Living With Open Hands
Summary
What does it look like to trust Jesus with everything we have, including our finances? This week, Pastor Chris shared his personal journey from holding tightly to money out of fear to learning what it means to live with open hands. Along the way, he discovered that generosity isn't simply about giving money. It's about trusting Jesus, surrendering control, and recognizing that everything we have ultimately belongs to Him.
Looking at Matthew 6 and Philippians 4, we explored the connection between our money and our hearts. Jesus knows that what we do with our resources reveals a lot about where we place our trust. We also celebrated the ways generosity is making a difference through Presence Church, both in our community and around the world. As we look toward the future, we're inviting everyone to prayerfully consider what their next step of generosity might look like. Not out of pressure or obligation, but as a response to what Jesus is doing in our lives.
Intro Prayer
Jesus, thank You for bringing us together. We invite You into our conversation today. Help us set aside distractions and anything that might keep us from hearing Your voice. As we talk about money, generosity, and trust, give us the freedom to be honest about where we are and the courage to grow. Holy Spirit, show each of us what You want us to see, and help us take another step toward becoming more like Jesus. Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's a decision you've made that felt risky at the time but turned out to be one of the best decisions you've ever made?
Key Verses
Matthew 6:19–21
Philippians 4:15–19
1 Chronicles 29:14
Matthew 13:58
Proverbs 21:5
Questions
Pastor Chris shared how his perspective shifted from seeing himself as an owner of his finances to recognizing that he's a steward of what God has entrusted to him. What's the difference between those two ways of thinking? Which one do you tend to lean toward?
Jesus talked about money frequently throughout His ministry. Why do you think our relationship with money matters so much to Jesus? What does the way we handle money reveal about our relationship with Him?
In Matthew 6:21, Jesus says that wherever our treasure is, our hearts will be also. When you think about how you spend your time, energy, and money, what do those things reveal about what matters most to you?
Pastor Chris shared how the fear of not having enough sometimes caused him to focus more on money than on Jesus. Have you ever found yourself in that place? What makes it difficult to trust Jesus when finances feel uncertain?
The church in Philippi wasn't particularly wealthy, but they consistently gave to support Paul's ministry. What stands out to you about their generosity? What can we learn from the way they trusted God?
In Philippians 4:19, Paul reminds the church that God will supply all their needs through His riches in Christ Jesus. How does this promise encourage or challenge you? What might it look like to trust Jesus as your provider while also making wise financial decisions?
Pastor Chris reminded us that following Jesus will cost us something because Jesus invites us to surrender every part of our lives to Him. What's something you've had to surrender as you've followed Jesus? How has that experience shaped your relationship with Him?
In 1 Chronicles 29:14, David acknowledges that everything we have comes from God in the first place. How might that perspective change the way we approach giving, saving, and spending?
Life Application
This week, set aside some intentional time to pray about your relationship with money and generosity.
Ask Jesus: "Am I living like an owner of what I have, or am I trusting You as a steward?"
Be honest about any fears, questions, or areas where you might be holding on tightly. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what your next step of trust and generosity might look like.
If you're married or share finances with someone, make time to have this conversation together.
Remember, this isn't about comparing yourself to someone else or giving a particular amount. It's about listening to Jesus and responding to what He's asking of you.
Key Takeaways
Money has a way of revealing what's happening in our hearts. Jesus talked about money because He knows how easily it can compete for our trust, attention, and devotion.
Jesus is our provider. Our jobs, careers, and savings are important, but they're not the ultimate source of our security. Everything we have comes from God.
We're stewards, not owners. When we recognize that everything belongs to God, it changes the way we approach our finances. Instead of holding tightly to what we have, we can learn to live with open hands.
Generosity is about obedience, not an amount. Everyone's circumstances are different, and generosity won't look the same for everyone. What matters is that we're listening to the Holy Spirit and taking the next step Jesus is inviting us to take.
Trusting Jesus leads us into a deeper relationship with Him. Taking a step of faith doesn't mean everything will be easy or that we'll always have more than enough financially. It means we can trust that Jesus is faithful, even when we don't know how everything will work out.
Ending Prayer
Jesus, thank You for being so generous toward us. Everything we have comes from You, and we want to become people who reflect Your generosity in the way we live. Help us recognize the areas where fear, worry, or the desire for control might be keeping us from trusting You. Teach us to be wise with what You've entrusted to us and generous with what we have. Give us the courage to listen to Your voice and respond when You invite us to take a step of faith. As a church, help us continue to live with open hands so that more people can experience Your love and find and follow You. We love You, Jesus. Amen.
