For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this Anchor Group study with you.
⌘ Space to Belong | 5-10 minutes
Connect with one another with an ice-breaker.
🧊 What is something small you absolutely can’t live without for an entire week (like coffee, your favorite snack, or a certain app)?
(We’ll be talking about priorities in giving, and this is a fun way to get into that mindset! Let’s ease into discussing the things we might find hard to part with.)
⌘ Space to Believe | 10-15 minutes
Read and reflect on the scripture.
Malachi 3:8–10 (NIV) 8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
What stands out to you? Is there anything new for you to believe or obey?
⌘ Space to Become | 10-15 minutes
A. Familiarize yourself with the sermon.
In this message by Pastor Paul Durbin, we explore the question, What kind of giving fits? Looking through the lenses of tithing, freewill offerings, and almsgiving, Pastor Paul discusses the biblical foundations of each and how they align with God's design for generosity. Giving financially is not just transactional, but an act that builds up others and ourselves. Through the principles of giving first, giving sacrificially, and understanding that giving is never a loss, we are encouraged to see generosity as something that shapes our hearts and moves God’s kingdom forward.
B. Discuss one or more of the following questions.
- 💰 How do you currently think about the 10% tithe?
- Pastor Paul described tithing as returning to God a portion of what He’s already given us. It’s not just obligation but gratitude.
- When you think of tithing, does it feel like release or resistance?
- 🎁 Have you ever experienced the joy of giving a freewill offering or gift beyond a tithe?
- Freewill offerings stretch us beyond discipline and into generosity. These gifts often fund ministry work, missions, or special causes.
- What practical steps can you take to budget for freewill offerings?
- ❤️ When do you feel most moved to practice almsgiving?
- Giving to those in need (alms) is more than finances, it's also sharing resources, time, and compassion.
- In what ways can you be more open-handed with your time or "stuff" this week?
- 🥇 Why is giving the first of your income (firstfruits) so important?
- Cain and Abel showed two very different approaches to giving—one gave the first, the other gave leftovers.
- How can you better honor God by prioritizing Him with your first and best, whether in finances or something else?
- 🌱 How has giving been a seed that has grown unexpectedly in your life?
- Giving might feel like a loss initially, but it’s an act of spiritual trust. We often see the harvest later.
- Can you think of a time when you gave sacrificially and God gave back in an unexpected way?
Bonus Question:
👉 Which “pocket” of giving—tithes, offerings, or alms—do you want to grow in this year?