Bgroup Lesson Jul 14
Big Idea:
Poverty is real. There are currently 25,000 people who perish daily because of starvation. The inability to have adequate food and shelter is never God’s plan for us. On the contrary, his desire is clearly stated in John 10:10. “The thief (satan) does not come except to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come (the Good Shepherd) that you might have life, and have it in super-abundance.” Throughout the scripture we see the generous heart of God toward his people. Poverty is a killer and in this lesson we will see seven examples of our heavenly Father as a God not of lack but of super abundance!
Key Verses:
Matthew 7:11
Psalm 23
Romans 8:32
Psalm 78:15,23
Genesis 1:22
2 Corinthians 9:9
Genesis 13:2
We must make sure we have an accurate picture of the character of our God. He is not stingy but has a desire to bless us. One of the joys of parenting is to be able to give a gift to a child. To see the joy on their faces at Christmas or a birthday and to hear the excitement in their voices as they receive that gift is wonderful! Our God desires to bless us. He is looking for every opportunity to open the windows of heaven over his children. Matthew 7:11 says, “if we, being evil, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will the heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him?”
Discussion Questions:
How does giving a gift, being a blessing, or meeting a need in someone’s life make you feel? Have you had the opportunity to bless someone out of your abundance? What was your motivation?
This very familiar Psalm states, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all I need.” (v.1) “He prepares a table before me…my cup overflows with blessings.” (v. 5). For a shepherd the condition of his flock was a reflection on his care and provision. We should see ourselves as his sheep in his pasture. Jesus stated in John 10 that he is the good shepherd who lays his life down for the sheep.
Discussion Questions:
Do you feel cared for by the good shepherd? Why or why not? In what ways do you see his goodness in your life?
Romans 8:32 tells us, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Of all of the needs that we could bring before the Lord, nothing compares to the sacrifice of God’s own son on the cross. God’s willingness to give his only son shows us his gracious generosity towards us. Let’s face it. Anything that we need is nothing compared to the cost of the cross.
Discussion Question:
To give one’s son willingly for the life of another is the ultimate sacrifice. Take a moment and discuss what this speaks to us as believers. What kind of love makes that kind of sacrifice?
After their deliverance from Egypt, in the midst of the wilderness, when the Israelites were hungry, God rained down food from heaven called “mana”. The scriptures say that “man ate of the bread of angels, food in abundance…” When they were thirsty, God instructed Moses to strike a rock and water gushed out. It was enough to quench the thirst of the millions who were on their way to the promised land.
Discussion Question:
When you look at how God cared for the Israelites in the wilderness does it build your faith that he is able to meet whatever need you may have in your life? Explain.
“And God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters of the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’” When God created the earth and every living thing, there was no lack; only a super abundance of resources.
Discussion Question:
Our enemy, Satan, wants us to live a life of lack. God created everything with a desire for abundance. What areas of lack in your life need to shift to abundance?
2 Corinthians 9:6 tells us that one who plants generously will get a generous crop. Verse 8 goes on to say that if we are generous, “God will generously provide all you need. Then you will ALWAYS have everything you need and PLENTY left over to share with others.” “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” (v. 9)
Discussion Questions:
The scriptures tell us that if we live a life of generosity our God will generously supply all that we need. In what areas of your life have you seen a generous supply from God? How does the way we see God affect our attitude toward giving?
Genesis 13:2 tells us “Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.” Abram was not cursed, he was blessed. The blessing was on all of his investments. Christ died on the cross to take your curse. Your finances are not cursed, they are blessed! God is looking for someone to channel his blessing through.
Discussion Question:
God does not bless us so that we can heap up wealth for ourselves but so that we can be a channel for him to bless others. If you had access to wealth to distribute to those in need, where would your heart lead you? Why?
The big idea of this lesson is not that God wants to make everyone rich. However, He does want you to have what you need and more (abundance) so that he can use you as a channel of his blessing to others. If we are bound in poverty, then we are unable to be used to bless others. We should be sensitive to the needs around us and believe God for the resources to meet those needs in Jesus’ name.