What does generosity in action look like? In part 24 of our study through the Book of Exodus, we break down Exodus 35–36 as we discover where true generosity flows from, why it’s an act of worship that brings joy and fulfillment, and the different expressions of generosity we can engage in as believers.

TALK IT OUT

Below, you’ll find some key discussion points to consider, questions to personally reflect on and/or discuss in your small group, with your family, or in your circle of friends, and some action points for the week. 

Memory Verse of the Week: Exodus 35:21–22 (NIV)

^“Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.”

Rest and Death

In the next few chapters, the Israelites will have a lot of work to do, such as building the intricate and complex tent of meeting. So, before getting started, God reminds them of the all-important practice of entering into His rest by respecting the Sabbath. 

As we discovered in Exodus 20, God commanded us to rest, trusting He will sustain and provide for all our needs as He refreshes us and we enjoy Him. So, Sabbath is a way for us to practice faith and receive joy, rest, and restoration! 

Now, after reminding them of the commandment here in Exodus 35, He states the consequence is being put to death. Why death? Because it involved a breaking of the first three commandments. By refusing to keep the Sabbath holy unto the Lord, they were putting other gods before the Lord—work, money, influence, success, achievement, etc. They were putting their security, identity, and hope in other things, making idols of these things, and failing to respect the name of the Lord as supreme.

So, before they did the work of building the tent of meeting, God first called Israel to the work of simple obedience, because devotion is a prerequisite for doing work for the Lord. It was imperative that devotion not be overlooked even to do praiseworthy work.

Discussion Question 1: Why is the Sabbath so important? Why is our failure to keep the Sabbath so damaging even as Christ followers?

Discussion Question 2:  How can you make space for Sabbath rest as a regular rhythm?

Generosity Brings Joy

In Exodus 35:4–29 (NIV), we see the words “offering,” “freewill,” and “moved” to describe those who “brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments” (Exodus 35:21 NIV). How should we interpret the usage of “freewill” when it comes to describing the people’s desire to give? Perhaps it’s drawing our attention to the heart attitude behind giving. 

When giving, we should examine our intentions with what the apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV): “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Here’s how Jesus addresses His disciples, “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full” (Matthew 6:2 NIV).

Discussion Question 3: What makes generosity an act of worship?

Discussion Question 4: Why does the attitude of our heart matter as it pertains to giving? How do our intentions impact our giving?

Discussion Question 5: How can a collective act of generosity from God’s people impact generations?

THIS WEEK

Pray and be honest with God about your experiences with giving and how you view giving. Then ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any areas that have hindered your ability to give freely. 

A LOOK AHEAD

In week 25, we’ll make our way through Exodus 37–39 as the Lord provides the Israelites with a divine blueprint for the tabernacle and worship. Learn how the details in the tabernacle point us toward a greater reality, explore the intricate nature of God’s provision and redemption, and discover how to live on mission, bringing the presence of Christ with you wherever you go!