Each number below includes questions that relate to the scripture. I offer a few answers, but your perspective may be better. The point is to discuss, not to get 100% agreement. Rule of thumb: the fewer questions you ask, the better. Save time for “the big question.”
This week’s guide is divided into two parts. The first half is discussion based. The second half is dwelling based. Try to take some time for both. And don't forget the challenge question at the end —it may be the most important question you discuss this week.
Discussing the Word
Begin by reading Luke 12:32-34 aloud and slowly.
1. Jesus instructions to the disciples start with a particular image of
God. What do we learn about God from Jesus’ description?
How does this view of God challenge other views of God?
Hint: Think of other ways you hear people talk about God, or ways you might have been taught to think about God.
In what ways is this picture of God refreshing or comforting?
In what ways might a person be transformed if they began to believe in a God who is generous? Hint: Tell ways it has changed you or tell stories of how you have seen change in others.
2. Also important in Jesus’ instruction is his command to “do not fear.” What does fear have to do with being generous?
Describe a person who is overcome by fear and anxiety. Consider:
How do they relate to God? How do they relate to others? How do they relate to their possessions and time?
Describe a person who trusts in the God Jesus describes here.
Consider: How do they relate to God? How do they relate to others?
How do they relate to their possessions and time?
How might you go about becoming the kind of person who trusts in the God Jesus’ describes? What kinds of practices and habits might you incorporate into your life on a regular basis?
Dwelling in the Word
This part of your discussion is intended to be more contemplative based. In other words this is a way for you to slow down as a group and allow God to speak through Scripture.
To prepare gather three different translations of this brief passage from Luke. The NRSV, NIV, NLT, and The Message are some helpful translations and paraphrases.
Opening: Take about a minute to let your group be quiet.
Reading 1: After that minute have someone slowly read the passage, and then allow another minute or two for silence.
Reading 2: After that moment of silence, have another person read another translation of the passage slowly. Then take another minute or two of silence.
Reading 3: After the silence, have a final reading of the passage from another translation of the passage.
After this final reading ask the group to silently reflect on a word or a phrase that struck them from the reading, or from one of the given translations. Allow them a few minutes in silence to chew on and contemplate that phrase.
Close: Have the group share their word or phrase. Also ask them to reflect on how God might be speaking to them, or where God might be calling them to change based on that word or phrase. In other words, how does that word or phrase intersect their life now?
 The million-dollar question If you ask only one question, let this be it.
Allow at least 20 minutes. Go around the circle and give each person an opportunity to answer. It’s okay if they pass, but at least they get a chance to respond.
Based upon the lesson this morning and the discussion and dwelling this evening, what is a generous experiment that you can try this week? Is there something you can do as a LIFE Group? Make a commitment to hold each other accountable this week with this experiment.

Bible notes
One of the potentially trickiest aspects of this passage is when Jesus says that God wants to give us the kingdom. “Kingdom” is an important phrase in the life and ministry of Jesus. In fact, it stands at the heart of his message.
The kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God. It is any sphere of influence where God’s will is being done. It is any place, heart, family, or organization where God’s priorities are thriving and transforming lives.
What are God’s priorities? At the top of that list, according to Jesus, is love of God and love of neighbor. So when we have right relationships with God and one another, then God’s kingdom is breaking out. And, according to
Jesus, God wants to generously give us that kingdom now.
Kid-friendly activity.
An activity designed to help kids and adults grow in faith together. Do this first, then dismiss the kids so the adults can talk.
An Experiment in Generosity
This week should be a fun week for your kid ’s activity. While you may be tempted to reign in this discussion, see what happens if you trust God to work through and speak through the kids in your group.
To start: Get a Bible and gather the kids in a circle. Tell them that we are going to try an experiment together and their opinion matters greatly to making this a successful experiment.
Read Luke 12:32-34 slowly and maybe a few times, and maybe from even a few different translations. Then ask a few of the following questions.

Why do you think it is easy to get afraid when it comes to generosity?

How does the picture of God that Jesus points to calm our fears about generosity?

Does anything else strike you about this passage?
Experiment time: After some discussion tell the kids you want to try to practice the teachings of Jesus together. So they need to come up with an experiment in generosity. Let them brainstorm some ideas (no matter how crazy), and then help them to narrow down the list to one. Make sure it is concrete and tangible.
Then either let them go and carry out that experiment, or even better, go with them and see how God works through their wisdom.
College Hills LIFE Group Guide
August 2013 Guide 2
By Wilson McCoy (wmccoy@collegehills.org)
The theme: Generosity is a hard topic to discuss. So it is important that we have a good starting point for any conversation about this issue. In our passage this week we look at the starting place Jesus gives us for our practice of generosity. Only once we have this correct starting point can we begin to imagine what it looks like to be a generous people of
God in the world.
During the month of August our Sunday message series is titled “Cross
Training.” We are focusing on four practices that will train us in the ways of
Jesus. As kids go back to school and we begin a new ministry season each of these practices will help us to better engage with God and our neighbor.
While they might seem like familiar routines, when they are implemented on a regular basis they have the power, by the grace of God, to transform lives.
Leadership Announcement : Next week is Ministry Fair 2013 . It will be held during the Bible class hour (10:15-11:00 am), and it is a great way to get involved in one of the many ministries College Hills offers. Encourage your group to be there, and to attend this big day!
Use a few to introduce the theme, check everyone’s spiritual pulse, and
“break the ice.” No right or wrong answers – maybe goofy but not wrong! Look for
opportunities to affirm and encourage through these questions.
 Who is the most generous person you ever met? Why?
 If you had to name your most prized possession, what would it be? Would you ever consider giving it away? Why or why not?
 Talk about a time you experienced generosity: either by giving or receiving. How did that experience change you?