Read 1 Timothy 2:5-6. This passage describes Jesus as our mediator. What is the job of a mediator?
How does Jesus mediate for us?
Filled with gratitude, say a prayer thanking Jesus for being your mediator.
Who can you pray for who does not know Jesus as their mediator? Pray for that person.
Read Leviticus 25:35 and Deuteronomy 15:7. The Bible is filled with stories and passages that lift up the honorable characteristic of generosity.
Generosity is one of those honorable characteristics that God blesses us with as He strengthens our faith.
Pray for God to strengthen your faith so that your generosity overflows into many lives.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:9. When we look at the life of Jesus, we see a life that was perfectly led by the Other-First GPS. How does this passage illustrate how Jesus live sacrificially for the good of others?
Cite two other people in the Bible who lived for others.
Today, guided by the Other-First GPS, what can you do to put others first?
Read Ezekiel 34:17-24. In this passage the LORD condemns selfish lifestyles; lifestyles that are guided by the Me-First GPS.
What images and metaphors are used in this passage to describe selfish actions?
What are the consequences of these actions?
How does God respond to the selfish actions?
Read Acts 9:1-19. In this story from the Book of Acts we see the GPS’s of two people being radically changed.
Describe the change in Saul’s GPS, then describe the surprising change in Ananias’ GPS.
Describe a time in your life when your GPS was changed.
Read 2 Peter 1:19. How does the passage of Scripture describe God’s Word?
What is it compared to and why?
How does the passage exhort us to handle God’s Word?
These images of God’s Word reminds us that the Word is there to guide and direct us as we make small and large decisions in life. How does the Word of God guide your decision-making?
Read 1 Timothy 6:19. Do you agree that the enemy of generosity is often fear and/or a lack of trust and not stinginess?
What do you think is the basis of fear and of lack of trust?
How can great generosity in time, talent and treasure lead us into greater contentment?
Read 1 Timothy 6:18. How does Paul describe what it means to “be rich”? Think about this practical application this weekend:
Who might be delighted to possess something that is unused in your home?
Who might you give it to specifically?
Or perhaps you need to make a run to Goodwill or another great organization with a practical donation of stuff.
Read 1 Timothy 6:17. One great way to battle comparison is to build with gratitude. What are 10 items that lead you to praise God today?
You can go deeper by reading “Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a World of Consumption” by Jeff Manion.
Read 1 Timothy 6:9-10. When was there a time when your gratefulness for God’s blessings was crippled when you compared your situation with someone else’s?
What are the dangers to our faith that come from a life marked by comparison?
Where do you need to seek forgiveness in dealing with covetousness and missing out on contentment?
You can go deeper by reading “Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a World of Consumption” by Jeff Manion.