“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. 'For God loves a person who gives cheerfully'” (2 Cor. 9:6-7).

• What should our attitude be in terms of giving according to these verses?
• From this verse what is the promise that God has given us?

“Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce, so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine” (Prov. 3:9-10).
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord Of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes,” says the Lord of hosts” (Malachi: 3:10-11).

Tithing is generally 10% of your income, based on Genesis 14:19-20: “‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”

• What should be our attitude in regard to tithing?
• What is God’s promise to us as we tithe?
• Have you practiced tithing? 
• What does it feel like to give to God?

As disciples of Christ, we give God the first and best of our income. Tithing demonstrates our devotion to God and shows in a practical way His lordship over our lives.  Jesus never rescinded or negated the practice of tithing. He affirmed it. It is a transcultural and transgenerational principle. God promises to bless, protect and provide for those who give Him their tithes and offerings. As we give in faith, He rewards us even into eternity.

• How have you seen your income protected and your finances blessed as you have given financially to God?
• If you are not currently giving a part of your income, will you commit to prayerfully seeking God's will and wisdom about your personal giving?
  
  

Pray that the Holy Spirit will make you a "cheerful giver" and  that you will have joy every time you give to the Lord.

“But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave” (Matt. 20:25-27).

 “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13).

• What do these verses show us about serving?
• What are some ways that you serve others?
• Where have you served in the church?
• What has that been like?
  

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (I Peter 4:10).

• Does everyone have a gift from God?
• What are you told to do with your gift from God?

 
Review from Habit #2
 

• What is your spiritual gift?
• How can you begin using it to serve the church? 
• If you are not already serving, where and when do you want to start serving? 
• What can you picture yourself doing with God? 
• What dreams do you have for service with Him?