you? Why/Not?

Do your offerings to God match the place and priority you say you want Him to have in your life? If not, what can you do to bring them more in alignment?