Open Handed - Week 3

Building the Rhythm of Open Handedness 
Psalm 24:1-2

1. Honor God by putting Him first, not last (Proverbs 3:9–10)
- This is a posture before it is a percentage.
- Colossians 1:15-18
- Colossians = Christ is first by nature
- Proverbs = we honor Him as first in practice

2. Faithfulness in little things is the proving ground of the heart (Luke 16:10)
- “Little” is not insignificant—it is diagnostic.

3. Money is a spiritual test, not just a practical tool (Luke 16:11–12)

A. Faithfulness doesn’t purchase access—it reveals readiness
- Some things require a formed heart to receive them rightly

B. Money exposes and removes heart-level blockades
- Faithfulness doesn’t unlock God’s generosity—it unclutters your heart to experience it.

C. The issue is not access, but alignment

4. You can’t serve both God and money—habits reveal your master (Luke 16:13)

5. Daily wisdom builds a life of open-handed faithfulness (Proverbs 3:9–10; Luke 16:10–13)
- Both passages push toward consistency over intensity.
- Open hands are not formed in moments—they are formed in rhythms.
- Faithfulness is not a moment you rise to—it’s a pattern you build.
- Most transformation doesn’t happen in a breakthrough—it happens in a routine.

1. Start a simple, honest plan (Luke 16:10–12)
2. Practice firstfruits intentionally (Proverbs 3:9)
3. Choose one habit to build or repair (Luke 16:10)
4. Evaluate your allegiance (Luke 16:13)

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. What does it look like in your life to put God first, not last?
- Where do you see yourself giving God what is left over instead of your “first”?

2. Why do you think Jesus says being faithful in small things matters?
- What are some “small” money habits in your life right now?

3. How can money become a problem in our hearts?
- Think about control, fear, security, or identity.

4. Which one is harder for you: trusting God with your money or controlling it yourself? Why?

5. What is one simple habit you can start this week to grow in faithfulness?
- Example: budgeting, giving first, reviewing spending, asking for help.

3-Day Devotional: “Building Open-Handed Habits”

Day 1 — God Is First

Scripture: Proverbs 3:9–10; Colossians 1:18

Devotional Thought: God doesn’t ask to be first—He already is first. Colossians says Jesus is preeminent, which means He is above everything. Proverbs teaches us to honor God with our “firstfruits.” This means we don’t give God what is left over—we give Him what comes first.

- This is not about money as much as it is about trust. When you put God first, you are saying, “I trust You more than anything else.” Many people want to be generous, but they never make it a priority. They wait until later—and later never comes.

Simple Truth: You don’t make God first—you choose to live like He already is.

Reflection Question: What is one area where you are giving God leftovers instead of putting Him first?

Prayer: God, help me trust You enough to put You first in my life. Teach me to honor You with what I have.

Day 2 — Faithful in the Small Things

Scripture: Luke 16:10

Devotional Thought: Jesus says if you are faithful in little, you will be faithful in much. That means the small things matter more than we think. We often believe, “I’ll do better when I have more,” but Jesus says faithfulness starts now.

- Your daily choices are shaping your heart. Every small decision—what you spend, save, or give—is forming who you are becoming. These habits are not temporary. They are training your heart to trust God.

Simple Truth: Small habits today are shaping your future tomorrow.

Reflection Question: What is one small habit with money that needs to change?

Prayer: God, help me be faithful in the small things. Teach me to honor You in my daily choices.

Day 3 — Open Hands, Not Divided Hearts

Scripture: Luke 16:13; Matthew 6:21

Devotional Thought: Jesus says you cannot serve both God and money. That’s strong language. Money is not just a tool—it can become something we trust, depend on, and even worship.

- But this is not about “paying” God to bless you. God already gives freely. The real issue is your heart. Money can create fear, control, and pride. But when you grow in faithfulness, those things begin to loosen.

Faithfulness doesn’t earn God’s blessings—it clears the way for your heart to experience them.

Simple Truth: God isn’t trying to take from you—He’s trying to free you.

Reflection Question: What do you trust more—God or money? How can you tell?

Prayer: God, show me where my heart is divided. Help me trust You more than anything else.