Gospel Generosity

Small group questions for Sunday 2nd October 2022.

Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul is using the collection for the church in Jerusalem to teach the church about Gospel generosity.  Paul thinks this example generosity by gentile Christians will not only help the jewish Christians in Jerusalem but be a witness of Christian support that goes beyond gentile/jewish lines.

In this time together explore how generosity is broader than giving a donation of money.

1. Why does Paul mention the church in Macedonian in verses 1-4?  What does their example of giving have to teach the Corinthians?
   
2. Paul refers to giving as a grace, see verse 1 & 7.  What does Paul mean by this use of grace?  How does this “grace” differ from Pauls teaching about “grace” in Ephesians 2:8-9?  (Hint 2 Corinthians 8:1 is probably part of the good works mentioned in Ephesians 2:10)
   
3. Gospel generosity flows out of the example of Jesus.  What does Paul say about the example of Jesus in this passage?  (Hint see verse 9)
   
4. Paul encourages the church in Corinth to finish their work, see verse 11.  Why is following through on our commitments so important as Christians?
   
5. Gospel generosity can be a powerful witness to people in our community.  What examples from the church fete on Sunday demonstrated gospel generosity?
   
6. Gospel generosity includes financial partnership with a church; however it is more than this.  What other areas of our lives need gospel generosity?  Discuss gospel generosity in relation to prayer, service, pastoral care and spiritual formation.