Message Notes for December 12, 2021
Series: The Gifts of Christmas
Title: The Loot

Giving gifts is a tangible and central part of Christmas and one of the ways we experience joy and show love. The sacrifice of our giving to God is a tangible expression of our worship to Him as Lord of our lives.
Scripture reference: Matthew 2:1-15
Who were the Wise Men?
What gifts did the Wise Men bring?
What did these gifts mean in worship and value?
Lessons from the Wise Men?
You are not where you are right now by chance.

Giving is an act of worship.
Proverbs 3:9-10
2 Corinthians 8:1-7

 Family/Group Study Notes for December 12, 2021
Series: The Gifts of Christmas
Title: The Loot

What is the most special gift you have received at Christmas? What made it special?
Read Matthew 2:1-15. What were the gifts that the Wise Men brought to Jesus? What is the significance of these gifts? How do you think the value of these gifts helped Mary and Joseph following the departure of the Wise Men? What if the Wise Men had not shown up?
Why did the Wise Men give these gifts? What is your motivation in giving to God? How does your giving reflect your love and worship of God?
Why does God use faithful worshippers to fund the spread of the Gospel around the world? What does this say about our partnership with God? What would happen if no one gave money to the work of God? What would happen to God’s Kingdom agenda on the earth?
What priority differences could you make as you more fully worship God through giving?
Read: Proverbs 3:9-10. What is the wisdom in this passage?
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. What is going on in this passage? What is the need? Why were the Macedonian Christians so generous? Who owned their heart? What does this say about their priority in life? How does this priority separate a Christ follower from the rest of the world?
What will you do differently following this study?
Gather in smaller groups and pray for each other.