4 Ingredients to Gift Giving

The Giver – God

God’s Motive is Love

The Gift – Jesus

- A gift requires intentional Sacrifice

John 15:13 (NKJV)

13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

The Recipient

John 1:11-12 (NIV)

11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

v.17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

The Response

Romans 12 (NIV)

12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Discussion Questions Advent Week 4

1. How would the world be different if Christ had not come to bring love? In what way do you feel the most loved? How does God love you that way?

2. In Gary Chapman’s book the five love languages he explains 5 different ways we can receive and give love. Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Physical touch and Gifts. What 2 love languages do you relate to? What are the love languages of your spouse or close friend?

3. Love requires intentional sacrificial giving. What is the greatest gift you have received? What is the best give you have given? How did you feel after you gave that gift?

4. Jesus did not come to condemn the world. Condemn is a legal term meaning to be found guilty. Jesus came to save the world. It’s through Christ that we are saved. What does it mean to you to be “in Christ?” Do you see yourself living for Christ or living in Christ? What is the difference?

5. Our response to the extravagant gift that God gave us is to worship and share that love. What are some practical ways we can share the love of God with people this season? Who do you know that needs God’s love right now? Pray together in your group for those people to experience that love in a new way this season.

Family Time:

Get together as a family this week and think about how you can bless a total stranger this Christmas with a gift.