Open Hands

Living Generously in a Closed-Fist World

Generosity isn’t just about what we give away; it’s about how we live when we trust the One who has given us everything.

Week 1 // October 18, 2026

Living Generously
in a Closed Fist World

God owns everything.

We live in a closed-fist world, a world that tells us to hold tightly to what we have, protect what we’ve earned, and make sure we have enough before we think about anyone else. But the Bible invites us to live by a different story: God owns it all, and we are simply His stewards. Our time, talents, resources, opportunities, and even our very lives are gifts entrusted to us by a generous God. The question isn’t simply, “What do I have?” but “What has God entrusted to me, and how can I use it for His purposes?”

1. Psalm 24:1 says that everything belongs to God. What is the difference between believing that truth and actually living as though it is true? Which area of your life is hardest to surrender to God's ownership?
2. In Deuteronomy 8:10–18, Moses warns the Israelites not to forget God when they experience prosperity. Why is it sometimes easier to depend on God during difficult seasons than during comfortable ones? What helps you remain grateful when life is going well?
3. In Matthew 25:14–30, the master entrusts different amounts to three servants. How does this parable challenge the tendency to compare ourselves with others? What resources, abilities, or opportunities has God entrusted to you that you could use more faithfully?
4. The third servant buried his talent because he was afraid. What fears can keep us from being generous with our money, time, possessions, or abilities? How can we distinguish wise planning from fear-driven holding back?
5. If we truly lived as stewards rather than owners, what might change in our daily lives? Identify one practical step you could take this week to live more generously toward God or someone else. How can the group encourage you to follow through?
Action Step:
Give God thanks for three things as you start the day.

Going the Extra Mile:
Do one act of intentional generosity each day.

Action Step:
Give God thanks for three things as you start the day.

Going the Extra Mile:
Do one act of intentional generosity each day.

Week 2 // October 25, 2026

Living Generously
in a Closed Fist World – Week 2

Matthew 6:19-24

The battle for your heart.

Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Our relationship with money is about much more than dollars and cents; it reveals what we value, where we find security, and what has captured our hearts. Money can be a useful tool, but it can also become a source of identity, comfort, and control that competes with God. The good news is that Jesus invites us to use our resources intentionally, not only to reflect what matters to us but also to shape our hearts toward what matters most to Him.

This week, we explore how ‘following the money’ can help us understand our hearts and how we can become more intentional about investing in the things that last.

First Read Matthew 6: 19-24
1. When you think about how you spend your money, what does it reveal about the things you value most? Why do you think our spending habits sometimes tell a different story than our stated priorities?

2. Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). How have you seen the direction of your spending influence the direction of your heart?

3. Money can provide a sense of security, freedom, and control. Which of these is hardest for you to surrender to God, and why?

4. Author Tim Keller often emphasized that good things can become ultimate things when we look to them for what only God can provide. What are some ways money, possessions, or financial success can quietly take God's place in our lives?

5. What is one practical change you could make this week in how you spend, save, or give that would better reflect your faith and priorities?

Action Step:
Do a quick run through of your spending for the week. What did you discover about your spending priorities?

Going the Extra Mile:
Choose one thing you would normally spend your money on (cup of coffee, eating out for lunch) and ask God how you could use it to bless someone else.

Week 3 // November 1st, 2026

Living Generously
in a Closed Fist World – Week 3

2 Corinthians 8:6–9

You Can't Outgive God

What does it mean to grow in the grace of giving? In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul shares the inspiring story of churches that gave generously even in the middle of hardship. Their openhearted generosity flowed from lives transformed by the grace of Jesus—who gave everything for us.

This weekend, we discover how Christ’s example can shape the way we use our resources and respond to the needs around us. Giving is about so much more than finances—it’s a joyful expression of gratitude, faith, and love

1. How does Jesus’ willingness to give himself for us shape your understanding of generosity?
2. What fears or concerns make it hard to give freely?
3. How can gratitude for God’s grace change the way you handle your resources?
4. What is the difference between giving to earn God’s favor and giving in response to his grace?
5. What is one practical act of generosity you feel led to take this week?

This Week:

What has God given me that I could never have earned or deserved?
How has God used Thanksgiving to meet the needs in my community/world?
If I truly remembered God's generosity toward me, what would change about my generosity in support of that God is doing?