17 | 2 Corinthians 8:1-10 | Study Guide

Opening  

Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-10. What surprised you or stood out to you in this passage? How do Paul’s words challenge our idea of generosity? Why do you think the Macedonians were so eager to give despite their poverty?   

Questions  

1. What does it mean to “give ourselves first to the Lord”? Do you find it easier to be generous when life is going well or when life is difficult? Why? How has God challenged you to be generous even through you were in a difficult season?   

2. Discuss the idea of “excelling in generosity” (v. 7). What does this look like for you? How have you grown in your desire to be generous? What ways do you still need to grow? What examples of generosity have impacted you?  

3. Read Verse 9 again. What does Paul use to motivate the church toward generosity? How does Jesus’ generosity toward us reshape our understanding of generosity? How should the riches we have in Christ change our perspective on money and giving?    

4. What needs to change in your life for you to become more generous?