Kingdom Driven Generosity – Pt 4
Acts 4:31-37 NLT
31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.
32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.
1. Bold Prayers.
2. Powerful Testimonies.
3. Christ-centered Unity.
4. Radical Generosity.
Acts 5:1-11 (NLT)
5 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. 2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.
3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. 4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!”
5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. 6 Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?” “Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.”
9 And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.” 10 Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened.
5. Extreme Integrity.
SMALL GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: God’s Spirit moves in people to reveal Jesus and advance His kingdom.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
▶ Read Acts 4:31-37. Pastor Matt shared that bold prayer starts with repentance and asking for courage in the face of opposition. Share about a recent time when you have prayed a bold prayer.
▶ Take a few moments to reflect on your testimony. Write it down in a sentence and share it with your group.
▶ Pastor Matt said that we don’t drift into unity. Active unity often looks like sacrifice. Share about a time when you have chosen unity over your personal preference.
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share with the Group.
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-12. This passage includes “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others.” Have you experienced God’s generosity?
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
“Lord, may your Spirit move in our kids and teenagers to be a generous people. May our generation show them by example. And may your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”