Rules of Engagement - #8 Do Not Steal
Icebreaker
What's the most memorable gift you've ever received—and why did it mean so much to you?
Discussion
1. The Thief vs. The Giver
John 10:10; John 3:16; Genesis 3:1-7
The first theft in history wasn't a heist—it was fruit in a garden. Ever since, Satan's strategy has been to steal, kill, and destroy, while Jesus came to give life abundantly. The human brain naturally thinks "take and that's how you get," but God flips that upside down.
Discussion starter: Where do you see the "taking" mindset show up in your own life—and how does Jesus' example of radical giving challenge that?
2. Generosity That Makes Jesus Attractive
Acts 2:42-47; Titus 2:9-10; Ephesians 4:28
The early church didn't just preach the Gospel—they lived it through radical generosity, selling possessions to meet needs. Paul even told slaves not to steal so they would "make the teaching about God our Savior attractive." Our integrity and generosity either adorn the Gospel or tarnish it.
Discussion starter: Think about the pastor who was "tested" by the cashier at the store—when has your honesty or generosity made Jesus attractive to someone watching?
3. Robbing God or Trusting God?
Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 6:38
God asks a piercing question: "Will a man rob God?" When we withhold our tithes, offerings, time, or lives, we're not just being stingy—we're stealing from the One who gave us everything. But here's the wild part: God invites us to test Him and discover we cannot out-give Him.
Discussion starter: What's one area where you sense God asking you to trust Him more with your giving—whether that's money, time, or something else?
Prayer Time
• What are you celebrating this week?
• What are you praying about this week?
• Let's pray for ourselves, our unity as a group, and for others: Ask God to reveal any "taking" mindset in our hearts and replace it with generous, Jesus-like giving. Pray for our group to be known for radical generosity that makes Jesus attractive. Lift up anyone in our lives who needs to experience God's provision and abundance.
Closing Reflection
The question isn't just "What am I stealing?" but "What am I giving?" Jesus doesn't want just our money—He wants our lives. When we give ourselves fully to Him, everything else follows.
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