As followers of Jesus Christ, rather than just doing church as we see fit, we need to seriously examine the implications of the fact that Christ loved his church to the ultimate extent of giving himself up for her. And to understand how we too can practically love the church he loves.
1. What have you recently done to honour fellow church members above yourself? What are some things you can do in the coming weeks to honour others above yourself?
2. How have you been hurt by another church member’s wrongful actions or words? How does God call you to respond to it?
3. Explain why Paul sandwiched Romans 13:1-10 between Romans 12:9-21 and Romans 13:8-10. What causes us to feel that we owe a debt to love others that we can never fully repay?
1. Share about how others have taught and encouraged you to give by their examples. Then encourage other CG members by your own journey of learning to give.
2. According to Paul, why does God bless abundantly those who give generously? In what ways have you personally experienced this reality? What might be some things that hold you back from embracing it?
3. What is the ultimate reason we give to God? How do you feel about giving towards a permanent spiritual facility where more people, including future generations, can come to worship God?