We’re diving into a topic that is not always easy to discuss but holds great importance for our faith journey—tithing and generosity. As teenagers, you are at a crucial stage of developing lifelong habits and perspectives on money and possessions. Understanding the biblical principles of stewardship, tithing, and generosity will help you cultivate a heart of gratitude, trust, and obedience toward God. So let’s explore what the Bible says about these topics and how they can transform our lives!
I. Bible Reading: Malachi 3:10 (NIV) Read the passage aloud or ask a volunteer to read it.
Explanation For Teenagers:
In this verse from the book of Malachi, God invites His people to test Him in the area of tithing and promises abundant blessings for those who are faithful in their giving. Let’s explore the key points:
- “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse”: God instructs His people to bring their tithes, which is a tenth of their income, into His house (the local place of worship).
- “Test me in this”: God encourages His people to put Him to the test by faithfully giving their tithes.
- “See if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it”: God promises overflowing blessings to those who honor Him with their tithes.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- What is your understanding of tithing? Why do you think God asks His people to tithe?
- How does the concept of tithing challenge our attitudes toward money and possessions?
- In what ways have you experienced God’s blessings when you have been faithful in giving or practicing generosity?
- Share a time when you witnessed someone’s generous act and how it impacted you.
II. Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV) Read the passage aloud or ask a volunteer to read it.
Explanation For Teenagers:
In this passage, the apostle Paul encourages the Corinthians to give generously and highlights the principles of sowing and reaping. Let’s explore the key points:
- “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously”: Our generosity and giving have an impact on the blessings we receive.
- “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion”: Our giving should be a joyful and willing response, not forced or out of obligation.
- “God loves a cheerful giver”: God desires our generosity to flow from a heart of joy and gratitude.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- How does the principle of sowing and reaping apply to our generosity and giving?
- Why is it important to give with a cheerful heart and not reluctantly?
- In what ways can we be intentional in deciding how much to give and where to give?
- How can we practice generosity beyond financial giving, using our time, talents, and resources to bless others?
Youth Group Game: “Generosity Scavenger Hunt” Organize a scavenger hunt where teams or individuals search for items that represent different acts of generosity. For example, they may find a canned good to donate, a handwritten note of encouragement, or a volunteer opportunity. The team or individual who collects the most items within a given time wins the game.
III. Bible Reading: Luke 6:38 (NIV) Read the passage aloud or ask a volunteer to read it.
Explanation For Teenagers:
In this verse, Jesus teaches His disciples about the principle of giving and receiving. Let’s explore the key points:
- “Give, and it will be given to you”: Jesus emphasizes the reciprocal nature of giving.
- “A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap”: God’s measure of blessing exceeds what we give.
- “For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you”: Our generosity determines the measure of blessings we receive.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to give generously and expect nothing in return?
- How does the concept of God’s measure of blessings challenge our view of generosity?
- Share a personal experience when you experienced the joy of giving and receiving blessings.
- In what areas of your life can you practice generosity beyond financial giving?
Closing Prayer:
“Loving God, we thank You for the gift of generosity and the opportunity to steward the resources You have entrusted to us. Help us, as teenagers, to understand the importance of tithing, stewardship, and practicing generosity. Give us open hearts and minds to embrace Your principles and to use our resources for Your kingdom purposes. Show us practical ways we can be generous in our daily lives, both financially and in other areas. May our giving be joyful, faithful, and a reflection of Your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.”
Remember, incredible teens, that tithing and practicing generosity are not burdens but opportunities to participate in God’s work and experience His abundant blessings. May you walk in faithful stewardship and use your resources to impact the lives of others and bring glory to God.