This Week's Study Guide

Seeds & Sowers — Week 1 Message-Based Curriculum 

Main Passage: Luke 12:11–34 

Today’s Theme: In this first week of this study on money and generosity, we look at Jesus’ teachings about the connection between money and our hearts.  

OPENING:  
Begin with a brief welcome and prayer. 

CONNECT: 

• When you hear the church talk about money, what emotion tends to rise first—relief, defensiveness, anxiety, indifference, hope? 

• Growing up, what was money mostly associated with in your home? Security, stress, generosity, scarcity, silence, conflict, or opportunity? 

• If you won a large sum of money tomorrow, what’s one thing you’d buy that might make other people laugh or that they might find surprising?  

DISCOVER: 

Read Luke 12:13–21 together 

• In this passage, the man interrupts Jesus’ mission teaching with a dispute over money. Is there any area where you can see money interrupting your attention, peace, or relationship with Jesus? 

• What are “bigger barns” in the context of this passage?  

• What are some modern “bigger barns” we’re tempted to believe will finally give us peace? 

Read Luke 12:22–32 together 

• Jesus repeatedly addresses anxiety before He talks about generosity. Why do you think money is so closely related with fear?  

• Jesus says, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” What’s hard for you to believe about God’s heart as Father when money feels tight or uncertain? 

DEEPER REFLECTION  

• At one point, Jason said, “Fear closes hearts and hands. Faith opens them.” Where do you notice closed-hand living in your life right now (feel free to expand this beyond money).  

APPLY  

• How have you seen giving—time, money, energy—actually shape your trust in God over time?  

• The Giving Pathway (Initial → Consistent → Intentional → Sacrificial → Legacy). 

• Without comparison or pressure, where do you sense you are right now—and what might be one faithful next step? 

RESPOND (Personal + Prayer) 

• Invite a moment of silence and reflection: 

• God, what does the soil of my heart look like right now? 

• Where is fear shaping my decisions more than trust? 

• What is one simple step of obedience You’re inviting me into? 

GROUP PRAYER 

• Thank God for His provision and generosity toward us in Christ 

• Pray for freedom from fear and anxiety 

• Ask for open hearts and open hands 

CLOSE 

• Encourage everyone to pray about ways your group could grow in generosity together. Consider sharing them next week.