Beyond the Basics
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began with a brief prayer before delving into the biblical concept of giving that goes far beyond merely placing money in a collection plate. Teacher Tommy Stringer emphasized that giving is intrinsically linked to love, citing John 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 to illustrate that God’s generosity stems from His love for the world. He warned against giving grudgingly or for personal praise, referencing the Pharisees’ hypocritical practices and the warning in Matthew 23. Through the stories of the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41‑44), the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25‑37), and the Magi (Matthew 2:1‑12), the class highlighted how true generosity arises from self‑sacrificial love, not from obligation or expectation of reward. Real‑life examples, such as John Huntsman’s charitable foundation and the film “Pay It Forward,” reinforced the principle that giving motivated by love blesses both giver and receiver. The session concluded with a reminder of upcoming spiritual‑discipline resources and a future study of Deuteronomy, encouraging participants to integrate joyful, heartfelt giving into daily life.
Key Scriptures
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
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.
So when you give to the poor, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others.