Use one or both of these questions to introduce the lesson:

1. List three or four organizations from which you have recently received a letter or phone call that asked for donations. To which one would you be most likely to give? To which one would you be least likely to give?

2. A non-Christian friend has told you that he will not go to church because all churches ever do is ask for money. How do you respond to such a charge?

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

1. These verses gave principles for giving as it related to a collection for a specific purpose. Describe that purpose (Acts 11:27-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1). How was Paul going to ensure that the money collected would be used for its intended purpose? See 2 Corinthians 8:16-21.

2. Paul used an agricultural reference to give a principle for giving in 2 Corinthians 9:6. Paraphrase this principle in as few words as possible. What comparison might you use to illustrate how this principle works for someone who is not a farmer? For example, how might you state this principle to a baker, a carpenter, or a cab driver?

3. The middle of last month was the deadline for paying income taxes. How does Paul’s statement in verse 7 explain how one’s attitude and actions concerning paying taxes differ from the attitude and actions concerning giving to a cause one believes in?

4. Compare Proverbs 19:17 to 2 Corinthians 9:8. How do these verses address a common roadblock to generous giving?

Read Exodus 35:20-29.

5. These verses present a case study from the Old Testament showing how God’s principles for giving were practiced. Underline the word “heart” in Exodus 35:21 and in 2 Corinthians 9:7. Explain the correlation between these two verses.

6. The offerings described in 2 Corinthians 9 and in Exodus 35 were for different purposes. What was the purpose of each offering? Give examples of each type of offering given in churches today.

7. How successful was the giving campaign for the construction of the Tabernacle? Explain by referring to Exodus 36:6, 7. Why might someone consider such results shocking? What can your congregation do better to encourage generous giving when asking for offerings?