Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-15. Paul places giving alongside other marks of spiritual growth in 8:7. In what ways have you seen giving (or your resistance towards giving) shape your spiritual growth?
Why do you think Paul avoids commanding a specific percentage in 2 Corinthians 8–9 like the tithe? What might be gained or lost if giving were reduced to a fixed rule or percentage?
Paul describes Christ becoming poor so that we might become rich (2 Cor. 8:9). What does it mean to understand salvation in “economic” language? What shifts in your thinking when you realize the extent of what Jesus gave up for you?
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6. Pete used the image of seed in a barn versus seed in the ground (2 Cor. 9:6). How has the tension between security and generosity affected your own giving?
2 Corinthians 9:7 shows that grace produces in us both decisiveness and cheerfulness. Why do we sometimes assume grace means avoiding clear decisions? How can intentional planning actually free you up to give joyfully?
Pete asked in the sermon, “Can God trust you with more seed?” How would you answer that in the way you steward your finances right now?
Pete described the tithe as a helpful tool, or “training wheels,” rather than a New Testament mandate. How can structured giving (like a tithe) help expose blind spots or fight greed in your life? What might it look like for you to move from obligation to freedom in generosity?
