Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
The speaker challenges spending by saying, before dropping $20,000 on a four-wheeler, “drop 20 grand in the offering” first, and he ties generosity to how neighbors “experience Jesus” (Matthew 25); what would it cost your household to adopt the speaker’s “before I spend X on myself, am I willing to give that same amount to the Lord’s work?” test for one year, and what would it expose about what you truly believe God is like?
Another way to ask: For one year, what would it cost your family to try this test: “Before I spend X on myself, would I give that same amount to God’s work?” What would that show about what you really believe God is like?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
According to the speaker, adopting this test would cost real lifestyle comforts and force a sober comparison between self-spending and devotion to God’s work; it would expose whether you believe God is worthy of first-place trust and whether your life communicates stewardship and generosity.
- He insists “Everything we do communicates…every purchase you make,” even noting the world “pegs you” by car choice and dress.
- He says younger adults have “more dispensable income than ever,” making generosity a direct church-health issue.
- His concrete challenge: before spending “20,000 for that four-wheeler,” “drop 20 grand in the offering” first—“At least that…I think it should be a lot more.”
- He applies a rule: “Before I spend X on myself, am I willing to give that same amount to the Lord’s work?”
- He ties generosity to experiencing Jesus via Matthew 25 imagery: “I was naked, hungry, and prison…Were you there?” and asks whether neighbors see us as “selfless” and whether we invite people into our homes.