Main Idea: In today’s study, we will be looking at an abundance and scarcity mindset. We will be looking at how these two mindsets can impact each day and how to shift our scarcity mindset to the abundance mindset.
1 What was the first temptation of Adam and Eve? Genesis 2:16-17
Note: The first temptation was the temptation of scarcity; that God was withholding something from them. Too often we think God is a God of scarcity – that He ONLY gives us what we NEED and nothing more!
2 Does God REALLY only give us what we need? Psalm 37:4
Note: It’s a mindset of scarcity that says God only gives us what we need. The truth of God’s word teaches that our loving Father in Heaven wants to give us the desires of our sanctified heart because “The desire of the righteous is only good…” Proverbs 11:23. God works on the principle of abundance. We can ask abundantly for what God has promised. What more would you be able to ask God for in prayer if you stopped feeling guilty because you’re not scarcely asking for only your needs to be met? God wants to provide for you abundantly beyond your needs so you can glorify Him by taking of His rich blessings to fulfill the needs of others also. How much time could you save by recognizing your abundance?
3 Is God the God of scarcity or the God of abundance? John 10:10
Note: God is a God of abundance. Jesus came to give us an abundant life, and Satan seeks to steal that abundance away from us. Do we serve a God who only gives us a life of scarcity? What does God desire to give us in every area of life? We can either look at things from the perspective of abundance or scarcity, liberating truths or limiting beliefs, and whichever we choose has a huge impact on how we live.
4 What is the psalmist’s perspective on the things God has given him? Psalms 23:5
Note: The pessimist says the cup is half empty, the optimist says the cup is half full, but the psalmist says, “my cup runneth over!” He’s focusing on the abundance that God has given him. Are we focusing on what’s missing or are we grateful for what we have?
5 What does God want His children to have an abundance of? James 2:5
Note: He wants us to have an abundance of faith, even the faith of Jesus! If we’re lacking faith, we can always ask Him for it and thank Him for giving it to us because we know it’s according to His will. In doing this, we put the faith God has already given us to use. Faith sows what’s been given today to reap the benefits of tomorrow.
6 What is something God is always willing to give abundantly? James 1:5
Note: He is always willing to give us wisdom for the answers to questions, solutions to problems, for growth, understanding, and education. We can always go to our Father for guidance and answers.
7 How do we receive an abundance of friends? Proverbs 18:24
Note: We’ve got to be friendly if we want friends! One way to be friendly is to appreciate the people in your life already. What if you woke up tomorrow with only those people you appreciated today? Who would be missing? How would that affect your life?
8 How can we start having abundance in all areas of our life right now? Luke 16:10
Note: Example: Those who believe that they need to have a lot of money before they can give to the cause of God have a scarcity mindset. They believe that what they have is not enough or wouldn’t make a difference. But those who have the mindset of abundance will be grateful for and faithful with what they have at the present moment. God is particular so He wants us to be faithful in the little things as well as the big things.
9 What is the #1 greatest blocker of abundance in life? Philippians 4:11
Note: The greatest blocker of abundance is ingratitude. Ingratitude can make a rich man poor. Gratitude can make a poor man rich. Wealth is not about how much you have. Wealth is a mindset. Wealth is a perception.
10 Why does God want us to have abundance in all areas of our lives? 2 Corinthians 4:15
Note: It’s more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). God wants us to have abundance so that our cups can overflow into the lives of others. He wants to give us more because more in the hands of God’s people will be a blessing to many. It’s all for His glory.
In Light of God’s Word…
Is it your desire to leave your scarcity mindset at the foot of the cross?
Is it your decision to focus your perspective on the abundance God has given now and be faithful with that abundance every day?
Offer:
If you would like to practice the habit of gratitude and learn to see the abundance in every day, we encourage you to check out our daily account book at: Thearmyofyouth.com/accountbook
If you would like to worship with us more often, then please visit: Thearmyofyouth.com/worship