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:
Apple pie? Or pumpkin pie? Or rhubarb pie?
Never Stop Flowing: Pt. 2
SPEAKER: Sean Carson
Scriptures—
Matthew 6:19-24; John 3:16; II Cor. 9:7; Acts 2:42-47; Matt. 23:29
Key Takeaways—
Core Theme - Live with open hands
Total Surrender: Opening our hands symbolizes a posture of total surrender to God, acknowledging that everything we have belongs to Him.
Three Types of Generosity:
Godly Generosity: An individual decision to give of everything we have, recognizing that our salvation is a gift we did not earn.
Human Generosity: Often fickle and dictated by our current circumstances or feelings.
Church/Kingdom Generosity: A community decision to live by Christ's words, looking out for the needs of others above our own comforts.
Impact over Buildings: The goal of the church is not to build the largest facility, but to make the greatest impact in the world by stewarding our gifts and resources freely.
Discussion Questions—
What can the physical act of opening your hands in prayer communicate about your current relationship with God?
In what areas of your life (time, money, talent) do you find it easiest to be generous, and where is it the most challenging?
How does understanding that God knew you and was generous to you "before the foundations of the world" change the way you view the call to be generous?
The sermon mentions that human generosity is often "fickle." Can you share an example of when you relied on your own resources versus God's provision?
How can we better reflect the "Acts 2" model of sharing resources with one another to ensure no one among us is in need?
Who is one person outside of our immediate circle that God might be calling us to show "kingdom generosity" to this week?
Practical application—
Consider implementing one of the following this week:
Option 1: Surrender Check
This week, whenever you feel anxious about a possession or a personal goal, pause, open your hands, and pray, "God, this is Yours; I trust You with it."
Option 2: Identify Your Personal Seed
Take inventory of a specific gift or resource (a talent, extra food, or time) and ask God to show you one person or situation where you can "sow" that seed without expecting anything in return.
option 3: Practice Presence For Others
Identify one person in your sphere of influence (a neighbor, coworker, or student) who seems to be struggling. Move past "calling them weird" or ignoring them, and offer a specific act of kindness or an encouraging word.
Closing Prayer—
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your endless generosity. You gave us life, breath, and the ultimate gift of Your Son before we even knew who You were.
Help us to live with open hands. Remove the fear that causes us to hoard our resources and fill us with the joy of being Your hands and feet in this world.
May our lives be a reflection of Your love, impacting our community and bringing glory to Your name.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.