Leader Guide
Last week, we considered the way the Holy Spirit nudges us to action as we grow in our ability to share the gospel. This week we will consider what it looks like to offer an acceptable sacrifice. Whether we have a little or a lot, God values integrity and character. He doesn’t really need our money or our time, He wants our love and allegiance.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leaders: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. Recount a time you or someone close to you “played with fire” literally or figuratively. Did that dangerous experience teach you some sense or go right over your head leaving you prone to the same behavior again?
2. Read Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 6:19. The Holy Spirit is not deceived. How does this story remind us that sin and deception can pollute even our service and monetary donations? What scenarios do you think would have had a different result for Ananias and Sapphira? Does God need our money?
Leaders: This sobering story reminds us that the Holy Spirit is powerful. We can’t flippantly behave in sin while appearing to do good and holy work. We are not compelled to give but when we do donate or serve in His name it better not be fake! He is not impressed, pleased, or fooled. Just like the God of the Old Testament the Holy Spirit of God is very good but not necessarily safe for those who deliberately and knowingly disobey. Holiness and sin are mutually exclusive.
3. Read Acts 4:32-37. God wants our hearts, not perfection. What kind of service and sacrifice is happening in verse 32? Why might Ananias and Sapphira have felt pressure to sell their field and donate the proceeds?
Leaders: The other church members who had property were selling it and donating it in verse 32. It was an exciting time for the Church. The Church did not have any needy people in it – they were an example of love in action in their community. People knew that they followed Jesus because of how well they took care of each other. Finally, Ananias and Sapphira may have been trying to “keep up with the Barnabus” when they sold their field. In verse 36-37 we see an example of a man who sold his field and donated the proceeds and didn’t drop dead. It’s not about perfect sacrifice, donation or service and yet we have to be authentic when we join in what the Holy Spirit is doing.
4. Read Matthew 6:19-21. Are you giving your best to God? When you serve, give financially, and participate with the Holy Spirit in His work – consider whether what you are offering is authentic. In what areas are you giving your best to God and in what areas do you need to have a heart check?
Leaders: Storing up treasure in heaven sounds selfish. Really what the passage reminds us of is that we can spend our resources (time, money, effort, talent) on things that will retain value forever or we can spend them on things that will vanish in a very short time. When we contribute to God’s work and His kingdom in big or small ways that treasure doesn’t disappear. However, keep in mind that while we can fool pretty much everyone else, we can’t fool God. He knows when we’re trying to work the system. He is not deceived or persuaded by some contribution. Remember He doesn’t need your resources, he wants your wholehearted participation with Him in what He is doing.
Action Step: This week, challenge yourself to join God in what he is doing. Go “all out” by buying some groceries, praying with someone going through a hard time when you’re not at church, or buying lunch for someone. If your Life Group meets in a space where it is possible consider doing something right now... remember God doesn’t need your money or your service and yet He does want your authentically offered heart.