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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Generous — Matthew 23:23-24
NEXT WEEK'S SERMON: Romans 12
Preacher: Pastor Jon Needham
Scripture: Matthew 23:23-24
MAIN POINTS 1. The History of Tithing 2. The Purpose of Tithing 3. Practical Steps for Growing in Obedience
Tithing is a command from the Lord and trains our hearts to trust in Him more than money. Scripture warns us that we cannot serve two masters, and we must be diligent to guard our hearts against the love of money.
Family Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage?
2. What is tithing and why are we commanded to do it?
3. What are some examples from the bible of God’s people giving to the church?
4. What do our giving habits reveal about our hearts?
5. How can you grow in obedience in the areas of generosity and tithing?
Parent Tip:
· Read the sermon summary together as a family. Build this into your regular routine, perhaps reading together around the table during a meal.
· There are five questions, each with a different theme. You can choose to go over all five on one night a week, do a couple of questions a few times a week, or discuss one question per day.
· Each question is meant to be a conversation starter model for your children on how to answer these questions by sharing your own personal insights.
· Even if your conversations don’t go as planned, don’t be discouraged. ALL time spent talking about and reading God’s word is valuable!
· The more consistent you are in having these discussions, the more fruitful they will be. As this becomes part of your weekly rhythm, your kids will anticipate the questions and listen more attentively at church.
Additional Scriptures
- Genesis 14:18-20
- Malachi 3:8
- Luke 16:13
- Matthew 6:21
Parent Tip:
Use these additional scriptures as daily reading. This is also a great way to help your children learn to locate passages in the Bible.
Attribute of God:
PURPOSEFUL God doesn’t do things arbitrarily. He has a good purpose and reason for all that He does. Every rule or law He gives is for our good and His glory. Tithing is a purposeful command designed to sanctify our hearts and care for His people.
Parent Tip:We focus on a new attribute of God each week to discuss as a family. Use this time to discuss who God is, answer questions the kids might have, and talk about what that week’s attribute means to each person in your family.
Prayer Focus:
REPENTANCE Spend some time this week repenting of the ways you’ve lacked generosity. Ask the Lord to reveal ways you can grow in obedience with your tithes and
offerings.
Parent Tip: Each week of the month has its own prayer theme: Church, Family, Community, and Repentance. Use these themes to show your children how to pray. It can be helpful to add this to an already existing routine, like at bedtime or when you’re in the car together.
THIS MONTH:
MONTHLY SONG:
In Tenderness
In tenderness He sought me,
Weary and sick with sin.
And on His shoulders brought me
Back to His fold again.
While angels in His presence sang,
Until the courts of heaven rang.
O-o-oh the love that sought me!
O-o-oh the blood that bought me!
Oh the grace that brought me
to the fold of God.
Grace that brought me to the fold
of God!
He died for me while I was sinning;
Needy and poor and blind.
He whispered to assure me.
“I’ve found thee; thou art Mine.”
Upon His grace I’ll daily ponder
And sing anew His praise.
With all adoring wonder,
His blessings I retrace.
It seems as if eternal days,
Are far too short to sing His praise!.
Memory Verse:
2 Corinthians 8:9 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”
Parent Tip:
Practice reciting it as a family each day at least once. Dinner time is a great opportunity to practice together.
Westminster Shorter Catechism:
Questions 8: How doth God execute his decrees?
Answer: God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence.
