Digging Deeper | Week of October 30th

Attitude of Generosity: Widow at Zarephath | What's Her Name? | Week 2
Pastor Jericho Toilolo, Teaching Pastor
1 Kings 17:7-24; Deuteronomy 11:16-17

1.  An attitude of sacrifice is at the heart of generosity.
1 Kings 17:14-16

2.  An attitude of faith awards us God-given opportunities.
Exodus 3:7-8; 1 Kings 17:17-24

3.  An attitude of generosity puts me in proximity to what God is doing around me.

“And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him, ‘Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.’ So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, ‘Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.’ And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, ‘Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.’ And she said, ‘As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.’ And Elijah said to her, ‘Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.”
1 Kings 17:7-16

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, ‘He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.’ He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!"
2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Radical Generosity by Tim Keller

1. What was your biggest takeaway from Pastor Jericho’s message on Sunday?

2. The widow at Zarepath was obedient to the Lord and generous to the point of giving everything she had, and God provided for her and her household. Do you find it harder to be generous in moments of uncertainty? Do you find it easier?

3. What lessons have you learned from the widow of Zarepath?

4. Why do you think God calls us to radical generosity?

5. Is there a time in your life when you were shown great generosity or you got to witness great generosity?

6. Generosity teaches us to trust God. The Bible reminds us that life on earth is uncertain and nothing is guaranteed, but when we put our hope in God's provision, we can rest assured that he'll provide for our needs. Giving to others helps us tangibly practice trusting in God rather than our riches or belongings. Discuss ways we can show generosity.

7. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15: Discuss why God loves a cheerful giver.