Life Groups Discussion: In God We Trust - Part 2 - Tithing

Written By David Sunnock

Sermon: The Purpose of the Tithe – Priority, Trust & Identity

1. Icebreaker – Easy Entry

  1. What’s something you had to learn as an adult that didn’t come naturally to you?

  2. When you hear the word “tithe,” what emotion immediately surfaces: curiosity, resistance, confusion, peace, skepticism, something else?

  3. Growing up, did generosity feel natural in your home, or was “mine” the dominant mindset?

2. Mine vs. His (Heart Posture)

  1. Pastor James talked about toddlers naturally saying “mine.” Where do you see that mindset still show up in adult life?

  2. Why do you think generosity has to be learned, but selfishness comes naturally?

  3. In what areas of your life does “mine” feel strongest right now?

3. Priority & Trust

  1. The sermon emphasized that the tithe is not just 10%, but the first 10%. Why do you think “first” matters so much?

  2. What is the difference between giving God what’s left over and giving Him the first portion?

  3. Pastor James described the tithe as a test of trust. Where do you feel that tension personally when it comes to trusting God financially?

4. Identity: Orphan vs. Adopted

  1. The sermon described two mindsets: orphan (I fend for myself) vs. adopted child (God is my provider). Which mindset do you tend to live from?

  2. How does fear about money reveal whether you’re operating from orphan thinking or son/daughter identity?

  3. If you truly believed God is your Father and provider, what would change about how you approach your finances?

5. Main Thesis & Action (Discipleship Focus)

Core Idea:
The tithe is not about funding the church; it is a declaration of trust, identity, and priority. It is a confession that God is first and that we are sons and daughters, not orphans.

  1. Pastor James said the tithe is a confession, a declaration, and a reminder. If that’s true, what is your giving currently declaring?

  2. How would intentionally viewing generosity as worship instead of obligation change your heart?

  3. What is one honest next step you sense God inviting you to take this week?
    (Pray about it, begin tithing, increase trust, adjust priority, have a conversation, surrender fear, etc.)

David Sunnock
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Life Groups Discussion: In God We Trust - Part 3 - The Blessed 90%
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Life Groups Discussion: In God We Trust - Part 1