How Do I… Series
2 COR 8 and 9 | Chris Mead | November 9, 2025
2 Corinthians 8–9 calls each believer to live with a heart of generosity rooted in the grace of Jesus, not out of guilt, law, or obligation. It confronts our misconceptions about money in the church and emphasizes that generosity is not about wealth or percentage but about worship—flowing from a heart transformed by Christ’s love. Using the Macedonian believers as an example, the message shows that true generosity is born out of joy, even in hardship, and is a response to God’s extravagant grace. Giving becomes an act of grace itself—an intentional, cheerful investment in God’s Kingdom that results in greater thanksgiving, praise, and spiritual growth.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Heart Check: When you think about money, what emotions or attitudes come up first—trust, fear, defensiveness, gratitude? What might that reveal about where your heart finds security?
o Where does your heart go when the Church talks about money? Why? What has been your experience of church and money that affects your view (good or bad)?
3. Read 2 Cor 8:1-9. Motivation for Giving: The Macedonian believers gave out of joy despite their trials and extreme poverty.
o What are some circumstances that challenge your joy to give financially with generosity?
o How can their example challenge your view of what it means to be generous, regardless of circumstances?
o How does Jesus’ example, and saturating yourself in the Gospel (v 9) become a motivation to generosity?
4. Read 2 Cor 9:6-7. The Way of Generosity:
o Paul says giving is like sowing seed into God’s Kingdom. Where is God inviting you to “invest” more—your finances, time, or energy—to see His work grow?
o Have you ever prayed and asked God what He wants you (or your family) to give? What might it look like to make your giving a regular, prayerful, intentional act of worship?
5. Read 2 Cor 9:8-15. The Result of Generosity: We see that generosity leads to thanksgiving, praise, and prayer.
o Can you recall a time when your—or someone else’s generosity—resulted in gratitude or worship toward God?
o Reflect on v.15 and your thankfulness to God for His indescribable gift. List and share the various ways that God has shown generosity to you. How does that affect your heart toward Him?
How Do I... Series
Matthew 18:21-33 | Chris Meade | November, 2 2025
Matthew 18:21-33 centers on Jesus’ call to forgive without limits. It reminds us that forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel because it reflects the immeasurable grace God has shown us through Christ, who paid our unpayable debt. Forgiveness is not excusing wrongdoing or erasing boundaries but choosing to cancel the debt and release bitterness for our own freedom and spiritual health. Whether forgiving others, ourselves, or releasing resentment toward God, forgiveness is both an act of obedience and a witness to the transforming power of God’s mercy—freeing us from the chains of unforgiveness, allowing grace to flow out to others.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. What makes forgiveness difficult for you personally?
o Is it past hurt, a sense of justice, or fear of being hurt again? How does recognizing those barriers help you start the process of forgiveness?
o How does the distinction of FORGIVENESS and RESTORATION help you start the process of forgiveness?
o “Forgiveness is free—trust is earned.” How can you extend forgiveness while still setting healthy, God-honoring boundaries with people who have hurt you?
3. Read Matthew 18:21-22. Jesus says forgiveness should be “seventy-seven times.”
o What did He mean by that? How does limitless forgiveness challenge the way our FLESH—our culture—and even the church—often approaches forgiveness?
4. Read Matthew 18:23-33. Forgiveness flows out of being forgiven by God.
o How does remembering the unpayable debt Jesus has paid for you change the way you respond to those who wrong you or others?
5. Unforgiveness is a weight that hurts you and others.
o What are some ways you’ve seen bitterness or resentment affect relationships around you? Have you experienced this personally?
o If forgiveness is canceling the debt, what “debts” are you still holding onto? What might it look like for you to release your debts, other’s debts, or debts you are holding against God--over to God this week? What might freedom look like if you truly let go?
FORGIVENESS KEY:
FORGIVENESS IS:
FORGIVENESS IS the ongoing process and decision to “cancel the debt”… of letting go of the resentment and anger and bitterness being held against the one who has hurt, disappointed, or offended.
WHAT FORGIVENESS IS NOT:- 1. It Is not overlooking, excusing, or minimizing the wrong that was done. Minimizing wrong, minimizes the forgiveness.
2. It is not forgetting… or ignoring pain. But it does allow the healing process to start.
3. It is not a one-time event. It is a daily decision… an ongoing decision.
4. It is not losing boundaries, operating without wisdom, or automatically trusting again. These have to do with restoration. Forgiveness is free. TRUST IS EARNED.
5. It is not RESTORATION. Restoration takes both parties—the wounded willing to forgive and the wounder willing to repent—not just be sorry—sorry is not restoration—but living differently and building trust is the beginning of restoration. Forgiveness is only on you.