Small Group Questions | The Giving Life | Malachi 3:6-12

As we move into February we typically think of this month as a month of Love. It's a month we think of hearts, Valentine's Day, and expressing our love. In the New Testament Jesus asked His listeners to think about where they placed their affection. It is easy for us to place our affection in the wrong place; we have misplaced affection for money. Of His thirty-eight parables, about half of them deal with money and possessions. In the Gospels, one in every ten verses deal with money. Why so much talk about money? Because our attitude to money reveals a lot about us. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or learning to pray these questions are for you. 

Small Group Questions | The Giving Life | Malachi 3:6-12

The good life is not something we stumble into by accident, it is formed as we learn to grow into the disciples Jesus has invited us to be. In the Old Testament God’s people had robbed Him of the tithes and offerings. The Temple was rebuilt in Israel but it paled in comparison to its former glory. The priesthood was corrupt, tithing was neglected, and widespread social injustice plagued Israel. Malachi speaks on behalf of God, inviting God’s people to worship Him again. Malachi invited God’s people to think about God’s faithfulness in their lives. This same invitation is extended to us today as we study these questions and remember God’s faithfulness in our lives even when we fail God. 

1) Every one of us has bills to pay and financial obligations to meet. Paying bills might be one of the most stressful things some people have to do. What emotions come up for you when you think about spending or giving money?  

2) Read Malachi 3:6–7. God reminds the Nation of Israel of His unchanging character. Why is God’s unchanging character important when we talk about generosity? (see Lamentations 3:22–23, Hebrews 13:8, and James 1:17). 

3) God invites His people to return to Him and in return He will return to them. There are many circumstances why someone would walk away from the Lord, what are the main reasons we see people come back to the Lord? 

4) Read Malachi 3:8-9. Malachi says that God’s people were robbing God. Read Haggai 1:4–9, Matthew 23:23, and Luke 21:1-4. What do you think God was really confronting in the hearts of His people and in our hearts as well? 

5) In the sermon we learned that the practice of tithing has four benefits to our walk with the Lord: Tithing forms me into a disciple who trusts and obeys Jesus, Tithing protects my heart from turning money into an idol, Tithing strengthens my relationship with God as Provider, Tithing partners us with God’s mission through the local church. What one was most impactful to you and why? 

6) Read Malachi 3:10-12. God told His people to test Him with their tithes & offerings. What does that reveal about His heart? (Read Psalm 34:8, Isaiah 55:8–9, and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. 

7) Neal shared how tithing changed his family. They stopped seeing money as security and saw the Lord as their provider. How has tithing changed you? 

Close your time in prayer asking God to help you honor Him with your finances.