11.4.18 Preference or Presence
1. Jesus says, “all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.” Do you believe that God has all authority? When have you questioned God’s authority?
2. Why do you think it is important for our generosity flow from our orthodoxy instead of the other way around?
3. How has a greater understanding of who God is grown your gratitude for what He has done and, in turn, resulted in you living more generously?
4. Are you motivated by satisfying your preference or by experiencing God’s presence?
5. Os Guinnes writes, “Our modern world has shifted us from a stance under authority to one of preference. Or, expressed more carefully, our modern world tends to undermine all forms of authority other than its own and replaces them with the sense that all responses are merely a matter of preference.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
6. Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-26. How have you seen differences in the body lead to divisions in the church?
7. How have you seen the differences in the body Christ work together in a beautiful way to give glory to God?
8. 1 Corinthians 13 comes right after Paul talks about the different parts of the body of Christ. Why is love so important in light of the differences highlighted in 1 Corinthians 12?
9. Do you believe in a world of scarcity or a world of abundance? How does your perspective of the world affect your generosity?
10. Which of the three reasons discussed that can keep us from living out generous orthodoxy resonated with you?
1. Seeking Preferences Instead of Presence
2. Causing Division Because of Differences
3. Believing in Scarcity Rather than Abundance
11. Read Ephesians 3:14-21 and reflect on the incredibly abundant generosity of our God.
