What’s the most amazing gift you ever received? Was the gift so amazing because of what the gift itself was or was it the giver that made it special? The simplest of gifts can be the most special when they’re given joyfully out of love while the flashiest gifts given thoughtlessly can be forgotten just as quickly. When you want to know what kind of giver you can be, it’s best to start by looking at the most generous Giver of all.
GENEROSITY: Joyfully Sharing What God Has Given You!
MEMORY VERSE: “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” PROVERBS 11:25 NLT
This Week’s Finish Line: God Gave Generously
Our God is radically generous. He doesn’t give out of obligation or because He needs something in return. He gives because He loves us unconditionally. He doesn’t just give us food, shelter, family and friends, although all of those things are wonderful. The most amazing gift of all was that Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, died on the cross, rose again and offers us the free gift of salvation. His free gift leads to our freedom from sin, shame and separation from Him. Now the choice is yours. Will you accept it?
Family Questions:
- Read Romans 6:23 and 5:8. What do we deserve because of our sin? Do we have to clean ourselves up to be good enough to receive his gift? Why or why not?
- Read John 3:16. What did Jesus do for us? Why did He do it? Why is He so important
- Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Are “works” bad things? Can they save us? Why or why not? Why should we still do them?
- How would you explain God’s free gift of grace to a friend?
Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
Teacher: What is the Gospel?
The most generous thing to ever happen is when God gave us His Son, Jesus, by sending Him to earth to live among us. At dinner this week, walk with your family through the gospel. If you don’t know how to do that here are some helpful resources.
- Want to get equipped to share the gospel? Go here!
- Want to watch an illustration with your kids? Go here! Then talk to them about it afterwards!
Friend: How Does the Gospel Change My Everyday Life?
While in the car with your family this week have your kids look out the window and tell you all the things they can see that God has given us. Ask and help them discover what that means about God that he has given us so many good things. Then remind them of the good news of Romans 8:32 which says, "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"
Counselor: Defining Sin
As we have talked about the gospel this week and our desperate need for it, spend some time at night, as you are putting your kids to bed, to help them define sin. What is sin? Have you ever sinned? Why does sin separate us from God? What gift has God given that is the solution to our sin problem?
Coach: John 3:16
As you send your kids off for the day, remind them that you love them more than they can imagine, but that is nothing compared to how much God loves them. Work together on this daily calendar to be reminded of things that God has given you, because He loves you.
Prayer
Thank God for paying a debt that you owe but could never repay. Thank Him for revealing the truth of the Gospel to you when you were dead in your sins.
Looking Ahead
Next week we will continue looking at the character trait of GENEROSITY for the month of November. We will discover how Jesus' disciples led the early church to give generously to one another because of what Jesus had done for them! Take a look at Acts 2:42-47 to find out more.
If you missed the Pumpkin Gospel event, here is a handout that you can use with your family, friends, and neighbors!
Image via Flickr Creative Commons