The heart of a Rust City Group is to care for people and carry the culture of Rust City Church.
You don’t have to follow this guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion.
If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:
What worship song really hits deep for you right now? Why?
Never Stop Flowing: Pt. 1
SPEAKER: Pastor Wes Washington
Scriptures—
2 Corinthians 8:1–9
Key Takeaways—
Core Theme - Generosity is not optional
Conduits, Not Containers: Christians are called to be channels through which God's grace and goodness flow to others, rather than hoarders who keep these gifts to themselves.
Generosity is Not Circumstantial: True biblical generosity—as modeled by the Macedonian churches—is not dependent on one's bank account or life circumstances, but on a heart yielded to God.
First, Give Yourself: The key to sustained, joyful generosity is first surrendering one's own life fully to Jesus. When we pour from an empty bucket, we burn out; when we are filled by Him, we can give freely.
Profession vs. Practice: Our love for God and others should be proven by our actions (practice) rather than just our words (profession).
Discussion Questions—
What is the difference between being a "container" of God’s grace versus a "conduit"? How can you tell which one reflects your posture more right now?
Why do we often allow our circumstances to dictate our level of generosity?
Pastor Wes mentioned that some people feel "burnt out" because they are pouring from an empty bucket. How do you stay "filled up" by God daily?
What is one area of your life—outside of money—where you can be more generous with your time, talents, or presence?
Is there a "Nineveh" in your life—someone you find it difficult to be generous toward? Why is that?
What does it look like to move from just professing love for Jesus to actively practicing that love in your neighborhood or workplace?
Practical application—
Consider implementing one of the following this week:
Option 1: Daily Surrender
Start each morning this week by explicitly giving your time, energy, and resources to God in prayer, asking Him to guide how you use them.
Option 2: Identify One Need
Look for one specific, non-financial way to help someone this week (a listening ear, a household task, an encouraging note).
option 3: Test Your Sincerity
Perform an act of service for someone who cannot pay you back or do anything for you in return, strictly as an exercise in reflecting God’s grace.
Closing Prayer—
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the grace You have poured into our lives. We confess that we often try to hold onto what is Yours, and we ask that You help us to become conduits of Your love.
Fill us up so that we may pour out generosity to those around us, even when it’s inconvenient or when our circumstances feel overwhelming. Help us to practice our love for You through our acts of love to others every single day. We love You.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.