— Excel At Giving — 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT) 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. What kind of wealth should a real Christian pursue? 1 Timothy 6:6–8 (NLT) 6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. For a Christian, is wealth. What kind of life does the pursuit of wealth create? 1 Timothy 6:9–10 (NLT) 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. For a Christian, material wealth is disastrous. What now? Philippians 4:11–13 (NLT) 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Learn “the ” of living. Build your life around 4 essentials: simplicity - Philippians 4:19 (NLT) gratitude contentment generosity CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION QUESTIONS 1. Why do you think that it’s such a challenge for Christians to accept & believe that contentment is more valuable than material wealth? 2. Are you familiar with any stories about someone who’s craving for (or love of money) led their life into a disaster? 3. Let’s personalize these truths. Which of these 4 essentials might you focus on to help build your life of generosity? simplicity (focused on my needs) gratitude (receive everything as God’s generosity ) contentment (satisfied with essentials) generosity (actively giving more time/talent/treasure)