Feel free to just use these questions, rather than the whole guide.
Read Exodus 23:19, Proverbs 3:9–10, and Genesis 4:3–5. What are firstfruits, and how can we honor God with them?
Pastor Morris explained that there are some things that God can’t do (e.g., have an “aha” moment) because He is God. Talk about some of His attributes through this lens, expressing what each attribute means to you.
Read Leviticus 27:30. How would you explain to someone else why you put God first in your life?
Group Reconnect
Share the story of a “first” from your life (first day of school/work, first taste of a particular food, etc.).
Talk about a defining moment you’ve experienced at Willow. It might involve meeting Jesus for the first time, getting baptized, receiving support from your small group, answered prayer, or powerful teaching.
Open in Prayer
Looking for an example of an Opening Prayer? Clickhere.
Message Recap
Pastor Robert Morris, senior pastor of Gateway Church in Dallas, challenged us to consider what comes first in our lives. Once scared of the word “tithe,” Pastor Morris studied the biblical principle of bringing God the first of everything we have. Reminding us that only God has the power to bless our finances, Pastor Morris inspired us to examine our priorities and determine how we—by faith—can live fully for God.
Which question(s) from the journal most challenged your thinking, and why?
If you feel comfortable, share (in general terms) what God is calling you to do with your next step in generosity. Pray for each other and for Willow, that God would continue powerfully moving in and through us.
Read Exodus 13:1–2, 12–13. Explain how these verses point to Jesus as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. (Remember, the “clean” firstborn would be sacrificed, while the “unclean” firstborn would be redeemed.)
Read Exodus 23:19, Proverbs 3:9–10, and Genesis 4:3–5.
How would you explain firstfruits? In what ways can we honor God with our firstfruits?
Why should we bring the first to God?
Pastor Morris explained that there are some things that God can’t do (e.g., have an “aha” moment) because He is God. Talk about some of His attributes through this lens, expressing what each attribute means to you.
Read Leviticus 27:30. How would you explain to someone else why you put God first in your life?
Live it Out
As you prepare to bring your Generosity Commitment Card to church next Sunday, pray about your next step in giving. How is God inviting you to experience more of the joy of generosity?
No matter where you are on your Generosity Journey, there’s value in pausing to get curious about your relationship with money. Consider attending an upcoming Willow class, “Money & Me,” this Wednesday evening via Zoom or this Sunday morning in person at the South Barrington campus. You will take a thoughtful and practical look at your finances, exploring where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you’re going.
Check out willowcreek.org/financial-resources, which lists many resources to support you throughout our More Than Money series and beyond. Share the website with someone who might benefit from these resources.
Is there another way God is calling you to live out the message this week?
Close in Prayer
Looking for an example of a Closing Prayer? Click here.
